Thursday, June 19, 2008

Antique mantel

Ask Kari and Kijsa are posting links to mantels today. Here is a quick peek at mine. When we bought this house the mantle was a white shelf and the brick behind it was red. We painted the brick to match the wall, and bought this antique mantle at a local shop. It was painted white too. After lots of thinking, we decided to strip it and restore it to the oak finish. It goes with other furnishings in the room since we have lots of oak. Now, I need help decorating it! I'm looking forward to browsing the other links and looking at mantels! And, feel free to post suggestions on decorating mine!

Before Picture
After Picture

29 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 19, 2008 at 8:16 AM

    Diane, your oak mantle is gorgeous. My husband would be drooling over it. He loves oak. And, I see you have a mantle clock, too.

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  2. kari and kijsaJune 19, 2008 at 8:19 AM

    Your oak mantel is amazing!!! Beautiful, so glad you showed it!!. Love the idea of the painted brick-kijsa had one just like that in an older home, and loved the painted brick as well!


    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  3. Julia @ Hooked on HousesJune 19, 2008 at 8:20 AM

    You've got to be kidding me! I can't believe that's the same fireplace! I think you win the prize for most amazing fireplace makeover. -Julia :-)

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  4. MarieJune 19, 2008 at 8:20 AM

    Wow! What a tranformation! I have no ideas for your mantel...I'm having a mantel crisis of my own. :o)

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  5. AnonymousJune 19, 2008 at 8:36 AM

    OOOOO, the oak mantel is awesome, Diane! Just beautiful and I love how you have it decorated!
    bj

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  6. Mo..."Mo's Cottage"June 19, 2008 at 8:51 AM

    Wow!!!...What a change Fabulous!!! Love it.
    Hugs,
    Mo :-)

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  7. vintage girl at heartJune 19, 2008 at 8:53 AM

    That is what I call a makeover!!!! I loved the rustic brick too but that redo is amazing!! Beautiful!!!

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  8. AnonymousJune 19, 2008 at 9:00 AM

    Spectacular!!! Christy:-)<><

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  9. KimbaJune 19, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    Oh my word! What a transformation! I can't believe that is the same fireplace. It looks fantastic!

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  10. Scooterblu's Whimsy~RhondaJune 19, 2008 at 9:05 AM

    WOW! What a transformation! The oak is beautiful!

    Hugs, Rhonda

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  11. TrixiJune 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM

    We have been contemplating painting the brick. You did a great job.
    Blessings,
    Trixi

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  12. My Arts DesireJune 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM

    What an amazing find...absolutely scrumptious!!! I saw on HGTV once where they painted the brick and then went back and sanded off a bit here and there to give it a little bit of a time-worn look. Great post! Thanks for sharing!
    xo
    Sue

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  13. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJune 19, 2008 at 11:01 AM

    WOW! Your mantle is gorgeous! I like the way it is decorated now.

    I don't have a fireplace so I couldn't join in. :-( Santa always had to come in through the front door...lol

    Hugs, Pat

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  14. LorrieJune 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM

    Wow, what a difference. That oak mantel is beautiful - so warm looking.

    Lorrie

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  15. mommyhollyJune 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM

    Wow, that mantel is amazing!! I love the before and after photos!! :) xo!

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  16. RueJune 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM

    Hi Diane :)

    Your mantel is stunning! I think it's perfect even if you didn't have anything on it... wow! :)

    rue

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  17. ChrisJune 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM

    Oh my gosh! Wow...just WOW!

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  18. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityJune 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM

    Diane, that is one gorgeous mantel! You did good with that one, love it.

    Rhoda

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  19. AbbreviatedJune 19, 2008 at 12:47 PM

    No way .... AMAZING !

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  20. Southern LadyJune 19, 2008 at 1:33 PM

    Diane, I love your beautiful mantel, and I don't know how you could improve on how it's decorated -- it's just perfect!

    I enjoyed doing the "five favorite things" post. Thank you for including me. Oh, and by the way ... I love your oak sideboard. It's so unique and elegant, and I can see why it's one of your favorite things.

    I may post a picture of my mantel if I have time. I'm keeping my little 3-year old granddaughter for a few days, so I may not get a chance.

    You take care now ...

    Janie

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  21. AnonymousJune 19, 2008 at 3:13 PM

    Wow! That is gorgeous! Great job.

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  22. pammiejoJune 19, 2008 at 4:41 PM

    That oak is beautiful! I love it!

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  23. Sugarplum CottageJune 19, 2008 at 6:21 PM

    Diane you have a beautiful mantle, I love oak too. Yours has to be the most improved. By the way you buy glycerin at wal-mart or drug stores. Have your Hydrangea started drying? In a few days I'm gonna have to cut more.
    Hugs, RoseMarie

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  24. Celestina MarieJune 19, 2008 at 7:41 PM

    Hi Diane, what a wonderful transformation. The oak is gorgeous. You did a beautiful job.
    Just can't believe it is the same.
    Just awesome. thank you for sharing.
    Celestina,
    la rea rose

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  25. Marina CapanoJune 19, 2008 at 8:58 PM

    Hi! Nice to meet you! well, I love its, are so cute! warm regards

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  26. KelliJune 19, 2008 at 10:55 PM

    What an amazing makeover! Your oak mantle is just beautiful!
    ~Kelli

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  27. KimJune 19, 2008 at 11:22 PM

    Wow!! Your mantel rocks!!

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  28. Amy JoJune 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM

    Wow.. what a before and after! That looks great, and I think it is decorated just right!

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  29. The DragonflyJune 23, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    That is a seriously amazing transformation. I'm so ready to paint my red brick white. After seeing your mantle, I think I will do it soon!

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Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post. Your comments are welcome. Please come back, and I'll stop by to visit you too!
Diane