Fireplace Mantle Makeover

This was a really fun project for a client because she is not afraid of color! When I first met with her at my studio she wanted to see samples of creams for the fireplace surround makeover. She has a beautiful antique fireplace surround but she felt it was just too dark for her home. So I showed her some cream options. She wasn't really sure though and she talked about perhaps painting some of her furniture pieces too. She did mention that she liked color and had quite a bit of color in her home. I suggested that I go to her home and bring some color samples with me of greens and creams and blues that we discussed. Well, when I got there we put up all the samples and they all looked ok. But I wanted to propose a totally new color to her because I saw that she had so much coral in her home! I thought she would not approve of a coral fireplace, but I threw it out there anyways :) Well, she was all for it! I was thrilled!! I knew it would work in her home because of all the colors she had and how she had decorated. So, a coral fireplace surround is what she got! Here is the before:

Because this was an old piece, dark wood, and a fireplace surround (meaning it might have soot on it, I had to clean it really well first). I scrubbed and scrubbed with Krud Kutter. I decided I better put on quite a bit of shellac so I ended up putting on 3 coats because it was so dirty. 3 coats did the trick. There was no bleed through! You can buy the shellac here at my affiliate link. I applied 2 coats of Annie Sloan Scandinavian Pink. And then I did some distressing to age it and give it character. I sealed it all with dark wax.

My client loves it! I am so happy she was brave and agreed to do this color. Not many people would do this. But I knew it would be so perfect in her home.