Monday, January 4, 2010

Fireplace Transformation

Happy New Year !!  I hope everyone had a fun-filled holiday season with family, friends and food and is now forging ahead into the new year with your resolution(s) list in hand and decorating projects lined up !!  Of course, the wheels are spinning out of control in my head with dreams of projects I'd like to conquer in 2010 ... my poor husband.

As I'm new to blogging, I don't have a recap of the projects the hubs and I tackled in 2009, but will definitely share them shortly !!  But, since Sarah over at Thrifty Decor Chick, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality and Susan at Between Naps on the Porch are all hosting weekly Before and After parties, I thought I'd start by sharing one of our recent projects - our humble fireplace's transformation.  I'm also linking up to a new party ... The Mantel Party at "Stories from A 2 Z!"  I'm sure there's lots of eye candy !!

I liked our fireplace/mantle, but I didn't *love* it.  I tried painting the inset *too* many different colors and placing many different pieces of art in it, but nothing ever worked.  It was missing something (okay, a LOT) to truly be the focal point of our great room !! 

Before (Yawn) ...



So, after perusing the internet forEVAH, I found an inspiration picture and then poorly sketched what we wanted.  Then, my husband and I got to work and totally did the work all by ourselves ... NOT (sorry, everyone, I don't have the do-it-yourself factor on this one) !!  Actually, our contractor, Todd, was able to exactly duplicate what we wanted ... he truly did an amazing job with MDF and inexpensive molding !!

After (YAY) !!


I love it ... everything about it ... the traditional look ... how the crisp, white paint pops against our wall paint ... the taller mantle ... the ledge up top and the detailed molding ... LOVE it all !!  It truly gives our room a brand new look.  And, rather than paying an electrician too much money (that we don't have) to add electric, our contractor hid extension cords inside the legs on the left side so that I can add lamps to the mantle and illuminate the top ledge and the alcoves above that.  


I've truly had fun futzing (is that a word?) with the accessories on it and will continue to futz a bazillion more times before I'm satisfied !!  YAY !!


I look forward to seeing everyone else's "before and afters."


Thanks for stopping by,


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52 comments:

  1. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJanuary 4, 2010 at 11:36 AM

    Oh my Gosh! That is beautiful! I love this transformation. It really turned out fantastic and I kept going back up to the "before" picture. Amazing!

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  2. Melissa MillerJanuary 4, 2010 at 12:05 PM

    Becca!!! You are back! Yay! I had missed you over the Holidays sweet friend.

    ~WOWEE! Your fireplace is absolutely GORGEOUS! What an unbelievably stunning transformation. The molding and design is amazing. Kudos to you and your vision Becca. Well done! Love the precious chair as well.

    Many blessings to you in 2010!
    ~Melissa :)

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  3. The Tuscan HomeJanuary 4, 2010 at 12:05 PM

    Wow, Becca, I love-love-love it! What a great idea! I can't wait to see the rest of your house. You are one fantastic decorator.

    I have to ask, are you missing all of your Christmas decorations? I have never seen a more beautifully decorated house for the holidays.

    Thanks for sharing. You've inspired me. I just got back from shopping to decorate my mantle, so now you have given me some ideas. =)

    ((Hugs))

    Liz

    P.S. Lovin' your new profile pic...very pretty!

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  4. RobynJanuary 4, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    looks awesome!! What a transformation! Moulding aways dresses up a fireplace.

    mysoutherncottage.com

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  5. JeanetteJanuary 4, 2010 at 1:43 PM

    Just beautiful. I would have never thought to do that. What a great idea, and the execution of the idea is stellar. You did an incredible job. Congraulations.

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  6. Becca BertottiJanuary 4, 2010 at 1:47 PM

    Ladies, ladies, ladies ... you sure know how to make a gal feel good !! THANK YOU for your sweet notes !! Liz ... the fact that I could inspire YOU, a fabulous decorator, is such a HUGE compliment ... lemme guess, did you hit Kirkland's, HomeGoods or both (LOL)? I can't wait to see what you do with your mantle. And, Melissa ... you're too kind. Thanks for missing me, friend. I've been buried under Christmas decorations and have just now come up for a breath of air !! I left you a note after visiting your GORGEOUS living room this morning. Kathy and Robyn, I'm on my way over to your places to see what you guys are up to, as well. Hugs, Becca

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 2:02 PM

    Not just good job, but fantastic job!! Love the new look, very classy.

    Love your new blog dress. We have similar good taste :) If you need more room they can make you a three column for very little cost.

    Happy New Year sweetie!

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  8. Amy@TheLemonCottageJanuary 4, 2010 at 2:06 PM

    Becca-
    WOW!
    It's beautiful. Outstanding.
    This is my first visit, but I'll be back.
    Your house is gorgeous.

    ~Amy

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  9. Tammy @BeatriceBanksJanuary 4, 2010 at 2:21 PM

    Luuuv it! Looks wonderful!
    Tammy

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 4:25 PM

    BEAUTIFUL! I love love love it! Thanks for sharing this with us all!
    Michelle

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  11. CarolynJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:44 PM

    It is beautiful!!!

    Carolyn

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  12. Cathy CobblestoneJanuary 4, 2010 at 10:20 PM

    Hi there - thanks so much for stopping by. So glad you did 'cause I got to look at all your beautiful decorations. Your home was gorgeous this Christmas and I think the fireplace transformation is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! So tastefully done - gorgeous. Have a great new year! Cathy

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  13. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:20 AM

    Hi, Becca! Thanks for stopping by & leaving a note. So glad you did, there were so many of us on GI back then & I'm glad you mentioned it, cause I wouldn't have put it all together. Welcome to blogging too! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. It's been such a rewarding time for me. Thanks for following my blog & I hope you'll stop by often!

    Your fireplace surround turned out fantastic! You must be so happy about that, it is just gorgeous. Really finished it off.

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  14. StaceyJanuary 5, 2010 at 3:42 PM

    That is just gorgeous! Great vision you had. ;)

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  15. UnknownJanuary 5, 2010 at 8:08 PM

    Wow! What a great, elegant look. Kudos!

    Denise Burks
    www.stepmotherinthesuburbs.blogspot.com

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  16. Phyllis @Around the HouseJanuary 5, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    Your fireplace is just wonderful, I absolutely love it, it fits in perfectly and The crown molding is beautiful, I love crown, you should be so proud of that fireplace, just wait till Christmas.

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  17. My Shabby Rose CottageJanuary 5, 2010 at 9:36 PM

    Beautiful transformation!! You did a wonderful job! Just gorgeous! Enjoy!

    Warm Hugs,
    Linda

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  18. VivianJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:46 PM

    Your fireplace turned out spectacular. The difference is amazing.

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  19. The Charm of HomeJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:51 PM

    That is a beautiful transformation! I love it.

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  20. Teresa @ Grammy GirlfriendJanuary 6, 2010 at 2:48 AM

    it looks totally awesome.....I love it...
    enjoyed reading your blog tonight.. Happy New Year
    http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/

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  21. RueJanuary 6, 2010 at 6:56 PM

    Holy smokes it's beautiful Becca! I can't believe your incredible insight on this project. Perfection!

    xo,
    rue

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  22. bjJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:27 PM

    omgosh...this is so so awesome. I am totally in love forever and ever..amen!
    Now, my hubby is going to roll his eyes and groan but...i have a faux fireplace in my dining room that is going to be YELLING for a dressing just like this!
    Is it ok if I use a photo of yours to put on MY blog to show what MY fireplace wants to be when it grows up??

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  23. Manuela@A Cultivated NestJanuary 6, 2010 at 8:53 PM

    Love it! That really turned out great and makes quite a statement!

    Manuela

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  24. Moments of GraceJanuary 6, 2010 at 11:34 PM

    Becca,
    As of today, I am a faithful follower. I came across your blog quite by accident but am certainly glad I found you.
    Your fireplace transformation is so breathtaking, I cannot find the words to tell you how beautiful I think it is. Thank you for sharing your idea.
    Blessings to you today.

    In Grace,
    Marie

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  25. MarianneJanuary 7, 2010 at 5:58 AM

    Wonderful transformation. Seeing green with envy here, because I don't even have a mantle let allone such a beautiful one!

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  26. illini89January 7, 2010 at 6:21 AM

    WOW, that looks soooooo cool! Great Job!

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  27. Cathy~Mille FleurJanuary 7, 2010 at 5:35 PM

    Gorgeous Becca!!! Ya'll created a beautiful focal point for your room!!! I love the way you have it dressed as well!!!

    I popped over to your site today from Kathy's...I love it!!! I became a follower and look forward to many more visits!!!

    I am off to peek through the rest of your blog.

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  28. Linda@Coastal CharmJanuary 7, 2010 at 9:50 PM

    What an AWESOME job you did on your fireplace...it's sooooo PRETTY! LOOK...you have a new follower...it's me:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  29. Becca BertottiJanuary 8, 2010 at 6:37 AM

    Thanks again ladies for your kind words !! And, yay(!), I love that you've become followers ... just hope I don't disappoint. I look forward to popping over to your places for a visit, too !! Take care, Becca

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  30. The Tuscan HomeJanuary 8, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    Hi Becca,

    Thanks for your response on my "Model Home" post. No, I didn't know about Webshots, thank you so much for telling me about it. I will have to check it out in a few moments. =)

    It sounds like you are having a wonderful cozy day at home. I love Taco Soup...YUMMERS! =)

    I came back to take another look at your wonderful fireplace transformation. I LOVE IT!! I have a huge stone fireplace that goes floor to ceiling which is *so* hard to decorate. I desperately need help. I bought a bunch of cute things to accessorize with, but nothing looks right to me. Somehow, it's not scaled properly. Oh, if I could only trade fireplaces with you. *smile*

    I love the color tones in your home, as they are so warm and elegant looking.

    Well, have a lovely weekend and keep warm. We had 2 inches of snow fall last night, so it is very chilly over here in Northern Virginia. Brr!

    Hugs and Love,

    Liz

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  31. Kristens CreationsJanuary 9, 2010 at 1:37 AM

    Hi Becca, Your mantle transformation is just beautiful! I love your home and look forward to seeing more pics. I hope you got all of your Christmas packed away, I finally did. Your house was truly stunning! I'm still working on getting everything back in order. I always want to change things around after the holidays. I'm going to start on my island soon, I think green is the best choice. Have a wonderful weekend! Kristen

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  32. Kathy :)January 9, 2010 at 7:44 PM

    Hello,

    I came via Kristen...what a great job on your mantle...it looks fantastic!!!

    So nice to meet you !!

    All the best,
    Kathy :)

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  33. ShannonJanuary 9, 2010 at 8:23 PM

    It looks beautiful! I love the transformation!

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  34. DeniseJanuary 11, 2010 at 7:29 AM

    Hi Becca, just hopped over from Melissa's blog and have been enjoying your beautiful photos of your Christmas decor, oh my gosh, your home and decor is just stunning. Thanks for sharing it all with us, I'll be back to read more. have a wonderful Monday :)
    Hugs
    Denise

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  35. WhisperWood CottageJanuary 13, 2010 at 6:57 PM

    So gorgeous! Such a transformation! I can see why you love it!!

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  36. Thrifty Decor ChickJanuary 13, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    WOWZERS!!! This is fantastic!! Wow! Oh, I looooove your paint and the painted ceiling above too. It is FAB!

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  37. Funky Junk InteriorsJanuary 16, 2010 at 4:57 PM

    Amazing. AMAZING. Once word gets out about your skills, your followers count will go through the roof!

    Thanks for linking up to SNS!
    FJ Donna

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  38. southerninspirationJanuary 20, 2010 at 12:17 PM

    I am in love with a fireplace and mantle......yours! LOVE it, what a transformation!

    suzanne

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  39. House of SmithsJanuary 21, 2010 at 12:16 PM

    I LOVE your mantle. SO SO pretty!
    I need a fire place. lol.
    Shelley Smith

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  40. Beth@The Stories of A to ZJanuary 22, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    Becca, it is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for linking this beauty up for all of us mantel junkies :). Your contractor did a perfect job but kuddos to you for casting the vision.

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  41. Barb January 22, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    Hi Becca, it is lovely.....the design is clean and fresh. Beautiful!

    Barb

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  42. Chari at Happy To DesignJanuary 22, 2010 at 4:11 PM

    Hi Becca...

    Ohhh my...your fireplace and mantel is absolutely fabulous!!! I liked the "before" inset but my friend, this gorgeous over mantel just took your fireplace to way-over-the-top!!! I love it...love everything about it!!! Love the crisp white color...love, love, LOVE the mouldings!!! Ohhh...and you've decorated it all soooo beautifully!!! I can tell you are going to have so much fun decorating!!! By the way, peeking around the fireplace at your home...it's gorgeous!!! Your creativity and talents are so evident!!!

    Just wanted to let you know that I'm adding your delightful blog to my list of blog follows! I'm really looking forward to your upcoming posts and snooping around your past posts! Hehe! So very nice to meet you, Becca!!! Thank you for sharing your lovely home and fabulous mantel project with us today!!! It's been such a pleasure!!!

    Warmest winter wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  43. xinexJanuary 22, 2010 at 7:09 PM

    Oh wow, Becca! You all did a great job. The transformation is truly amazing. It definitely is the focal point now. When I first saw it with the arched inset, I asked myself, "what's wrong with this?", I like it then too but I see what you mean now, this definitely has a "wow" factor....Christine

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  44. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and DreamingJanuary 22, 2010 at 7:21 PM

    This turned out fabulous! I love the white and the molding is stunning! Great choice!

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  45. the decorating chicaJanuary 22, 2010 at 9:18 PM

    wow, that is truly amazing! W A Y T O G O!

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  46. my home sanctuaryJanuary 23, 2010 at 10:48 AM

    Oh Becca it is so pretty. I love it all. And that chair with the little pillow on it is great. Gave me an idea. I have a couple of chairs I was fixin' to redo. You have inside me to me a slipcover for them instead. I can't wait to get started.
    Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed my visit.
    Blessings,
    Sherry

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  47. Grace @ Ruby Moon DesignsJanuary 24, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    I love your beautiful white mantel...and I love that extra "shelf" above the mantel that you have the plant on...it's like a two for one mantel, awesome! Thanks for sharing!

    Blessings, Grace

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  48. JennyJanuary 24, 2010 at 8:08 PM

    It's gorgeous! It is truly a focal point now!

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  49. Nancy HoodJanuary 24, 2010 at 10:18 PM

    I came here via A2Z and love love love what you did with the mantel!!! It rocks!!

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  50. VeeJanuary 24, 2010 at 10:28 PM

    Wow, that is a stunning transformation!! I also found you via A2Z and HAD to check out your blog after seeing the picture!! =]

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  51. IngalillJanuary 25, 2010 at 1:37 PM

    Gorgeous fireplace, I will renovate our so I was looking for inspiration.

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  52. vanilla143February 1, 2010 at 12:07 AM

    The facelift you gave your fireplace seems to change the essence of your entire room. Great look!

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