Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Distressing the Mantel

Hello everyone!

Well, you know I can't leave anything alone.  After I painted my fireplace mantel, I kept feeling like it didn't look right.  The grey paint looked darker on the mantel since it was next to the stone.  So, it looked slightly off from all the other greys in the room.  I don't mind different greys, but this had a different undertone or something that just didn't look right.  So, I decided to water down some white paint and rub it on to give it more of a distressed look and lighten the grey just a bit. I also did the same thing with the mirror frame.

Here is a close-up of the new finish.



After I did it, I instantly loved it and felt that it solved the problem with the paint.  Now, it has dimension. 

Of course, with a new look for the mantel, I decided to tweak a few things around it too.


I moved the chair from the foyer in here and placed my topiaries in some white tureens.  I needed that white contrast to keep it from looking blah.


I added a french ticking striped pillow in the chair and some soft greenery in a white pot on the hearth.


Now I feel that everything is more cohesive and  has that "country Swedish" look that I love.

Here is a before and after, side by side, for you to see.


I think the new look is better.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~

29 comments:

Ron said...

I really like the distressed look of the mantle. Your style is wonderful.

Debra@CommonGround said...

I love both looks, and those topiaries in the tureens are really perfect there. such a great idea!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great job, but either way looks good. I have white and green going on in my family room, too. Great minds think a like.

Deserae said...

Very pretty....love those topiaries too!
~Des

Art and Sand said...

everything you touch turns to gorgeous.

Stacey said...

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! It looks very sophisticated.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Both ways look great...love that chair!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love the new look too and I love the chair in there. Great job. The topiaries are fabulous in the white tureens. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that is ongoing. http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/04/211th-inspire-me-tuesday.html Hope to see you there. Hugs, Marty

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Oooh, yes it looks even better now!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks great and I liked it both ways...

Susie said...

Kelly, I like those little topiaries..they looked great in the white tureens too. It looks very pretty. xoxo,Susie

Olive said...

It is brighter which is perhaps more Swedish in look as they have such long winters. Love the topiaries.

Moni - Zuhaus at Home said...

I love your style Kelly, the mantel looks great!

SHERRY HART said...

You and your sister are crazy painters! It looks great!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

The mantel looks fabulous, Kelly. Nice job.

chateau chic said...

Looks beautiful, Kelly. Loving the white tureens!
Mary Alice

Junkchiccottage said...

Looks awesome Kelly. I love it. I am thinking about this to do on my cabinet. Love the way this looks. You have given me a great idea. It looks beautiful.
Kris

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

It's beautiful, Kelly! I have no confidence in my ability to paint anything, so I am duly impressed by yours! The white pots and green plants look just right!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I truly like both, but it does feel good when we achieve the look we love. Well done.

cynthia lee designs said...

Kelly...love it!! Distressing it really made the mantel stand out...just beautiful!!
~Cindy

Katie Mansfield said...

Your chair is adorable against the distressed mantel. It does match your furniture better. Great idea.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Kelly, Love the new look of the mantle!
xx,
Sherry

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I do like the new look and those white tureens are beautiful!

Wanda said...

I liked the old look, until I saw the new look....Yes that is really nice with the added white and the chair...the white soup tureens and plants...perfect.

Very nice,

Sew a Fine Seam said...

I like both looks :) I think you did a wonderful job with the white finish over the grey - it looks awesome! And since you are the one living with it and seeing it every day I'm glad you did it and you love the new look! I could easily sit in that room every day!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Love, love it Kelly!...now I know it must be hereditary!!!

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Yes, it looks perfect. I like the lighter color for spring and summer. I'm sure come fall, you'll be looking for change again ;)
I love the hutch and the chair and the tureen.... so pretty there arranged all together.

Cynthia said...

Kelly either ways is gorgeous. I see the more rustic side of tis technique. Love the color. Sorry I am very behind with email right now.

Cynthia

Anne said...

Your mantle looks amazing!Love the distressed look!
xx
Anne