11/08/2009

Faux Fireplace Update...Part II

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Faux Fireplace Update...Part II
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Hello my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today!
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It's Thursday and we all know what that means...it's time for Metamorphosis Monday!
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Met Monday is hosted by our very own Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.
 Don't forget to go by and pay Susan a visit and while you're there...you can check out all
 of the other Met Monday participants! I hear the creative wheels a turnin' in Blogland today!
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*Project Update: Faux Fireplace
Part II
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As you know...I have a new project going on in my living room!
 A faux fireplace!
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Let me catch you up...just in case you haven't been
 following this project.
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My living room has undergone many metamorphosis. In the beginning
 it had all white walls...then I moved in! Hehe! I wanted/needed a little color
 so I painted the walls a beautiful sage green. Then after a couple of years...I decided
 I wanted a more formal looking living room so I chose to go with an olive green shade.
 You wouldn't have thought there would be that much change...just going from sage green
 to olive green...but it really did give the room a more formal look! I love my olive
 green wall color...it is a deep, rich, moody color! By moody...I mean that it
 changes in the different lighting...and I love that!
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This living room is very long and narrow. On the far end of the room, there
 is a 10 ft. wall that juts out into the center of the room. It has always been a bit
 of a sore point for me...it makes furniture arrangement very difficult. Anyway, I have
 always worked and worked with this wall and finally decided to just give in to it...and
 make it a focal wall! We added mouldings to the wall for some added interest! I
 really have enjoyed the look of the panel moulding!
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However...
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I had a dream! I have always wanted a fireplace in this room...with a pretty
 mantle! And...the way the wall juts out...it already looks like a fireplace wall! I found
 the photo below online...quite some time ago and I saved it! Drempt upon it!
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Inspiration Living Room!

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Ohhh...I just love the look and feel of this beautiful room!
 I love everything about it...from the beautiful shade of olive green
 walls...right down to stack of books that is being used as a table!
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and...
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The fireplace is magnificent!!! I just adore the style...Ohhh, just
 look at the beautiful ornate details! I fell in love with it the moment
 I saw it! And...I love how the mantle is accessorized!!!
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 My dream fireplace!!!
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My New Fireplace Mantle
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Look what I found! This beautiful mantle came from JC Penneys.
 As soon as I seen it, I thought about my "dream fireplace"! It really is
 a close match...don't you think? And...I just couldn't believe it...it was on sale!
 Yes...this gorgeous mantle that was originally $800.00 was 50% off...making it
 only $399.00...and I had a free shipping coupon to boot! I think it was
 meant to be...truly I do! wink!
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The Faux Fireplace Challenge!
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Last week for Met Monday...I spoke about what I wanted to do
 and asked for your opinions! All of you had such great ideas...I read and
 considered every one of them! Thank you so much! Ya'll are the
 best...so creative and so very talented too!
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I sure wished that we could do a real fireplace but at this time it just
 isn't feasible...so I'm doing the next best thing...a faux fireplace. I admit that
 I didn't know a thing about them when I began thinking about this project...I had
 to do a bunch of searching...and again, all of your ideas were so helpful!
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There is alot to consider when doing a faux fireplace! The main question
 posed is...just how real do you want the fireplace to look? I want very much
 for mine to look as real as possible!
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First Step...
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Remove the Moulding or Not?
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I got the mantle and put it up to the focal wall. Hmmm...what to do about
 all that panel moulding? Should I leave it or remove it? So many of you remarked
 that you thought I should try and keep the moulding, however...it wouldn't allow the
 mantle to sit flush against the wall. I even considered removing the moulding
 and adding it back to the wall...and you never know...I just may do that!
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Ohhh my...do you ever come to that time during a project when
 you think...what did I do? Looking at that naked wall...without the moulding...
I wondered if I had made the right decision! It looks soooo different!
 I had become quite comfortable with my moulding!
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Oh look...now you can see the sage green wall color that was under
 the olive green! See...it really did make a difference!
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Step Two...
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Because I want my faux fireplace to look as "real" as possible...I didn't
 want to leave the mantle sitting on the carpet. My honey, who is so very talented,
 built a hearth to go under the fireplace. He just used 3/4" MDF...and painted it black!
 He's so sweet...thank you, honey!!! The hearth measures 14x62 in. Now I have
 a 14 in. hearth/ledge to put candles on or whatever else I want to display there!
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So what do you think? It still looks naked...doesn't it?
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A close-up photo so you can see the pretty cherry wood finish and
 all the beautiful ornate detailing!
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*Step Three...
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Patching the wall where the moulding had been and repainting the
 wall with the olive green! I also decided that the inside of the fireplace
 needed to be black...so that it would look like the firebox!
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Ohhh...I am so pleased! The project looks a "hundred times" better
 now! It's beginning to come together...don't you think?
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~Note~
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 Yes, those are wallpaper sample books! Hehe! I have also considered
 wallpapering this wall. I would love to find a lovely "old distressed looking"
 damask pattern in an olive green! What do you think?
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Frontal view of the faux fireplace!
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*Step Four...
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My next project is to create a fireplace surround! It will fit on the
 underside of the mantle...right up next to it! I have a few ideas in the
 works...I really would like to do something creative! I have thought about
 doing a faux finish on tile...maybe something in a flat black with gold!
 I'm still entertaining ideas and would love to hear what you think!
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Anyway...stay tuned!
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 Hopefully I will have more to present to you for the next Metamorphosis Monday!
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Well my friends...thank you so much for coming by today and taking
 a peek at my faux fireplace project! Again...I would love to hear your ideas
 if you have any! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you
 were here...I'd love to visit with you!
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Love ya'll,
Chari




46 comments:

Sandra said...

Omgosh, Chari! I just made a post about my fireplace makeover and then see that you posted about your faux fireplace! lol I love your awesome idea! I think it's gonna look great, my friend! I can't wait to see it when it's all finished. You'll have to share with us. :) Have a wonderful day, my friend. God Bless.
Sandra

Sandi (Meme) said...

It's that time of year! I just asked my hubby yesterday which he'd rather put in - an electric, or a ventless gas fireplace, cause I WILL have one this year! I love what you are doing, you are on the right track!

Lynn said...

I love it!
I am a sucker for before and after makeover pictures, and yours is great.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how gorgeous this turned out. I love your beautiful fireplace. I just love it!
be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

★Carol★ said...

I'm so excited about this post, because my husband and I are contemplating a faux fireplace! Actually I've been thinking about it for a while, and my husband has finally come round to liking the idea too. Of course this is after I passed up the chance at a mantle for $25. Oh well. I'll be checking back to see your progress, but it looks just fabulous now!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love it! I have tried to figure out where I could put one here, but it is not going to happen. :(

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh My Lord girl you did it and it looks wonderful....I kinda had an idea from your email...but to see it is just awesome...Oh that Russell is a doll to build you a hearth...Girl I tell you I'm ready to go get my can of stanin now and stain the one I have now...as I hate mine it's a corner unit and I'm trying to figure out how to just put a wrap around mantle shelf on my...Girl it is totaly Chari Beautiful my friend...Thank you so much for coming by....and wait to you see what SCREAMED my name today at the swap meet...I can't hardly wait until Len gets it out of the truck for me ha ha!! and no its not more furniture that I don't need...but come to think of it I didn't need what I got today but hey when something knows you and a first name base's oh well you get the picture...
Glad all is well with you girl...I have missed you and love ya sis...Hugs and smiles your Ca. Sis

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OH Chari,
It's gorgeous my friend! I just love the awesome detail and it does look so pretty against that wall. Russell did an awesome job, he's very talented and you sure have some fabulous ideas! I just adore the pic you found for inspiration and now I can see where your headed with this and it's going to be just beautiful! I know your having fun with this, what a neat project! Hugs and I hope your week-end was a good one too. Cindy

Marigene said...

WOW! that is a gorgeous faux fireplace!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh wow, this looks just fabulous. I love the fireplace, it is just gorgeous. You are so clever. I can't wait to see the finished project. Hugs, Marty

Tootsie said...

girl...that is going to look fantastic! I am so happy for you...they have the inspiration mantle in our local costco right now...each time I see it I will be thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

Chari you have found a keeper for sure in that faux Fireplace!! My it is gorgeous!!!

I love what you have done so far and cannot wait to see your final reveal!!

Girl where do you find the energy??? I want you to tell me your secret! I have been a zombie for several weeks!

blessings
mary

Theresa said...

Oh Chari, love, love, love the fireplace... it is gorgeous and perfect for that wall:) Looks great without the moulding, of course I loved the moulding too but not with the fireplace. Love the detail on the mantle! Enjoy your day-take a break!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Came right over when I saw your note.....that is stunning,$400!!what a steal!!! Glad you took down the moulding and love how you painted the inset black....maybe now you could fill it with some logs and candles??? Not sure really but it looks amazing!!! What a buzz ehy? I am still running up to check my bathroom every few minutes,you know to make sure its really mine!! I will pop back soon to see how you finished the fireplace,so happy for you! 0x0x0x0x

Terry said...

I don't think of it as a faux. You rescued a beautiful mantle.

Its So Very Cheri said...

Fireplaces are so charming. What an amazing change it will be.

Come by my new party--Its So Very Creative-instead of the Knock Off

Cheri

Linda@CraftaholicsAnonymous said...

Wow, what an ambitious project! It's going to be sooo fab! Way to go! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. I appreciated your sweet comment.
Linda

Melissa Miller said...

Chari how exciting! What a gorgeous focal point in your beautiful living room. It's really going to be stunning for the Holidays. ~Amazing job! :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

Wow, that's a beautiful piece! Looks like an antique to me. Don't you just love those free shipping days? I shop a lot at JCPenneys. Can't wait to see what you do next!
Brenda

Blondie's Journal said...

The fireplace looks awesome, Chari!! How nice that you got just what you wanted. Painting the inside was the best thing you did and I also think you did well by removing the wall trim.

Can't wait to see what you will come up wit next!!

xoxo
Jane

Dena Pickle said...

Beautiful. Too bad you had to remove all that pretty molding though!

Dena
sweetpicklesandchocolate

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous. I can't wait to see more progress. You did such a fab job of patching the wall, too. I think you're going to have so much fun playing with that piece now.
Take care.

Tammy@InStitches said...

Looks awesome Chari. I can't wait to see how you decorate it.

Design A-Peele said...

this looks great! I am impressed. It looks very grand!

Linda Q said...

Wow Chari, that is looking so great! Should I come paint some Faux flames and logs in it for you?
Love the color of it, pretty!
Linda Q

Unknown said...

I'm in awe!!!! Wow, once you have an idea, it doesn't take you long to implement it. All I can say is AMAZING!! Tell your hubby who helped that he did a wonderful job. It's style suits your room perfectly! Have a wonderful evening.

Jessica @ My Quarter Life Crisis said...

ohhh the details on that thing are to die for. i miss the molding, its my weakness!! aha. it looks so rich and lux. nice job!
thx for stopping by over at myquarterlifecrisis!

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm bummed. For some reason NONE of the photos will come up for me. I'll have to come back another time and see if it works. thanks for stopping by today!

pk @ ROOM REMIX

Stacey said...

Chari, that is amazing! If I haven't said it before I love the paint color. That fireplace is the crowning jewel of the room now! What a great idea. Face it really...we all want that mantle to put things on and above...the real fireplace doesn't get used all the time. Your husband did a great job with the hearth.

Kim said...

Wow Chari - what a transformation! I can't believe that's all you paid for that gorgeous mantle! Can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks so much for sharing about my giveaway, it is much appreciated!! Kim

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Chari, I cannot believe you got that fireplace for that price! It's beautiful. All of those details, and it does look so much like your inspiration picture. You are so right - it was meant to be! I'm so glad you found it. Aren't you going to love decorating that mantle for Christmas? Oh I cannot wait to see what you do with it for Christmas. It's going to be stunning. laurie

Wanda Lee said...

Hello there "mon Chari"!..,

Well here I sit, my beloved fellow "dear heart"; I'm so tired that I'm practically "cross-eyed"; yet nonetheless, as I knew I would be,I'm once again sitting here , and drinking in every detail with delight my dear!~ I'm in blog heaven!..,

I too had to giggle when I realized I had met my match for longish posts!..,(Though I fear I sometimes, "take the cake" when it comes to some forms of commentaire, and well-intentioned,spendiforous ramblings, from the heart, when it comes to length of blog comments)!.., And you no doubt win many "awards" amongst your fans Chari, for your prose and your decorative prowess!
~ I adore art as well and I must sincerely say once more, (if I haven't mentioned it before);you are an artist, in any and all senses of the word; I do agree that this gifting is a God given attribute and gift!..,

You know what I mean, my dear kindred spirit, when I say that gorgeous details in a blog are precisely what we artistic souls thrive upon when we get our blog "fixes" of inspiration and loveliness for the day!..,

I just love the richness and detail of that exquisite faux fireplace!~ Can't wait to see what you'll do with your little project reveal, "du jour", for next Metamorphosis Monday!..,

I'm too tired, as it is in the wee hours of the morning to write any more my dear;good thing for you my dear, at least there is a "stop writing" point that I've reached!~Hehe!.., ( I'm trying to get ahead , and have a good headstart on my TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO, blog POST TOMORROW.., lol..,

Also Chari , some of my artwork is posted on the post below that I added after you came by and left that lovely comment my dear.., I do hope you can join us for TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO THIS WEEK AS WELL!

Thanks for the kind words once again; also I'll share more art later, (thanks for showing an interest)!..,I've got to be off to bed now, I'll finish my post tomorrow!


HUGS , BLESSINGS AND CHEERS TO YOU MY FRIEND, FROM WANDA LEE/ AKA SILKEN PURSE

Kat said...

Chari, this is beautiful. Just perfect for your home. Painting the inside was a stroke of genius, and I love your husband's hearth idea. I love your paint color, and it's perfect with the wood tone of the mantle. This is going to be gorgeous dressed up for Christmas! Kathy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good Morning Chari,
I'm still blushing from all your sweet comments! I am so glad I got a second look at this, it is really beautiful! Oh, aren't you going to have fun getting it all pretty for Christmas! I think that's one of the best thing about fireplaces are the mantles to decorate! Thanks for the idea's for my window too! I like those ideas and I may try that shade decorated with fabric. Do you think you can just glue the fabric on or is there a trick I should know? I also have one big empty wall in that room that I haven't taken a pic of yet and I am stumped. If I had ton's of money, no problem but I need to jazz it up on a itty bitty budget! If you have any ideas let me know. One I'm thinkin of it wallpaper that looks like wainscoating half way up. Now remember, that room is open for you and Russell is you ever get to Wisconsin! Hugs, Cindy

Blue Creek Home said...

Wow, girl, you weren't kidding when you said you had a fireplace in the works!!!
I cant' believe what a difference it made to that wall and I can't wait to see photos of the room.
What fun you are going to have dressing it for Christmas!!
Great job! I am so very impressed.
Rhonda

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Wow! I just love what you have done so far! Your faux fireplace looks just perfect there. I really like your olive green wall color. I have been thinking of using a similar color in my family room. You got a great deal on that beautiful mantel! Looking forward to future updates. Stop on by for my anniversary giveway! Hugs!

Wanda Lee said...

Just a footnote after the "bleary eyed" message that I left yesterday "mon Cheri";

(It came from the heart , yet boy was I tired)!.., I meant to mention Dearest Cheri that I am so sorry to hear that you suffer from fibromyalgia!..,

Yet I know you do not want pity, so instead I offer you compassion and sincere understanding, my dear!~I realize that the condition can cause much fatique, aches, soreness and pain!.., Let me reach out and give you a hug dear lady!

Good for you dearest Cheri; life is bittersweet,yet your lovely spirit is radiant and buoyant!..,

Yes a merry heart does indeed make like a medicine AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS; I can personally attest to that!~ Thank God!

I'M DELIGHTED, AS AS ALL OF YOUR PRECIOUS BLOGGING FRIENDS AND READERS THAT "YOU CHOOSE JOY", AS YOUR "ATTITUDINAL MAINSTAY" IN LIFE Cheri!.., You sure have brightened my world and countless others as well~ I'M SURE I SPEAK FOR US ALL WHEN I SAY; "LET US CHEER YOU ON"!..,

I'M HONORED TO HAVE THE PRIVILEDGE OF HAVING MET YOU, THOUGH WE HAVE JUST MET!

I also want you to know that although I am delighted when you are able to join me for, Tuesday Tea For Two, little blog party, YET nonetheless, I want you to rest when you so desire my dear.

I also SO respect that you have other dear friends and family and that you delightfully partake in their fun projects as well!..,

Much warmth AND LOVE,, HUGS TO YA!

WAND-LEE, AKA/ SILKEN PURSE

CHEERS

Susie Q said...

How beautiful!!! I love this so much!
I know you will enjoy it. Your home is so warm and pretty.
Love,
Sue

Barbara Matson said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and for all your complements! Love what you did with the fireplace!

Barbara@HODGE:PODGE

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Chari!

I'm so glad you stopped by to say hello! I've missed you too! I've been sick, and haven't been blogging much.

I'm so excited for you that you got your gorgeous new faux fireplace, and that it IS a whole fireplace:)
When I read the description of it and it said "MANTLE" I always thought that a mantle was just the top shelf piece of the fireplace...

Anywho.. it looks really great! I can't wait to see what else you do with the surround! Are you going to have a faux fire in it too or maybe some candles?

Good luck and have fun with it, I know you will!

Hugs,
Sherri:)

Papillon Bleu said...

You know what? when I left a comment on your other blog, I had no idea that this one existed!I just googled "shabby interior" and went on pictures.This is how I found you.
I would like to thank you for your very nice comment and I am particularly touched when I see it comes from someone who loves interior design so much!What a surprise for me!
I am pleased to see that you like the combination of green and red.So warm and cosy!
Hope to have news from you soon.
Am going to visit your universe before returning to my doll's interior design...
Bye for now!

Ange said...

Super la cheminée - very detailed how to do instructions! Thanks for dropping by my blog - but I do post in English too you know (one day each)..

xinex said...

Hi Chari, how are you? Still busy? Come and see my London trip pics on my blog when you get a chance. Have a nice weekend!...Christine

Sandra said...

Hi Chari! It's me again:) I have been searching for pictures of green shades and stumbled on your blog! Hee hee! What color did you use on your walls? I'm looking to paint our living room in a green shade. :) Thanks so much.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Hello : )
Buying things on the internet or in-store? which do you go for? actually wondering lol.. i like in-store since i hate expecting it to arrive!
Ty
Isabella

Anonymous said...

Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after
I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.
Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

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