Updating A Builder Grade Mantel Before/After
Simply updating a builder grade mantel can have a big impact, as we did here in a family room in Southern California. We used horizontal planking, a round mirror and fresh styling.
Recently, I showed you Lori’s remodeled San Diego powder/bathroom. She also wanted my recommendation for her family room.
Updating A Builder Grade Mantel
Lori’s home feels “California Coastal” but the mantel that came with her home had a more Mediterranean design…like many of the homes built in the area in the 1990s. It makes sense as California was settled by the Spanish…although now there is a mix of Beach Cottage, Craftsman and lots of other styles, too.
New Mantel Treatment
Mantel Before
Mock-up
Here is my mock-up adding horizontal planking, a wood mantel (stained similar to the floor), a round mirror and a picture light on the right.
New Mantel Treatment
The walls were painted Benjamin Moore White Dove and the hearth and surround beige tiles were replaced with honed black granite tiles and dark grout (less expensive than using a portion of a marble slab .
I did a little coffee table styling, along with the mantel using things Lori already owned.
I love how the picture light looks!
Lori will be getting new pillows and a larger rug soon. And I will show you what we did in the living and dining rooms after a new sofa arrives. But for now…the family can enjoy this room as it is.
And that’s how updating a builder grade mantel gave Lori a fresh new look.
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I repeat myself! This is absolute perfection!
LOVE LOVE.
Can you tell me about how you made the brown mantel top piece? I need to do that.
She had a carpenter do it.
We have a similar mantel. We purchased it here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/661039744/fireplace-mantel-modern-rustic-mantel
We did have a carpenter install it.
LOVE, LOVE THE MIRROR. LOVE, LOVE THE NEW LOOK.
Mary Ann,
This looks great and so much better than the builder’s original. You always do such a great job and I’m sure you have lots of very happy clients.
Karen
Amazing transformation!! Is there a reason why the photograph placement was swapped?
No…you have a good eye for detail!
Oh, I love the updates!
Thanks, Kim!
What a gorgeous transformation! It makes such a huge difference in their living room. Nice job, Mary Ann!
Wow, that looks amazing, like that’s how it was suppose to look all along! Great job🙌
Yes, Debbie, with the style of her home!
It’s surprising how much better that looks!
Thanks, Wendy. So will yours!
I really like it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Liz!
What an amazing transformation, I love it! But then with your magic touch it could not have helped but be fabulous! Great job!
You are so nice, Gail!
Love the round mirror. Excellent 👍
Me too! It has a nice bevel.