Nesting With Grace

by Brooke Christen

Fireplace Makeover- and Styled with Decor from Target!

This Fireplace Makeover is so good. Very excited to share it! My good friends who live around the corner from us wanted me to pop over and give their Fireplace Mantel a refresh for Christmas. I was happy too- but they probably weren’t expecting what it would lead to! I went to Target and just gave it a facelift, using Target finds and things they already had. After I was done I gave them a few extra tips- I always like to do that. Leave people with a little more to think about! I suggested they remove their wood blinds (they weren’t really adding to the room, just taking away the view and the light). Then I suggested they add some deco cement tile where the gray tile was.
 
They did it! 
 
Scott is super handy and he did the Fireplace Makeover himself.
 
We also took down the blinds and ordered the woven wood shades I suggested. 
 
Then Jess and I hit up Target again to complete the entire room with accessories, rug and ottoman.
 
Are you ready for this awesome Fireplace Makeover?

Fireplace BEFORE-

BEFORE- Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor

Fireplace AFTER-

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor

Let’s break it all down by why each change made the space cozier. Because all of these textures really are what make a room.

 

Window Treatments-   

Bamboo Blinds
Even just removing the wood blinds they had made a difference. The room feels taller now, cozier and more custom. I was thrilled to find the exact size they needed for these small windows that mount inside the molding. Find the exact Bamboo Blinds  HERE.Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 Find Lanterns HERE
 

Window Treatments-   

Curtain Panels

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target DecorAgain they had wood blinds on these windows that we removed. They actually have a really great front porch that is covered and between that and the blinds not a lot of light was getting in. I found black curtain rods HERE at Target and THESE really great white curtain panels. If you are unsure of what window treatment to do and the specifics you can never go wrong with a simple black rod and white linen panels.

Curtain Panel Tip– When hanging your curtains have the leading edge line up wth the outside of the window so you don’t block any of the window. This will also make the window feel larger.

 

 
 

 Darker Rug-

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target DecorThe first reason for the rug change was that the old rug was a trellis pattern and it was really similar to the new deco tile. I don’t love the same pattern so close together like that. Also I thought a darker rug would really contrast the light sectional they already have really nicely. And it really worked! We found the rug at Target! You can find it HERE (on major SALE today only).

 

BEFORE- Fireplace Makeover- DIY Decor Tips

 

 

Pillows-

We pulled in the darker navy in the rug onto the sectional with some Indigo Mudcloth pillows. Those were mine that I have held onto, you can find similar HERE. I took off the small pillows she had, on a large sectional I suggest nothing smaller than 20″ and also to “bookend” the pillows. (Find more of my pillow tips HERE). Also her sectional is from Lillian August Outlet Center (5 years old).

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 

Eclectic Fireplace Decor-

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor

First of all we switched up the mirror to THIS mirror from Target. Mirrors are not always the best solution for a fireplace but it works in this space because it doesn’t reflect anything weird or distracting. I also layered THIS frame and added THIS print from Katherine Jury inside it. Layering a piece of art over the mirror really adds a lot. The pop of pink makes it playful and eclectic. Books are Good Will finds, I had them saved for a navy project! Jars found at Target too. When I shared this on my Instagram Stories I had a lot of questions about the yellow flowers, they are called Billy Balls, you can find them HERE. 

 


 Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor

 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
This is a real wood burning fireplace, they use it about once a month in the winter. So I added three strands of my favorite twinkle lights for a Hygge touch. You can find the battery operated lights (with remote) HERE. 
 
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
Mini Green Votive Holders HERE (I took off the plastic so the candle could fit) // Large Glass Vase HERE
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
I wanted to point out one more thing. Since the Fireplace Mantel itself has a lot of little accesses on it, I kept the side consoles really simple, to avoid it getting too busy and loosing the focal point, which is the Fireplace itself. A real Fiddle Leaf Fig is a favorite addition. It will do well by the window (she was a little worried about keeping it alive). Notice the indigo art with the pop of pink (yes, it was mine to0) you can find it HERE.
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
 

**UPDATE- You can see the new chair we added and console under the TV along with a Gallery Wall HERE

Gallery Wall Tips- Photos up the Staircase

 

Fireplace Makeover-

Lastly the Fireplace Makeover itself. I asked my friend Scott to breakdown exactly what he did when he replaced the Fireplace Mantel. I asked him for any big tips on top of what he shared below. He said “patience and you need a table saw”.
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 

Fireplace Makeover Tips-

These are in my friends words (tried make sense of it- but I thought the photos above were super helpful!)

First Layer-
  • Used Primed White Pine  1 x 8 and 1 x 4. Ripped the 1 x 8 down to 6 3/4″ making the top and sides all the same.
  • The part covering the brick is a 1 x 6- glued onto the brick with liquid nails.
  • He cut all pieces on a 45 degree angle, so they fit together.
Second Layer-
  • Primed White Pine 1 x 8 again ripped to 6 3/4″.
  • Sides are 40 1/2 the next piece was 6 3/4 and the top was 6 3/4″
 
All painted in Benjamin Moore Advanced White in Semi- Gloss
 
Mantel-
  • Mantel is made out of THESE Common Boards pieced together. 
  • The top piece is glued together, then nailed it, hollow in back. He sanded it a lot to make the edgers rounded, then used a chisel, hammer, screws, etc to distress it.
  • Stained in Minwax, Special Walnut with a Polycrylic over the top.
  • Mantel top is 54″ off the floor.
 
Tile-
They put THIS new deco tile over the existing tile
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
 
Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
I get a lot of Design Questions about Fireplace Mantel styling. I thought I would share two questions from my Email Subscribers below and I think the tips above post will help these readers! 
 
Email Subscriber Alison wanted some styling tips. And how cute is her fireplace? Basically for both of these fireplaces I would add another small piece of art with the mirror. You can go simple with a cluster of candles or do a grouping like I did on the makeover above. I personally feel that when you do a lot above it is good to remember that that top level is the focal point and not to get too carried away on the hearth. A simple basket is perfect. 
 
BEFORE- Fireplace Makeover- DIY Decor Tips
 
Email Subscriber Keri wanted to know if she should paint her brick. I said YES!! All white. She was concerned with it getting dirty. And it might- but paint is inexpensive and might need a new fresh coat every couple of years (worth it in my opinion). Find a painted rock blog post HERE.
 
BEFORE- Fireplace Makeover- DIY Decor Tips
 
 

I hope that helped all your fireplace needs. You can subscribe to my blog below to see how I can answer a design question for you!

Make sure to pop over to Target HERE to find a lot of the pieces I used on SALE today!

(Love that bench we added under the TV, find it HERE).

Fireplace Makeover- DIY and Target Decor
 
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Comments

  2. Kelly says

    Wow I loved everything you did! The space is so much brighter now and feels instantly fresh! I love the wood mantle!!!! Thank you for sharing!

  3. E.J says

    I love the changes! I, however, would reverse the items on the built-in cabs. By putting the larger and heavier looking plant on the other side, it would balance out the weight on that side of the room.

  4. Cindy says

    Its interesting how you have your sofa against your window wall in your home, and its also done here. I have a huge picture window in my living room (almost floor to ceiling), but enjoy looking out the window so my sofa is across from the window. I can see if my soft was in front of the window I’d have room for more furniture. Do you recommend that to most of your clients?

    • [email protected] says

      That is true- the reason it was done in this room was because they needed a spot for the TV and they want to look at a TV rather than out the window (but I am sure they would really enjoy looking out the window!)
      In our front room I don’t have a lot of space so if I took up the wall to face the sofa out the window I would have zero space for a secretary desk.
      But we can look at the window on our sofa and really love having an up-close view outside!

  5. Christine says

    Looks fantastic!! Love the new mantel that they put on!! Gorgeous!! Amazed how changing the blinds, something simple, changed the feel of the whole room.

  9. Lisa says

    Beautiful room & amazing fireplace makeover! 👏🏻👏🏻 Where did they get their sofa?? (I love it!) Also, I love the way you styled the mantle! You mentioned where you got the pictures and flowers. Would you mind telling me where the voltives, large glass jar and clay pot are from? Btw, your post yesterday inspired me to move my sofa against a window/door in our family room. I liked the idea of a focal point and I think it’s looks better than when it was facing the window. You have a keen eye! Great job styling your friends living room!

  10. Donna says

    Did he make the mantle top too or just buy a beam and place it on top? Looks so much nice car this way. Love everything you did.

  12. Patrice says

    The room is so off balance with the couch in front of the window and the tv just hanging on the wall. I know that is the homeowner’s decision. I love the new windows, but the old fireplace surround with the pretty molding was stunning.

      • Patrice says

        Oh that will make a big difference when they can afford it. The before and after pictures really show how decluttering can transform a space, too.

  13. Tammy says

    Love seeing how you transformed a “normal” room using things that are accessible to most people. Looks awesome!!

  14. Jolene says

    Great makeover! Thanks for the tips. The new blinds are very stylish and really do add another layer of texture to the room. I’m also really liking the black basket on the fireplace hearth. Thanks for sharing!

  16. Cindy Muhly says

    Hi Brooke,
    I love what you did with the mantel and the room! I have a design question and would like your advise for a difficult wall above our couch. I’m not sure what you charge for that but could really use your help. Your design page wasn’t working.

    Let me know and I can send photos of the room so you have a idea of what is needed.

    Thanks so much,
    Cindy

  18. Kristin Robson says

    Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I like that you are showing what these people could do now (vs. saving for ALL the things they may want to add in the future and waiting to do so). BHG magazine used to have a great feature that would show a ‘now’ and ‘later’ version of a room- what could be done in first and second stages of a room renovation/makeover. It is approachable! This room is pretty- the rug really adds a nice warmth and I love the pillows too! 🙂

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