This is a bit of a different Maeg-it yourself but when I read Tiffany's submission, I just got inspired to offer her some advice!
Tiffany's moving into a super-cute rental with great overall character and a cute backyard ...but this green marble fireplace is a bit outdated and doesn't go with A. The rest of the house and B. Her overall design aesthetic. Tiffany asked me for some affordable DIY advice since her landlord was open to her making some changed. So I did a little research and here's what I came up with Tiffany. Beginning with the most cost-effective to the least. . .
* Decorate it and own it! So you have a big green fireplace, throw your flatscreen over it and call it a day. Also, if you don't have kids or curious pets and there's a screen in front of the opening, you can opt to not use that free standing screen.
* Paint it! ...this will be your most cost-effective DIY. Here's a great guide: How to Paint a Marble Fireplace ...scruff it, prime it, paint it! Seems easy enough. You can even paint it to look like it's tiled.
* Add a Mantel! A bit more costly, it'll make your newly painted marble really look finished. Or, just add a mantel over the marble to disguise it {like the 2nd photo below} Home Depot has only a few affordable options so why not build your own? Here's video on how to install a pre-assembled mantel.
* Faux Stone it! Obviously a more costly and time consuming option, but a really nice effect nonetheless. Cultured Stone $25-$50 per square foot ...here'a little video. There's also a How to Apply Faux Stone to a Fireplace guide here
* Adobe it! I'm a sucker for all things Spanish and Mission Style ...well, at least when it comes to homes that is ;) but I don't see why you couldn't do a faux Spanish/Adobe style fireplace using some sort of stucco or drywall mud or clay? However, I haven't found any specific guides on how-to DIY it so if this is an option, you may want to ask around.
Tiffany, I hope I could at least inspire you a little bit and get your creative juices flowing. Your new place is adorable! I bet you can't wait to get in there and start decorating it! ...and for the rest of you, I hope it was at least, worth your while to stop by and visit ;)
...& a few more fireplaces for inspiration
Sources: Boston.com, HGTV, DIYnetwork, EhowHome, ThisOldHouse
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20 comments:
Oohh there is something about the white fireplace with floral wallpaper I just LOVE!! And I normally run a mile from floral.... Think it has something to do with Mums couch's!
Hope your blog is still around when I have a place of my own to decorate, you're an endless source of inspiration!
Have a fab day! :-)
Oh gee, I wish we had a fireplace! Those you posted look amazing!Love your ideas and suggestions...
Im just wondering about one thing: wouldnt it be just too hot for the flatscreen above the fireplace? Hm...
xx
M.
Our FP is a combo of brick and a wood mantle, but it's no where near as interesting as some of these pics. Found some great ideas though on how to spruce it up. Thanks!
Dang girl - you are right on the money. I vote faux stone or Adobe!
I am so in love with your DIY posts!
This is probably the best one I've seen on home decor.
Also, I love that there is a www.crunchyroll.com ad on your site. It's one of my favorite online entertainment resources!
xx{ish.},
Mae Lu @ thereafterish.!
As the owner of several rental homes, can I just ask you to talk to your landlord before you do any of these things? They would all be a huge improvement, but be sure to consult the homeowner first. If you've already got that permission, I say go for adobe!
I wish we had a fireplace! They add so much elegance without much effort.
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I wish i had a huge amount of money! I would die to have a nice cosy house!
These are great ideas but most landlords would never let you paint or put stone over a marble fireplace in a rental.
Ohh very nice! I love when people put big candelabras in fireplaces in lieu of burning wood in them. All very good ideas to spruce it up!
T @ the peach chablis
love your DIY post, inspiring!
Very true Anonymous, but Tiffany explained to me that her landlord was open to her making changes.
Also, it may perhaps give someone who owns their own home an idea or two.
Years ago, I 'plastered' my fireplace surround with a handmade mixture of paint + powder plaster + Folgers instant coffee crystals = looks like stone, feels like a soft limestone, and smells really, really good.
It gets a good petting by those of my visitors who are the most curious, and some how too shy to ask.
Cheers!
Lots of good stuff Maegan. Painting alone makes such a difference. It changed my entire living room.
http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2011/03/cleaning-up-past-friendships.html
girl i just moved houses... and i'm totally going through your home inspirations!
I love those. I thought about doing that to my fireplace in my bedroom. Now I am more sold on the idea. Awesome blog.
Oh I just died when I saw that you put this on your blog!! LOVE the ideas and I will be picking one and working on it this weekend. Thank you sooo so much for all this research and amazing ideas. And I love your blog. It's part of my morning routine!
I mean died in a good way :)
hooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
these are great ideas! i' love to have a home with a fireplace....maybe one day...sigh.
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