The fireplace was not much to look at, not to mention too traditional for my taste. 
A couple of years ago, Justin built what we jokingly call the "fireplace slipcover", meaning he built a box that went over the existing fireplace, just to make it look a little more modern. I wanted the fireplace to stay for resale value...I did a faux finish on it, but I still wanted to improve on the idea, and now lighten it up a lot. Now in my my proverbial 'dream house', I dream of a cut rock fireplace...but that is still a long way off.
I came up with a design that would add a little interest above the fireplace, and dress up the slipcover without too much $$$, we have a zero to nothing budget. :) Inexpensive 1X4's and trim, a gallon of primer and the cheapest white paint I could find. 
We primed everything, but then I decided to add another layer to the front, so add a sheet of half inch MDF to the shopping list! Also, I didn't like how the hearth looked, so we used the rest of the sheet of MDF to clean up the look of the hearth.You can see it best in the after pictures below.
I like how it gave the face of the fireplace a little interest. I used some cove moulding to clean up the edge.
A simple and thrifty mantle display for the remainder of the Summer, everything is second-hand (and spray painted :), except for the shell ball and starfish. I am already contemplating the upcoming seasons, this should be fun!
I love the chandy reflecting back.
For very little money, we were able to give the fireplace a whole new look! It did take me a little over a week to finish, but I am so happy with the result! Clean and fresh and modern, just what I wanted!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're inspired!
(In case you're wondering, I am still trying to decide whether I like my laurel wreaths above the windows black or white....:)
Sarah's Before and After Party
It seemed like forever to paint the shelf, 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of white semi-gloss. I took off the lower rung with the little bobbers in it, which to me it didn't seem to fit the style of the shelf. I used pliers to pull each one out and then reattached the top piece to cover up the holes. I suppose I could have used wood filler to cover the holes, but using the existing rung was a good way to upcycle an otherwise odd piece. I'm still trying to figure out something interesting to do with the thingies I took out...maybe earrings, or a cool chunky necklace...I'm still working out the details. At any rate I am really loving the piece. 
How about a fun twist on a hurricane idea? Shop the house, it's just a matter of putting things together in a different way. I use these glass vases all the time for flowers or column candles, but for this centerpiece, put a little sand in the bottom, an actual float, and a taper candle. Giving it some height was easy by putting the vase in a milk glass bowl and laying in some seashells. Even after the dishes cleared, these are still the centerpiece on my dining table. Loving how they look, and you'll get that, because I took a kagillion pictures of them! :)
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