Fireplace decorating is more than just what you put on your mantel. Its the culmination of your personal style that pulls your look together. A natural focal point because of its size and usually centrally-located position, the fireplace is an important place to start when you consider your dcor.
Where do you start when decorating the fireplace? Start by surveying the fireplace itself. What do you see? Is your fireplace brick dark, ugly or just old, old, old? Worse, is it boring? Has it been painted by previous owners to a shade that makes you cringe? Brick paint or fireplace paint thats specially-formulated to withstand the demands of a fireplace can wash over the drab, old brickeven if its been painted beforeand completely revitalize your fireplace and your room. The process is easy, fun, and can be completed in a few hours. The cost is only a fraction of the price of re-facing or remodeling your fireplace and youll be surprised at the impact.
Now that youve brightened the masonry, step back and see how your mantel fits into your fireplace decorating project. Does it compliment or compete with the fireplace? What color is the mantel? Does it draw the eye with an...