I love a great makeover on a budget!
It is an awesome feeling to redo something, it look great and cost little!
No, I didn't do any of the labor. I just designed the space for a home being remodeled to place on the market.
You probably recognize the sign. You can find the Home Sweet Home sign HERE. After the physical work was completed, I came back and staged just the mantel area for spring. Just that little bit of staging gives potential buyers a sense of home!
The bookcases, while black can be a great color, just needed lightening up for the cottage feel we were after. There is no mantel. The hearth is just a concrete unfinished box and the wall needed a softer color. I was excited when I got hold of this space. I could see the potential!
The entire house received a new coat of fresh white trim paint. The same white was used on the bookcases. Paint was the only change to the bookcases.
The center fireplace wall had sheets of beadboard applied and framed out for a finished cottage look. It was painted the same color as the surrounding walls.
The actual mantel was a Craigslist find! It was too long, so a little off of each end was cut to perfectly fit the area.
Trying to find a quick, inexpensive fix for the unfinished hearth brought us here. The bottom facing was framed out with boards and painted white. It was finished off with trim. Just the top has a beautiful neutral tile just installed on the top portion.
When I came by to stage and photograph, final touch-up/clean-up had not been completed. I added a wire basket with a cream coverlet.
I love decorating mantels. I really had fun creating this simple spring mantel. The stained wood of the sign really helps the mantel become the focal point of this family room. I just simply flanked either side with faux boxwood topiaries, craft paper wrapped books with ribbon and a few other simple accessories.
A mini grapevine wreath surrounds the base of a vintage shell owl. Nothing says spring like a bird's nest.
Here is a breakdown of approximate cost:
Mantel from Craigslist $30
Tile $30
Wood surround & trim for hearth base $20
beadboard $20
paint on hand for entire house
Wall color: Benjamin Moore HC-93 Carrington Beige
Do not underestimate the value in what you can find on Craigslist!!! You'd be amazed. Just use good safety practices. Try not to go alone. If you do, let someone know where you are. Have them call your cell to check on you while you are there. When possible, meet at a public place. The mantel was removed due to a remodel. Our gain!!! A little cleaning, light sanding and paint had it looking brand new!
Happy Spring Everyone!
Link Parties that OSH parties at on occasion! Sunday: DIY Show Off Monday: Between Naps on the Porch, Home Storis A to Z Tuesday: Not Just A Housewife, The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse and Inspire Me Party at A Stroll Thru Life, Setting for Four ā Project Inspire{d}, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style Thursday: My Repurposed Life, From My Front Porch to Yours, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life ,No Minimalist Here , Imparting Grace Friday: French Country Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday, Common Ground, The Charm of Home, Rooted in Thyme, Imparting Grace, Keep Calm and Link Up, My Romantic Home ā Show and Tell Friday, Craftberry Bush ā Inspiration Gallery Friday, SnapCreativity ā Show and Tell, Tatertots and Jello
Katie says
Your mantel wall looks great and I LOVE that wood sign!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Katie!!! XXOO Christy
Emily says
I love this! So beautiful!
We would love for you to come and link up at Your Designs This Time, Mondays 8:00am EST.
http://www.elizabethjoandesigns.com
Christy says
Thanks so much, Emily! It really was a fun project! XXOO Christy
Sheryll & Critters. says
Oh so much better & so gorgeous.
Christy says
Thanks so much sweet friend! Hope you are doing well! Hugs ~Christy
Jen says
Absolutely fabulous!!!
And the sign…..that sign is perfect!
Christy says
Thank you so very much!!! Happy spring! š ~Christy
Jeanette says
Amazing before and after!!! I love bead board and crisp white. Plus the simple spring decor welcomes everyone home sweet home! ~Jeanette
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jeanette!!! It was a fun project. I moved away from bright white 10 years ago, but really loving it again! ~Christy
Our Family Inspired Home says
What a difference! Looks great, nice job!
Christy says
Thanks so much!! We are very pleased with it!! XXOO Christy
Tami says
Christy, great job on the design and makeover. It really brightened up the space tremendously! And of course your pallet sign is the icing on the cake!
~Tami
Christy says
Tami, you are so sweet! Thanks! I wish I could have more jobs like that!! Just direct and tell them what to do! LOL!!! XXOO Christy
Leslie says
Gurl! It’s gorgeous! Like you!
I have been anxious to see this house you are re-doing!
It will sell super-fast–the cottage-y touches you are adding are so warm and homey!
Love ya!
Christy says
Awww, thanks so much sweet friend!!! It was really a fun project! I just directed and told them what to do! LOL! It is under contract now as of Monday! Yippee!!! I’m doing a slip cover round up if you have a tutorial you want me to include. Just message me! Lunch soon?? I’d love to see what all new you’ve done! XXOO Christy
Amy says
Wow! The transformation is amazing! I love the mantel, it makes such a difference! Thank so much for sharing!
Christy says
Thanks so much!!! XXOO Christy
Leslie says
WOW!!! What a difference some paint makes. This is so fresh! I love the HSH wall art.
Christy says
Thanks you so much! It was a gratifying project!!! XXOO Christy
Heather says
You really lightened up the space and doing it economically is even better. Painting the bookcase white was a good choice. Great job!
Christy says
Thanks bunches!!! I’m ready to do it again!! XXOO Christy
KC says
What a gorgeous transformation! I recently painted our fireplace and LOVE the difference it makes. You did such a great job on the whole wall. Love the new look and the price for the new look.
KC
Christy says
Thanks, KC!!! Amazing what paint will do! I’m ready to transform another one! ~Christy
Gabi says
What a fabulous job ! The transformation was amazing. Who wouldn’t want to move right in? You have such a great vision to see the potential.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Gabi!!! You are so sweet! It actually went under contract Monday! Yippee!!! ~Christy
Kathe says
The transformation is amazing Christy! Beautiful!
Christy says
Thanks so much! It really was a fun project!! ~Christy
Jean from Georgia says
What a beautiful transformation. Cannot wait to see what you do with the bookshelves.
Christy says
Thanks so much!!!Have a great day!!! ~Christy
Nancy says
What a difference!! It turned out just beautiful Christy!! Love the tile!
xo
Nancy
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nancy!!! I love that color so much that I want to paint it everywhere now! LOL! Have a wonderful week! ~Christy
Cecilia says
What a difference! It looks so inviting now.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cecilia! It was really a fun project!! ~Christy
martina says
Great job my friend…I LOVE IT!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Martina!!! It was a fun project. Loving that neutral color!!! Happy St. Patty’s Day to ya! ~Christy
Rebecca E. Parsons ( says
Love the beadboard detail…it makes the whole area pop. Great idea. The room is going to be delightful when completed.
Christy says
Thanks so much!!! It was fun project!!! Happy Spring! ~Christy
Paula says
The addition of bead board, a mantel, and a new hearth base completely change the look of this fireplace. The white paint brightens the room and definitely gives it a cottage feel. I love the changes you made and can’t imagine that this home will be on the market for long!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Paula!!! I so wish I could start to add those colors to my home for a little change! Happy Spring! ~Christy