Exploring Deep Space - Faux Fireplace Overhaul

I started this project on a whim, with no plans or expectations.  As you may have read in my previous post, Color Spotlight: Gray Owl, the entire upstairs got a paint job.  Well, most of the entire upstairs with the exception of this little faux fireplace built-in.  Behind all of that was a big, patchy, multicolored mess from all the years of painting and repainting.  

To be truthful, when the faux fireplace was installed four years ago?? it was never actually completed.  There was a lot of trim work that was missing because, eh.  

I really loved the concept of having said faux fireplace bookshelf thing, but to be honest, it was way too crowded in our living room space.  Initially, the faux fireplace bookshelf worked within the space, however, when Shane built the Tree Rings cabinet, the space got pretty jammed.  Now, being the minimalist I am, the cramped space totally bummed me out.  So much that I found my nutcase self moving the other pieces of furniture around on a weekly basis, only to move it back, then back the other way.  Last week I finally came to my senses, realizing that the living room was never going to look right until I did something about the giant mass sitting dab smack in the middle of the room.  So, I did what any loonie would do on their lunch break; I grabbed the rubber mallet and gave the fireplace a few knocks.  By the time my break was over, the shelf was successfully removed.  

Board by board, I deconstructed the built-in until I only had the mantle part remaining.  The mantle itself had absolutely no support, wiggling and wobbling, ready to snap under the weight of the top. So, I leaned it up against the wall and called it quits.  Because, well, no plans or expectations.

Time had passed and I still didn't have a clue what I was going to do with this mantle.  I really wanted to utilize it somehow.  I love a tiny house, but lately I am realizing how quickly we are running out of space for unique additions such as this.

I made a trip to the garage and found some wood scrap pieces; reconstructing the base of the mantle.  But even after adding the scrap pieces, the mantle was still movin' and shakin'.

After sorting through the pile of extra wood from disassembling the faux mantle, I found a few pieces that would aide in increasing support, and secured them to the back of the mantle with a nail gun.

The mantle went from 20 pounds to 50, I swear.  But, it wasn't going anywhere.  I mean, literally.  It just hung out.  It wasn't until Big Bull Gretzky spotted a crow in the tree eight houses down, freaked out and bumped the mantle.  In slow motion the mantle leaned farther and farther and because I am such a badass, I ran to rescue the 50 pound tipping mantle, catching it with my now bruised bicep. Girl power.

The mantle was in fact heavy AF.  My bruised bicep told me so, but it was certainly not secure.  The final decision on location needed to speed up, which resulted in the mantle sliding two feet, right into the dining room.  A few anchors and furniture wall straps later, the mantle was secure.  This time it really wasn't going anywhere.

The faux fireplace has seen it's share of dings and dents.  After some patching and sanding, the mantle was looking a little hot and a little messy.  Since I conveniently ran out of the Gray Squirrel paint by Benjamin Moore (it molded), the opportunity to explore other colors presented itself.

Side Note: My husband loves outer space.  He told me once (several times really) that if we never met, he would have been first in line for the Mars Project.  It's close, but I'd say he loves me more than the solar system.

Up until this very moment, Shane just thought I was crazy for moving shit around, again.  He's right.  And to thank him for putting up with me, I wanted to incorporate a color just for him.  I present to you, Deep Space by Benjamin Moore.  It's a very dark, slate-like blue.  Needless to say, he was a fan.

So was I.  Now we can make routine visits to deep space anytime! And seriously? Check out that sexy trim job.

I really liked the idea of having shelves in the mantle, but as I said before, it was just too much noise in such a small area.  The noise was accompanied by anxiety when it came to decorating, and more to dust.  Now, I can still decorate the mantle for all seasons, but it isn't hoarding space in the process.  Just clean, simple, lines.  The best part is the mantle is officially portable, which means endless possibilities!  Maybe I'll move it somewhere else in a week?  The odds are always good.

The mantle is more or less a piece of wall art now; similar to the chair at the Walker that's adhered to the wall with two legs and a tissue box sitting on top.  Seriously.

The other side of the room is a different story.  I'm currently on the hunt for a decent MCM or Danish inspired credenza/media console that doesn't cost a mortgage payment.  Until then, the remaining built-in piece is going to have to hang out until I'm ready for it.  It's a start anyway.  Wishing you all a fabulous first day of spring!