I’ve learned from this project of ours that sometimes the little things make the biggest difference. A few weeks ago we did some minor work to our downstairs fireplaces, and I’m very happy with the results! A touch of varnish and a bit of paint goes a long way!
I thought about giving you a full tutorial post on applying varnish, but that would just be silly. It’s so so simple. For the new trim pieces that weren’t nailed down yet (in the dining room and foyer), I just set them up outside and rubbed them down with a paper towel with several coats of wood varnish. They dry so quickly that I was able to start the next coat as soon as I got finished with the one before.
In the den, I just stained the original trim pieces by taping them off and using the same process. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice the difference, but the trim looks much more cohesive now.
Each of our 4 downstairs fireplaces have metal inlays and 3 have fireplace covers, and they were all looking a little sad.
So we took the Rustoleum to them just like we did the tubs. We took off the doors and sanded, primed, and painted them in a glossy black Rustoleum paint. We also painted the inlays right where they were by taping them off and using the same method.
It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do! Now these fireplaces look so fresh!
What little things have you done in your home that had a big impact?
Gorgeous Sarah! You two rock!
Thanks, Betty! :)
Hahahaha, you make it sound so easy but what I’m thinking is it was many hours of backbreaking work. But so worth it. That white fireplace is making me swoon. You guys are the best.
This was actually the easy stuff! Luckily, we had some nice weather and were able to work outside, which made everyone a lot happier! :)
I’m ALL about the DIY nowadays! Especially when I know how much clients are willing to shell out for designer finds…a few days of elbow grease and I could sell my entire lot and makes thousands!! This post is right on the money honey, I just completed a Before/After post of my fave DIY’s…would love for you to stop by and visit. Any feedback would be much appreciated!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
Haute Khuuture Blog
Love this! We had a lot of DiY in our last home, and are starting on some projects in our new home. It is always a lot of work!! But, when you finish, you enjoy it so much more!!
So true, Elizabeth! :)
Wonderful! I love that you kept the original look.
Thanks, Carmen! :)
I envy you those fireplaces. Hello from the Live Laugh Linky.
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! :)
Wow, what a refresh Sarah! You are so lucky to have all those fireplaces throughout your house. Awesome job giving them some TLC.
Thanks, Marie! :)
Bravo, amazing, stunning. Great job and what a sense of accomplishment. Stopping by from Show Me What You Got Tuesdays
Thanks for visiting, Karen! :)
Great transformation! Thanks for sharing on Worthwhile Wednesdays!
~Allie @ http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com
Thanks, Allie! :)
You are so lucky to have such beautiful original elements in your home. I love how you kept the overall look but spruced everything up and those changes did make a big difference! Thank you so much for sharing at Redouxinteriors!
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Karen! :)
Nice work! We just bought a Victorian reproduction that needs some cosmetic work. I am excited to dive in and start making little changes. Thanks for the inspiration and for linking up to Motivation Monday!
Thanks for visiting, Lauryn! Good luck with your new home–so exciting! :)
Wow! I am so envious. Those fireplaces are gorgeous and now you can actually see that. I want to steal your home. Lol. Thanks again for linking up with Merry Monday link party.
There have been times during this process where I might have just given it to you! ;)
I agree, little things make all the difference in the world! pinned. Thanks again, for being a part of our party. i hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. Lou Lou Girls
Thanks for linking up to Teach Me Tuesday last week. Hope to see you again this week. http://3glol.net/2014/06/16/teach-tuesday-3glol-8/
Have a great day!
Congratulations! You’ve been featured on Wicked Awesome Wednesday! Beautiful addition to the hearth! Feel free to stop by the website and pick up your “I’ve Been Featured!” button.