Monday, June 14, 2010

Progress Pictures

Today's post doesn't have the usual eye candy...unless you dig construction photos. But, these photos are eye candy to me because my dream of having a proper fireplace mantel, plus bookcase built-ins, is coming true!

My father-in-law spent the weekend with us to help Carter tackle this project in our living room, and the guys got a ton done in two days.

Here is what we were starting with - a very thick moulding around our brick hearth:


I thought about the mantel design for months with different concept sketches and decorative ideas, but wasn't coming up with anything great - until I came across this image on Flickr. It had the simple lines I was after, plus the bonus of showing the mantel tied in with low bookcases:


So, we used this photo for inspiration - and after some adjustments and dimension-sketching to make it work for our actual space, we they got started.

Here are some progress pictures:













By last night, the mantel was finished and the left-side bookcase was over halfway done! I'm thrilled with how it is coming along, and I think Carter has learned enough from his dad to finish up the job. Woohoo!

The mantel and the top of the bookcases are nice and wide, so I'll have a field day decorating those. And we'll finally have a spot for family photo frames, books and all the little items that make a space feel lived in (and I can stop staring at a big blank wall).

I'll post some update pictures when it's all installed!

16 comments:

  1. Wow, I'm always impressed by handy men. It looks like it's going to come out wonderfully!

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  2. Wow! It already looks amazing. How long did it take them to get to that point? You married well, D. Keep us posted with pics.

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  3. Boy did I ever, Elise. Handy and handsome...the perfect combination.

    The last picture was about lunch on Sunday, so from Saturday morning through Sunday night, they finished the mantel and were about 50% done with the left bookcase.

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  4. Wow, Looks great. Maybe I can show this to my husband and he will get the hint :) Can't wait to see final pics of the decorated shelves.

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  5. So exciting, Daniela! Can't wait to see all the after photos!

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  6. Send them over when they're done....pity AZ is so far away :)
    I can't wait to see more.

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  7. Anonymous6/14/2010

    That will look amazing! Quite a DIY job! Can't wait to see the finished product!

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  8. This is going to look great....so jealous your hubby is handy!

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  9. ..excited to see the after photos! What color are you going for?

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  10. Definitely painting it white, Digs, but I'm not sure if I'll leave the inside of the bookcases green to match the walls, or go for white on those as well.

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  11. umm, can Carter and his dad come out to my house pleeease! What I wouldn't do for some built-ins surrounding my fireplace!

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  12. Janet Marks6/16/2010

    I am always impressed by what Carter and Jerry can do. The mantel looks gorgeous and can hardly wait to see the finished product. I know I am prejudiced, but those guys do FABULOUS work!!!

    Love,
    Janet

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  13. Amazing! What a handy husband and FIL you have! Lucky!! Cannot wait to see the finished result.

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  14. Love it, I think you made a great choice! I cant wait to see it all finished and painted.

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  15. So what's the next project...the deck, basement or other?

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