Mini Mantel Makeover

This year when the Christmas decorations came down, I felt like the mantle/fireplace in our living room needed a little sprucing up.  I decided to plank the space above the mantle and add tile to the fireplace surround.

I love the way it brightened up the space and added a little more of a focal point to that wall.  The windows on each side of the fireplace and built-ins have always made this wall a little busy.  The height the planked wall added definitely helped with making the fireplace the feature of the wall.

I made a small box from some recycled pallet wood my neighbors were throwing out.  A little greenery, a few antique books and a wicker basket were the perfect fit for the box.  I picked up the wicker mirror and glass lanterns from Ross.   

I found these pretty glass tiles at Home Depot to add to the surround.  I like the way it pulled all the colors in the room together. 

I used 4' long craft boards from Lowe's for the planked wall above the mantle.  I needed to find thin boards since they would meet the crown molding at the top.  Our local Lowe's had a great sale after Christmas so I was able to get them for next to nothing.