When I know a home project is inevitable, I tend to really, really dwell on it. Like HARD. And that has been the case with our fireplace & mantle area since we moved in three-ish years ago. I don’t love it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I sort of hate that area of our home. It’s just…undone and antiquated. For reference…
The dream remains to remove the mantle/tiles and replace with shiplap to the ceiling and a large, simple beam mantle. Easy peasy. 😉 As other projects have taken priority over this one, it’s just remained…undone and antiquated. Until…like so many other Lady Chenry stories begin…a bee got in my bonnet!
One random weekend, I just grabbed a can of paint and started painting the tiles and mantle because…in my head and heart…I knew I couldn’t hate it any worse, so why not try?!? After the first coat, I knew this Band-Aid project could work.
I didn’t hate it. I kept painting…three coats in total. And then my attention moved to the standing shelves on each side. A little cluttered. So, I decided to go with white floating shelves to bring a since of clean, bright organization to the space.
Much better! But, in a classic “give a mouse a cookie” scenario, I realized I needed some lighting. Unfortunately, there aren’t any outlets or functionalities placed where I need them, but never fret…the internet had a solution! Thanks to Nesting with Grace (check out her adorable blog here!), I had a plan!
All you need are lighting fixtures, LED puck lights, and this nifty little tool from Home Depot! I have everything linked below but, here is a close up of what I purchased at Home Depot:
Let’s get crackin’! First, I used the adhesive strip that came with the LED puck lights to connect the PVC piece to the back of the light. The backs twist off to replace batteries so it’s really simple to place in the center.
Next, after placing in the AA batteries, I twisted the full device in just as I would a light bulb!
And then the awesome hubs…or more appropriately for this blog, Mister Chenry…drilled the lights into the wall after careful measuring…
And voila…let there be light!
Now, the dream remains to shiplap to the ceiling and replace the mantle. But for now, I’m super pleased with the Band-Aid! I might even add a cabinet or small dresser under the shelves…only time will tell! 😉
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