From Bland to Grand

The little fireplace that could

By Jim Connelly & Peter De Sousa
March 2009

Scale of the challenge

There are several fireplaces that serve as a main architectural focal point in the various rooms of this majestic home. One of these fireplaces was situated in the breakfast eating area – a less formal environment. Our client complained that the scale of the fire insert and surround was too small in relationship to the room and had absolutely no personality. Peter and I had to agree.

Since changing the scale of the room was not an option, we decided to "punch up" the fireplace by adding a new wooden mantle as well as paneling that went all the way to the top of the doorframes on either side of the fireplace. We added a decorative molding to the mantle and wooden paneling. This totally transformed the fireplace giving it a grander scale and sophisticated design.

Reducing stress in the workplace

Now comes the fun part! The fireplace needed to be slightly distressed – and what a great way to release stress! Using a hammer, a utility knife and a large nail we banged and dinged the surface of the paneling, made some worm holes with the nail and cut some small cracks into the surface. It helps to be in a bad mood when doing this part of the process! With a Scotsman and Portuguese guy working together day in and day out that’s not difficult! We didn’t overdo this process, as our client didn’t want the look to be too rustic and artificial; restraint is an asset!

Next step – fill all the new carpentry nail holes and visible seams in the paneling, then paint with a tinted oil primer and finish with a beautiful historical green basecoat. (Our client had selected the colour from our paint chart for the two applications needed). We then combined a rich gold metallic paint with historical green to make the decorative molding pop out, and thus added a stronger architectural element to the fireplace.

From bland to beautiful

The fireplace surround was made from a textured plaster and the colour was just too bland and pale in colour, we therefore selected a richer earth tone inspired by the beautiful floor and by rubbing over the surround with a tinted acrylic glaze, we changed the colour completely

Once satisfied with the result, we added some darker glaze in the corners and edges of the fireplace surround and created an aged and much more interesting patina to the overall visual presentation. Adding two antique wall sconces and a beautiful painting completed the final transformation.

Worming our way to success!

Our clients were extremely happy with the finished project but now found their pristine and new-looking kitchen table distinctly out of place as it stood beside this grand old fireplace. Oh joy, there is a God, more distressing to be done!

We hacked at the edges of the table top with great glee using the utility knife, banged the surface and legs with the hammer and created wormholes with our trusty nail. I have to say that’s our favorite part of the process nothing makes the whole transformation look more realistic than wormholes.

We mixed two warm wood stain colours and created a soft, rich patina on the surface and legs of the table, then sealed everything with a satin oil varnish.

Both projects compliment each other and our clients are immensely pleased with the results.

Although we tried, no amount of convincing would make them give in to distressing the doors and frames, but tomorrow is another day and once again, the worm nail will turn in our favour …