#5 Fix Things or Build Stuff

A view of the old brick and the early mantle.

We painted the brick with 2 colors.

 

The mantle is stained a dark walnut.

I have been reading the new cookbook from Southern Living.  Heirloom Recipe Cookbook, the food we love from the times we treasure.  Along with short essays about all things Southern, it contains recipes from the 50s and 60s with some recipe updates for the way we cook today.

One of the essays is titled, Fifteen Ways to Charm Her.   #5 is Fix things or build stuff.  The author Amy Bickers writes, "I once watched in awe as my step-father built a front porch on the house he shares with my mother. He knew just what to do, cutting every notch, hammering every nail. The project was complete by sunset."

I am married to just such a charming southern guy!
 

We were both unhappy hating the old mantle.  It was the builder's mantle and we had removed the dentil molding several years ago. (An unfinished project.)  James built and finished the new mantle - PERFECT!
He also helped me paint the brick on the fireplace.  After much deliberation and 4 paint samples, we decided on 2 colors. A warm toasty brown and a medium caramel color transformed the brick to a pleasing palate that blends with the walnut of the mantle and the rest of the room. 

I am in awe every day of how hard he works to make my decorating ideas come to life. 

Thank you,

My wonderful southern guy!...

.....TravelLady