So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Choosing a Fireplace Mantel

By Brian Johnson

When remodeling a room, start with the focal point. The focal point of any room with a fireplace, is the fireplace. First, determine the color scheme. This decision is based of course on the fireplace and mantel. The style of the room will be based on the style, make and color of the fireplace and mantel. This is crucial in making the room feel complete.

When choosing the fireplace mantel for your home, there are a few important decisions to make. First, determine on the style of your room before making any other decesions, choose what the mantel would be made of and decide on the color scheme of the mantel.

This first decision made will influence all other decisions made from here on out. When you are designing a sitting room you may want a more tradition looking mantel, while a family room could have a casual look. Whichever style is chosen, there will be multiple options for colors and finishes.

The next step is resolving on the make of the mantel. More than likely the most general choice for mantels is the wooden shelf. Wooden mantels do not limit you at all with style. There is the plain old wooden shelf mantel. There is the traditional. The causual three sided mantel and there is the surround-free standing mantel.

If you would like something other than wood, stone or granite is another choice. This is in all probability the most pricey option but evidently has the most appeal. This material could be used to make a plain or complex mantel, either one are extremely luxurious. Cast stone would be yet another choice. This gives you the expensive stone look by making use of veneer stones.

And at last, resolving the color of the mantel. The two basic options are paint or stain. Typically painted wooden mantels are either white or black, but a less common color would make for a unique look. While stain is a bit more of a process, there is more variety. There are endless options of colors of stain and each stain can vary as too how many coats are applied - less stain for a lighter look and more stain for a deeper, darker look. In addition to the stain, varnish needs to be applied. For a dull look, apply less varnish and for the glossy look apply more varnish.

Whether you choose wooden, granite or stone, be sure the colors and look of the mantel compliment the room.

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