Is this really ugly???

11 years ago

I mosaic mirror tiled the top of my mantel and now I'm not sure I like it. Grrrr I had this in my mind for a long time and I was always too scared to commit my mantel to it. But I went ahead and did it. I like it ok. But I'm really finding it hard to make it work with the rest of my "eclectic, shabby chic, boho comfy (I'm not really sure what to call it) style.. Is it ugly? Should I paint the grout white? Should I paint some of the trim black? Help. I don't even know how to begin taking it down... It is grouted in. One more side note... We are hoping to sell this townhouse in the next 6 months. Thank you for advise and feedback. I am so grateful:-)

Featured Answer

zazfuzzroc

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Hi, just wanted to drop off this link from Houzz. Take notice of how much better the fireplace looks with the upper part painted a similar color to the stone work in this post. All the pictures are right up top, scroll a bit, a tiny bit and see the before pictures. I hope this helps. I think if above your mantel can relate more with the stone/tile work at the bottom in terms of color, it will be a more cohesive look. And you will be happy. :) Again, Good luck! :)

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/a-houzzcom-miracle-thank-you-people-of-houzz-dsvw-vd~1362315

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Comments (26)

User
11 years ago
Actually the problem might be its too glam for the space, add some more sparkle around the room to balance it out.
User
11 years ago
I think I like it, hard to tell pictures from real world, but I think you did an awesome job.
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Deb Hopper
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok that's what I think too( that it's too glam) it doesn't look right with the rest of our space. I thought it would be easy to make it work with a few "Mercury glass items" but i guess I feel like it's so IN YOUR FACE that I find myself trying to tone down the silver. Should I paint the wall above it? Or some black around the white molding or I was even thinking of spraying it with the spray paint frosted glass to just take some of the edge off.
User
11 years ago
Leave it be, big changes take time to absorb, act don't react.
Ryan
11 years ago
I don't mind it at all; agree with everyone else. Add your mercury glass to the mantle, sit back, and enjoy your finished project. (I will say that if the brick around your fireplace was painted to match your walls, or darker, then the mantle and molding would pop a little)
lc21
11 years ago
I like it actually
Joy
11 years ago
I think it is quite lovely, original and a statement piece. I agree with the other advice. Sit back and live with it. Change takes time.
andi777
11 years ago
I love it !
shivece
11 years ago
I like it. I think I would like it better if the mantle was a lighter gray to soften the contrast just a little.
rocketjcat
11 years ago
Love it. Add lots of mercury glass in candle sticks and vases on the mantel and lamps around the room. I would suggest painting the white molding on the floor in dark gray to match the floor tiles. I currently looks like a big arrow pointing somewhere. In the picture if you block that floor molding out with your hand, the fireplace immediately looks toned down and not as 'in your face'. Just a thought.
PRO
Dytecture
11 years ago
Also going with "not ugly" at all. Quite unique tiles.
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
I like it, there's nothing wrong with a little sparkle, really. ;) I would have done it down each side too. I'm not suggesting that for you, since you're unsure about this, but I think it would look nice. Agree with @rocketjcat about the floor molding.....I would try that. Good luck. :) It really is nice, great job! :)
dclostboy
11 years ago
Paint the mantle and molding (including floor molding) black. Paint the upper chimney bricks a darker gray / slate. Would tone everything down and ensure fireplace is focal feature in room.
Deb Hopper
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok thank you everyone. I will paint the bottom white trim the slate gray like the tiles. I see now that is really distracting. I'll take a post-paint pic too so you can see and also a pic in the daylight. It's hard to see from this pic just how "bright" it is. Or just how loud?? Maybe. But I sure do appreciate the feedback!!!!!!!!!
Carol Singletary
11 years ago
I think it is a wonderfully unique fireplace. I just don't like the white trim, especially around the hearth. Otherwise. Lovely job!
PRO
Indoors & Out Designs, Debbie Truesdale, Owner
11 years ago
I think painting it will make it blend more with the room. I especially don't like that molding on the floor. Schluter (found in flooring stores) has a transition that you could put in between the tile and the flooring that looks great. If you can slip a small chair and table close to the fireplace it would give the fireplace a purpose and not seem so nonessential.
slt3969
11 years ago
yes!
Rosanne
11 years ago
Like the mosaic. Don't like the white molding on the floor. Chang it to match the floor.
Nancy Travisinteriors
11 years ago
I love it. Why didn't you do floor and sides. It looks half finished. It's a contemporary look.
Nancy Travisinteriors
11 years ago
I would add a big bold piece of art to other side. Not really liking clock. Find something with some color instead.
Nancy Travisinteriors
11 years ago
Add small pots to ends in color from glass. Mix with black.
Nancy Travisinteriors
11 years ago
Z Galleries carries great art.
madamer
11 years ago
I like it. It's kind of art deco or Jugendstil.
janroze
11 years ago
It is not my taste, but it is OK. What I would like is to see the clock on a wall and nothing or a collection of photos on both side of the FP to balance it out.
Nancy Travisinteriors
11 years ago
If you are moving, just make wall look nice over fireplace. I don't think glass on firepl will make or break a deal.