Hi all:

We are in the process of updating our 1987 home to give it a cleaner and more mid-century style look. It's a one story on a lakefront lot . We have replaced popcorn ceilings with white tongue in groove and are in the process of refinishing provincial-stained oak to a more natural look.

I'm providing two photos showing the current furnishings to be use in this room (although the heavy coffee table and server piece to the right of the fireplace won't be in the refinished room).

I'm looking at the mantel, which is really heavy in my opinion. We don't know if it had the extra molding added to hide something or if the previous owners just liked everything more ornate (I am leaning towards the later based on crystal chandeliers that used to be above my breakfast bar in the kitchen). In any event, before we remove it i am wondering...would it make sense to paint the mantel a two-tone color to make just the main surface pop? It's currently still the antique white that used to trim this house, and we are changing the moldings and trim to all bright white to match with the lighter decor.

The fireplace brick also needs cleaning (dusty) and I'd like to update the glass doors since we no longer have brass as a compliment in the house, having moved more towards brushe nickel, etc.

the above photo is the "before" with the darker floors. We are not wed to the rest of this furniture, either.

This is the current look (the floors are being finished natural as we speak)...pardon the dog butt LOL.

Thanks for any advice!