For 6 years we lived with an ugly, out of scale builders grade mantel that I couldn't wait to tear out! Turns out it made the perfect support for my new custom, one of a kind mantel. I conceived, designed and had this piece built onsite by my favorite carpenter. I wanted it to look like a continuous piece of wood that wrapped around on the edges, like I had seen done on benches, but with a live edge on the bottom not the top. When brainstorming it I couldn't find ONE image of anything close to my vision (let alone be able to simply purchase a ready made one). This is a hand chosen, stunning Bubinga plank and it's feature is the variegated wood tones - it "goes with" everything! I also had the floating picture frame custom made to make my favorite tree canvas art more in scale with the fireplace and wall. This tree stands next to our fire pit in Door County, WI and is a favorite view we wanted to bring home. The two trunks are antique indonesian pieces. The one on the left holds my firewood in the winter and the one on the right is the perfect place to store all of the media components. Cathy Zaeske