A Sensible Chic Kitchen Mantle ?

**I know everyone has seen this post a bunch--- but it is my only, MAGAZINE COPY that I've ever done.  Not big into those, really. But it was fun. 

So, I'm posting here at Debbie Doos 

If you're here from her party WELCOME! AND...  for the first time ever you get to see my Kitchen mantle... Enjoy! 

Did you ever watch that show? Sensible Chic--- they take a Ritzy  HIGH-END professionally-decorated room and make it over for you on the cheap. Some times they come pretty close to the original. 

It was one of the favorites that I'd watch on HGTV the year we had dish. It doesn't take long to get addicted to that channel. But... I'm not really a TV watcher so I don't miss the dish now that we no longer have it (we only had it year anyway) 

I always thought it would be cool to do a Sensible Chic - MAKEOVER

Because, well, honestly... I am just stumped for ideas when it comes to decorating!  I haven't gotten out of the 'old decor'- meaning I still decorate my same ol' way.  But more than anything I want my home to look current. FRESH!  So I check out YOUR BLOGS and I read magazines and I come up with ideas to give a twist and make my own. 

But last week I came across a picture on the front of this magazine and said," I want that mantle for my kitchen!" 

**BHG special interest publication

(sorry the only photo I could find was the cover picture) 

In the article there is no price given for the mantle in this picture; so I don't know what to price compare really.  I only know what spent on ours. See for yourself.  I'm absolutely 

THRILLED TO SEE HOW IT TURNED OUT! 

 They finished their mantle off with crown molding and that is to be another project in our kitchen hopefully soon; But for now I couldn't be happier with my new mantle.  I think it sets off my 1956 Chambers Range so nicely.  For years I've thought my range just sat there looking like a sore thumb and then I found the perfect stainless steel vent hood to compliment it by Broan ... and now... 

I think this mantle gives it PRESENCE !!!!! 

So... 
what do you think? 
I copied some of the detail like the picture frame/molding panel and the crown molding shelf.  They aren't so noticeable --  I probably need to do a glaze treatment or some distressing to make them POP AND STAND OUT.


Not bad for $26.00- huh? That's including a $5.00 can BLACK oops! paint. The shelf I scored last year sometime at Bargain Land for $1 and the small molding I had in my stash,also from Bargain Land. I even cut out the corbels myself and saved $12.00  or $100 (depending on which ones you buy from Lowe's) Here they are side by side: 

I know I cheated and I didn't make-over a whole room; but our Sensible Chic kitchen is a work in progress. If you remember (and you probably don't) I like what is called an UNFITTED KITCHEN-- meaning it doesn't all matchy-match and it looks like an old kitchen with furniture pieces instead of a set of cabinets. Highly functional- but put together over time. 

That's what I've been up to the last couple of days just thught I'd share it with you and see what you thought. 

God Bless you and Thanks for reading!  

(I'm so thankful I have the internet again-- wink!) 

***EDITED~ I'm adding this  BEFORE PHOTO 

and posting to 

The Virginia House 

We Can Do it Cheaper Monthly Party