Dear Julie: Building a mantel is not a difficult do-it-yourself task. If you think adding a complete wood surround is beyond your skill level, try just cleaning the bricks first. With a good cleaning, ...

Whenever we finish a big project - in this case, a privacy fence in our backyard made out of doors - I think, we need to chill out for a while before we start something new. But then I read blogs or ...

Most of us have fireplace mantels, but we don’t know what to put on them. And that’s a shame, because the fireplace is a room’s focal point, and the hearth is the heart of a home. The best mantel ...

A fireplace mantel is more than simply another area to display decor in your home. It makes a statement about your style from the moment guests arrive – and that’s especially true during the holidays.

If you're spending time near your fireplace these cold days, you may have noticed that your mantel -- cleared of all holiday decor -- could use a winter makeover. And why not? "I think a fireplace ...

Spring is in the air, and now is the time to ditch darker colors, along with heavy materials and textures to welcome all things that embody the renewal that comes with the season. While a fireplace ...

The holidays have come and gone. Yet winter lingers, and we in the Pacific Northwest are left with several more months of cold rain, early sunsets and gray days. To lift your spirits and escape the ...

Which fireplace mantel should you buy? There are many accent pieces in your living room that complete its overall aesthetic. The extra furnishings go a long way toward making your home feel cozy and ...