Independence Mantel

An overpowering stone veneer surrounding this fireplace clashed with the style of my client.

After removing the stone veneer, this custom mantel was designed and installed to better match the antiques and oriental rugs planned for the room.

Deep profiles will create complimentary shadow lines, and the walls will be painted a contrasting color.

The work included a natural stone tile around the fireplace box and a mantel built entirely from scratch.

The end result is a mantel that will be at home with the fine furnishings in the room.

My client, now retired and moving from a house to a condo in Independence, New Jersey, was vexed about one thing. The brutish stone veneer surrounding the fireplace was decidedly at odds with the antiques she wished to put in the space.

My client wanted something a little more refined but not overpowering, and something that would not break the bank. After removing the veneer I found a way to work with the existing substrate. I designed a custom mantel on paper and then used a mix of store bought and shop-made millwork to bring the design to life.

Much of it was built on site. My client was thrilled with the transformation and she was still deciding on paint colors when these pictures were snapped.

--John Painter, Owner