Okay, so here’s the deal—I’m really not a blogger. Writing blog posts feels kind of like leaving my house without a hat on. But one of my goals this year is to actually document my projects better, because I always get asked for the before and afters, and honestly… it’s fun to look back on how far a space can come. So here we are. Welcome to the start of my blog, where I’ll be sharing some of my favorite transformations—messy thoughts, magic, and all.
And what better way to kick things off than with one of my all-time favorite glow-ups: a dining room fireplace that went from dark and dated to bright, bold, and just the right amount of witchy.
Step One: Whitewashing the Brick
When I first saw this fireplace, the brick had character but felt heavy, dragging the whole room down. A simple whitewash was the answer—it softened the tones, kept the texture, and instantly brightened the space. Whitewashing is such a great way to refresh brick while still letting its story peek through.
Step Two: Saying Goodbye to the Old Mantel
The small wooden mantel wasn’t doing the room any favors. We swapped it for a custom-built surround in crisp white, with stronger lines that give the whole thing more presence. It immediately became the focal point of the dining room.
Step Three: Adding Moulding for Extra Dimension
This is where the magic really happens. Adding moulding above the mantel framed the space, drew the eye upward, and gave the fireplace that timeless, architectural feel. Styled with an oval mirror and fresh greenery, it became more than just a fireplace—it became the heartbeat of the room.
The Result: Warmth, Elegance, and a Hint of Enchantment ✨
What was once a dark, forgotten corner is now a bright and welcoming centerpiece. It’s proof that you don’t have to gut a space to change its entire energy—sometimes it’s just about thoughtful updates, layering details, and a little creativity.
✨ Thinking about refreshing your own space? Whether it’s a fireplace, a full room makeover, or just adding magical touches, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
👉 Watch me put this fireplace together over on Instagram
👉 Explore more of my work at Bohemian Enigma Design