Revamp existing mantle of fireplace

[allendog]

Hi, AAMers/DIYers.
We're giving the sitting-room a makeover. Since the room is rather small and the mantle is rather overbearing and too fancy, being mahogany with escutheons, scrolls, etc, I'm looking at the possibility of having the mantle sanded down and painted in a lighter colour - maybe with a 'distressed' or 'limed' look. The surround and hearth is white marble, and the whole fireplace had been installed as new about 15 years ago.
Is it possible to change the look of the mahogany mantel using paint? Had considered changing the fireplace, but it'd cost around E2K(!)
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Allendog

 

[lab-rat]

Hi, AAMers/DIYers.
We're giving the sitting-room a makeover. Since the room is rather small and the mantle is rather overbearing and too fancy, being mahogany with escutheons, scrolls, etc, I'm looking at the possibility of having the mantle sanded down and painted in a lighter colour - maybe with a 'distressed' or 'limed' look. The surround and hearth is white marble, and the whole fireplace had been installed as new about 15 years ago.
Is it possible to change the look of the mahogany mantel using paint? Had considered changing the fireplace, but it'd cost around E2K(!)
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Allendog

Hi Allendog,
The folks want to do the same. Did you look into painting the mahogany surround? They were thinking of painting it cream or black, to try and update it a little without the major expense of changing the whole thing