Living Room Makeover Ep2 *DIY BRICK HEARTH & BOOKSHELVES* | XO, MaCenna

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Last episode in our living room makeover we tackled the fireplace wall, adding a plaster texture and restoring our salvaged vintage mantle. This week we are continuing to make pretty progress by DIYing our brick hearth and building out our bookshelves
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❥ XO, MaCenna
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[@gigik6334]

I am trying to imagine how proud you must be feeling, can't wrap my head around it. This is a whole house that MaCenna built!

[@Cherrysmith2809]

It’s a stupendous achievement, isn’t it?

[@waterbitten]

I love that, the house that MaCenna built.

[@cheekyllamacreations]

Oh my goodness, I was actually overcome by an overwhelming emotional feeling when I read these comments! I am so in awe of MaCenna’s skills, style, dedication and enthusiasm for this wonderful project “The House that MaCenna Built” how wonderful 🤗

[@jenniferhuynh2090]

Seriously what I was thinking while watching this. She is so awesome!

[@moonchild2171]

She could get a second job as a house builder! Lol. What a very talented young lady she is. X

[@veronicasalazar-garcia5299]

The floating shelf is a good idea. You spent so much time salvaging that beadboard, you really should showcase it. Love it so far.

[@heidil.4651]

I absolutely LOVE everything “we” accomplished today!!😂😂 I love that you always say “we did it!” I’m literally still in my pajamas while you bust your ass for us! 🥰🥰🥰

[@waterbitten]

Lol. I always laugh when she says "we".

[@Amal_hope11]

Me too Just woke up and accomplished all of this !!😂😂

[@taragould4144]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thefunkysway4634]

I give Kinsley so much credit for her persistence in trying to engage you in play through the entire build. I give you credit for an amazing job done. So in love with this project. Keep the brick color, adds a bit of warmth.

[@michellebee7528]

Kinsley is definitely a highlight for me! She is so sweet!

[@dwagnerful]

Yeah, love the renovation vlogs best!!! The brick hearth is nice. Don't paint it...use a wash. The color of brick is pretty and natural with the floors, wainscoting. Painting it would be too matchy-matchy. You're going to love the look of fireplace once you blacken the interior inside. It's going to look fabulous 😍

[@cmitchell7347]

Agreed. Also, may be the only one who loves the mantel, as is. The light color may not be 'moody' but the play of light and shadow on the details will be lost if dark/painted. Despite all the reno, would like to see some of the interior design retain a rustic appearance which feels more 'cottage-y' ...with elements consistent with the age of the structure.

[@jmk1962]

@@cmitchell7347 - I agree. I love the rustic look and think it would be a shame to paint it.

[@lisaduncan6923]

I agree! I love the hominess and color that comes from the brick. If you decide to change the color, my mom stained her brick fireplace with wood stain. She stained each brick so you could still see the grout lines, the texture of the brick still showed and looked natural. It was great!

[@deidrecalabro5725]

Agreed do a wash then you can paint it later if it dosen't fit.

[@San11006]

Yes! I love the bricks as they are. The red does create a little bit too much of a contrast with the greenish color on the walls, but I think that it’ll look great when the bricks are slightly washed out.

[@anjleep]

I actually think that the bricks as they are now pair really nicely with the millstone gray! Everything is coming along so beautifully!

[@mccrabtree]

Same. I would love to see them just sealed

[@tzipygold6057]

Yes i agree, hope she doesn't paint the bricks!

[@sheriellis160]

me too. they match the "rich wood tones" too.

[@meganfinch1354]

I was thinking the same! Draws out the red tones in the floor! I quite like it 👏🏻 😢❤

[@sylviebarker8505]

Totally agree!! Don’t paint it it’s perfect as is!!

[@JroqFord]

Watching you become a handywoman, wood worker, construction person has been one of many parts of this series 🥰

[@ysmeine8]

I like that you used floating shelves. It allows the eyes to see the breadboard as a continuous piece rather than small squares as a backing.

[@delaneybee]

I think whatever you paint the fireplace is what you should paint the hearth!! Limewash is beautiful on brick and it’ll keep the color palette consistent while having different textures!

[@coffeek794]

Leave the hearth red over Christmas! It’s looking so festive at the moment and will make a cute memory 🥰

[@rolandaustria7926]

I agree. It’s a gorgeous color transition from the wood of the floor. It’s also borrows colors from the wainscoting of the walls. The red bricks there really makes the room cohesive!

[@wrightmissemma]

The living room is looking even better than imagined when you were describing your design plan! Love the millstone gray and the fireplace

[@charliefa8160]

Kinsley is such a little toddler, asking mum to play while mum's working ❤️❤️❤️

[@Sooz1234]

Kinsley always makes me laugh- what a character, and SO helpful when you are recording... LOVE the shelving the way you did it, and can't wait to see the whole thing done. You probably can't wait to see it done, either!

[@Edu_Kate]

I imagined her coming out painted. She's so inquisitive. 😆

[@TTMW]

Kinsley needs a little tool belt. 🥺

[@imtoolazyyyy]

we stan Kinsley!!!! 🥰

[@laurah1187]

I envy your courage and skill using all the power saws, drills, sprayers etc. My dad and husband have always been great with power tools, and I always wished I could do it, but they do scare me. So thank you MaCenna for letting me live vicariously through you! I enjoy watching your progress so much!! I too renovated a 100+ year old house, butI stuck to refinishing wood,painting,stripping wallpaper and tiling. … LOL.

[@sourisverte6791]

Hey, it means that you have tools at home, more or less ? Maybe, you can go to place where they teach you, without "scaring" you 😉. This way, you will get the knowledge And create the cabinets you like ! 😬😊

[@myothsec]

@@sourisverte6791 Thanks for the input, but I'm way too old for that now. I would have loved it when renovating my 156 yr. old house 22 years ago, but I won't be taking on those kinds of projects any more. LOL!

[@bookhexed]

Omg MaCenna I’m obsessed with the new cottage intro 🤩🤩 your vision of dream cottage is coming out to life so well. I absolutely love it 😍 so excited to see how you decorate it for the holidays 🤗 xoxo

[@Rebel_Farris]

I really think you should find a soapstone remnant for the cabinet top. It will draw in a black accent and another texture to balance out the kitchen.

[@denises9426]

I was thinking how difficult it would be to do these renovations with toddlers running around, and then I saw a little Kinsley making sure she gets her little paws into everything lol! She’s so cute. You’re doing a beautiful job as always McKenna can’t wait to see it all finished!! 🥰❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@naturallymarisa]

It definitely depends on the toddler/dog's personality. I get on the floor for a project and my dog is like, "TIME FOR PETS! IF YOU DON'T PET ME I'LL SCREAM!" 🤣🤣

[@maddiepeck8]

eeeep i love the new intro 😍 the living room is coming together so beautifully! am i the only who likes the red washed out brick?? i think it looks stunning how it is! kind of imperfect & very cozy feeling!

[@maddiepeck8]

maybe just use a lighter mortar to make a kind of german shmear look? or just to lighten up the mortar? i think it would be stunning to not paint the brick!

[@designedtothenines]

Girl! You would love having a table saw. Life changing! 💕

[@cynthialuna5786]

Love your Supervisor Kinsley. He really takes his job serious and checks everything.

[@joslynherrera1764]

I think the thing that makes this the most special is that one day your children will be able to look at these videos and really see all the hard work and love their parents put into building this home 🫶🏽 so special love what you are doing here

[@jmk1962]

I know she has such a good record of everything.

[@madzabinga8382]

Such a sweet sentiment!

[@paulamarchbanks8540]

How have you never been overwhelmed. You seem to have an enormous amount of psychic energy. You should be so proud.

[@mariemorris8092]

MaCenna the skills you have learned while renovating the cottage are impressive! It is very inspiring to watch you master new things! I love the fireplace and bookcases. Can’t wait for more.

[@meulenspitale1965]

True i agree

[@2jlangf]

Everything you touch turns to magic. Your parents should be very proud that they raised a decent, smart, nothing she can’t do woman.

[@rachelnohrden9403]

MaCenna! I love how happy and energetic you appear, always showing up and going above and beyond even though you're exhausted. This episode was A TON of work to put together for all of us fans and friends. THANK YOU. I've been watching your channel for the last 2 years and this episode is one of my TOP three favorites. There is no limit to your creativity and you inspire me not only with interior design but you inspire me to go with my gut on paint choices and design elements. Your comfort cottage has come a LONG LONG WAY this year. BRAVO to you and Romeo and mom Kathy and your Dad coming together as a family and making these dreams come true. If you look back at every little detail and project and appliance, each one is a dream that you made come true. God has really blessed you! That's a lot of dreams made into reality! Your diligence and hard work has really truely paid off. Thank you for allowing each of us to come along with you on this journey. Can't wait to share the holidays with you and Romeo and Kensley for VLOGNESS!!! Much love from your friend, ~ Rachel (Redding, CA)

[@lizgarza6977]

Ok

[@sierradigiacomo-maika5883]

Floating shelves are totally the way to go! 10000%! They’re gonna be really sophisticated and they will hold their own without competing against the beautiful detailed fireplace focal point. Built in cabinets are enough “built in” features - the floating shelves keep it light, show off the teal/grey wall colour, all of your decor will pop against that colour, allows the fireplace to breathe, and won’t weigh anything down! Love!

[@gorditaalanis3484]

The shelves look beautiful sweetheart!!!! Wish I had some just like yours!!!! They are beautiful!!!! Very proud of you : my girl!!!! Love and a big hug from Janie from Houston!!!! I am 74 yrs old and I truly love your videos : you make my day: can’t walk a lot : so I mostly sit all day watching your videos and some like yours !!!!!! Your number one: in my eyes !!!!!

[@ChrisBury20]

I think the floating shelves were the best idea to start with! If you ever change your mind, all you would have to do in build a face plate. The living room is coming together so well, I love the design, and the back color of the shelves, at first it looked way darker in the sample. ❤❤❤

[@sylvieedman4406]

The floating shelves look so nice - I think keep it like this to show off the beat board/color!

[@Sarah-tn9iz]

I agree! I would paint the bottom cabinets the millstone and stain the shelves maybe to match the windowsills in the kitchen? I think painting the shelves the millstone they disappear and loose the wow factor of the bead-board shelves and the paint.

[@suephelps8123]

Looking gorgeous! Little Kinsley was trying soooo hard to get your attention to throw her toy, she is such a cutie.

[@eleondc9802]

Who’s excited for the Living room decor especially for the upcoming Christmas season ❤❤❤ Cant wait!!!

[@lcelis2298]

I can’t with Kinsley! She’s soooo adorable! 😍

[@sondrad1839]

Kingsley is like…mom play with me, lol. ❤. Everything is coming along so well, I love it all!

[@katiebrown7617]

The floating shelves is the definitely the way to go! You don’t want to cover that lovely beadboard. Everything is coming together so beautifully.

[@Lovelyshey48]

I love everything about this episode : the new intro so cute, Kinsley playing with her toy haha, the floating shelves, the deep color you chose. I love all of it ❤

[@Cinderella1125]

I love watching your videos and watching you work on your fireplace area was one of my favorites! Such a treat to see this area come together! Kinsley is like, "Mom. Mom. Mom!!" 🐶💗

[@SeaTurtle515]

What you have managed to learn and accomplish during this whole renovation project just boggles my mind. So awesome. Your parents and Romeo must be so proud of you!

[@MagentaLooks]

Once you've finished the entire project, I think you should edit it into a documentary. Maybe two hours, start to finish, with vlog highlights sprinkled in. I'd watch it over and over!

[@BThirstyPretzel]

MaCenna, I am SO proud of you! That probably doesn't mean much from a stranger on the internet lol but you just envision things and make them happen. That's so inspirational! Love the new intro and also, Kinsley being so cute with her lil baby while you're trying to do the hearth. We need some Kinsley merch!

[@Angibbabee]

I think floating shelves are the way to go because there’s so much detail in the fireplace and the hearth and the bead board. So keeping it simple with the floating shelves looks really nice.

[@KpthatoneTwin]

Kinsley playing with her babie while you work is absolutely adorable

[@jabathy]

I’m so excited for 25 days of renovations 💗

[@alyenriquez_]

I actually love the warmth and vintage/rustic vibe of the brick with the millstone grey colour. It goes back to that one inspo picture you had back when doing the entryway with the window and terracotta pots. Complimentary colours with its undertones.

[@twilde3754]

Kinsley is a DOLL!! She is such a character.

[@bestestess]

I love Kinsley in this video, going in and out of the cabinet. She's so sweet!💕

[@linzertube]

Your Kinsley is such good company, watching very closely, everything you do. Really so sweet!🥰

[@Lorely_X]

Love all of it with one exception - the height of the TV. I'm from europe so this has always seemed so crazy to me so I guess it's an american thing? When sitting on the sofa you'll be straining your neck looking upwards. Our tv's here are on eye level height when you sit down on a sofa or chair, it is never placed above a mantel or something like that.

[@leslin-8142]

I like the brick with the piece missing!! It's unique!! Don't cut a brick, it's so good how it is!! It beautiful 😍

[@22ymg]

When Kinsley is in the shot I immediately focus on how cute she is!!! She’s demanding you to play with her I live it!!

[@Bluegrassprincess]

The new intro with the pavers is so sweet! I enjoyed the new music as well as Kinsley. The inspiration for the shelves had lighting! I saw a picture light but are youbthinking of doing some lighting for the knick knacks and what not? I'm sure you are enjoying your mama's visit in California and knowing you pre recorded for us! I'm so thrilled I think I will enjoy one of those Starbucks drinks you get! Cheers!

[@malufrazao]

I just love a good ol' actually building episode! The living room is turning out great!

[@AngelLoLion]

I audibly gasped seeing the first shot of the hearth. the living room is looking amazing!

[@alexandratracey8252]

You can really see the scale of that wall now. It is STUNNING. Omg I can’t for the Christmas tree and holiday decor when it’s all finished!❤

[@emmapoe4708]

Young lady you leave me speechless I have been watching you prepare and do in your home as you have used every scrap that you have in your home :-) you are one in all.., ha ha ha the shelves look amazing and the fireplace ! Continue to be blessed

[@AlexisTheBookworm]

I bought myself a pocket hole kit last paycheck. You have given me so much confidence to try this myself. Thank you so much for being who you are.

[@l.d-h3841]

I've hung a few different kinds of shelves and GIRL-- you did so well! When you said it broke you I had a mini flashback. I really appreciate your attention to detail in these projects. Thank you for sharing your progress with us. It's so encouraging!

[@kalissamoseley2238]

Yes!!! The pretty progress! I feel the coffee pantry makeover looming ahead and I cannot wait! I hope we get a little taste of the plans for that space with the bookshelves in the living room. Love your videos!!! 💕💕

[@junicepeloquin2160]

There is nothing you can’t do! You amaze me! And I just love Kingsley with his little orange toy, shaking it for all it’s worth! Then he watches you so closely! I just love him!

[@junicepeloquin2160]

Does Romeo have a job aside from selling vintage clothing?

[@lauris5708]

Oh my gosh MaCenna--I have been researching floating shelves for my powder room and I kinda wanted to build them. I had all kinds of complicated ideas on how to do that but your way looks so simple and seamless! I am really tempted to give it a try. It looks so good!

[@NehaMhnt]

Oh my girl, you are an army by yourself. Amazing work ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@carolynlane741]

The cottage is coming together SO WELL 😍 Your design choices bring so much warmth into the space and are truly making this house a HOME right before the holidays ❤ Millstone gray on the bookshelves and the brick hearth - perfect choices

[@agave4041]

You are physically very strong, MaCenna, realized just how strong as I watched you put the board underneath each shelf. Wow! Love the design process and seeing it be executed.

[@elisebrisson]

The amount of growth you’ve had is amazing to watch- you put those shelves up so beautifully!

[@ayshadavis7864]

I’ll be honest, when you were talking about plastering the fireplace AND using the ornate mantle AND making a brick hearth I was skeptical about it all coming together but MACENNA! It looks so good!!!!!!

[@slena]

i like the floating shelves look! it adds a modern element to the living room and i completely see your vision painting is the right choice! i think a middle piece would make the whole look more "stately" which you could go for and would be gorgeous but i like the subtlety of what you've done so far! i've been following since the very first video, and i never tire of seeing your progress, keep up the good work

[@sunnyidaho3135]

You never cease to amaze me! In the middle of it all you make camera moves. Girl!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@sinebheag4685]

The brick hearth looks glorious. The rough organic shape contrasts beautifully with the delicate and ornate mantel. I'm only halfway through the vid but had to jump on and comment ☺️ Edit: I also like odd numbers. But I reckon the top of the cabinet can count as shelf number 5 ☺️

[@lukeminor6272]

I love the color of the brick, I think it compliments the warm wood tones. I also think with the elegance of the mantle finishing the sides of the shelves with an extra board and face frame will finish it off to go with the elegance.

[@donnad.7986]

I’m absolutely over the moon with the fireplace wall! MaCenna you are totally amazing!

[@camillecipri593]

I actually kind of love the hearth’s shape the way it is now! I wouldn’t even cut a brick in half to finish the corners. Everything looks so good!! 😍

[@WanderMom_diaries]

The intro is dreamy 😍...and I don't know why but seeing all this slowly becoming a reality fills my heart with so much joy and happiness that it feels like my personal accomplishment. I am so deeply invested in your progress 😄

[@hannahdunleavy4755]

Love what you have done! Well done 👏 One thing I think might be a good idea is with the brick heath don't cut brick and put in the corners, try to find a nice decorative corner piece like a wooden corner or marble or something to tie in the fireplace. Defo do a wash on the bricks to get rid of the orange colour but I think it would be a nice touch to try n find a way to finish those workers with something with a bit more detail. Good luck.

[@JJ-dm4iw]

Never paint brick. Brick needs to breath or else it gets brittle and weak. Either stain it or lime wash it. Your doing a great job!

[@Bluegrassprincess]

A cream stain would be awesome

[@yaileenacevedo1614]

Lime washing it would look so beautiful. I feel the color of the brick as is clashes a little with the color scheme she is creating in the space.

[@muck4227]

Even for the indoors? They do make that special brick paint, though.

[@JJ-dm4iw]

@@muck4227 I could be different inside, but I’m going off my own experiences. I just painted my fireplace three years ago, and recently stripped it down and the brick was crumbly. My brother who is a masonry told me it was because of the paint.

[@Bluegrassprincess]

@@muck4227 yes... brick is organic and needs to breathe

[@Liangelus]

Awesome job! You could always do a "stucco" look on the bricks to match with the back of the fireplace so that it flows all the way down the wall.

[@francispaoli]

Wow ok that new intro is beautiful!!!! And living room is looking SO good!!! 😍 I am always so proud when you find ways to up cycle parts of the old house into the new.

[@pamdavis6604]

Lol I love your Lil dog is trying to help you. Adorable!

[@VarnasBaltas]

I can't wait for the reno-vlogmas!!! It will be so much fun how you mix the renovation with the holidays!! Best of luck Macenna!!!

[@genevievemurray7743]

I hope I’m not too late to suggest you fit a triangular cut piece of brick to the corners to reduce the possibility of toe stubbing on a square corner finish. I think it may look better too. Less boxy perhaps. Its all looking great.

[@lauriewolhart5743]

Wow! I am so impressed with how you tackle projects and stretch your skill set! The hearth and shelving look amazing! 👏

[@NixBurkett1984]

As the daughter of a bricklayer, I must say as a beginner you did really good. You should be hella proud of yourself. My favourite thing growing up was to be my dad's assistant when he'd do home projects that involved bricklaying. I used to get really upset as i could never understand why i couldn't go to work with him lol! Sending much love and a very merry Christmas from London, England ☃️🎄🤍

[@mariamqasim2973]

This was one awesome episode… so much progress!! So happy for you

[@TheMerchants]

“This windowsill is in the way” *rips windowsill off like a boss* 😂💕. Looks amazing!!! I am more excited about your living room all decorated for Christmas than I am mine. 🎄

[@southernassweettea2228]

Love, love, love all the progress! I think you should name Kingsley project manager! OMG I love her❤

[@kaseychenault3737]

Omg. I just get so stinking excited when I see a new episode or vlog come on. I literally stop what I’m doing or watching to watch it! I’m here in San Antonio/Boerne area and I have been watching you for years! I was about to start my Sunday cleaning, saw todays new video notice so I stopped cleaning and now time to watch the new episode! Keep up the amazingness, McKenna!

[@Nikibaby74]

So when is that little snickerdoodle Kinsley going to have a meet and greet? I might have to make the trip from Minnesota to wherever it is 😊 She is the most adorable little helper ❤

[@sashac7002]

I wasn't ready for an update so early!! SO excited for you have spaces that you can make your Xmas cozy dreams come true, esp after last year.

[@phyllisgrossetti4511]

McKenna the built-ins are amazing. The fireplace and hearth are the cherry on top. Is there anything you can't do? You are AMAZING! 👏 ❤

[@JL11775]

Loving this living room reno! Can’t wait for the Xmas decor and Vlogmas!

[@sueriley4412]

I just feel so proud of you like you were my own daughter. Little sweet Kinsley wants to be a part of everything. So cute.

[@jordandar1744]

😂Kinsley dropping her toy in your lap, like “Mum! You’re moving your hands, I know you want to play! Come on, take it!” And then when you were building the boxes and she was bringing it to you almost as if she were working on a project too. Gosh I love her.

[@rneustel388]

Every time, I say that I don’t know how you did that yourself! You’re awesome, woman!!

[@stephb669]

I'm really grateful for your videos, they make my day so much better 💜

[@g.d.anonymous8235]

Very clever way to construct the floating shelves. The only other comment I have, after seeing the shelves completely installed, is that the style is very contemporary, and your fireplace facade is very ornate.

[@hellosteph9206]

"This window trim is in the way." *Rips off window trim* Hahaha 🤣🤣🤣

[@ilevmom1]

Girl you are my favorite with power tools. I did a lot of renovations and decorating to my 2 story brownstone with my dad who could do anything. Now he's gone and I'm older, I wish I would have paid more attention to all he did. You bring back a lot of wonderful memories.

[@Glenonica1]

In hindsight you should have started the bottom side from the front to back so the smaller brick would be in the back.

[@jmk1962]

I thought that too but I think she wanted the bricks lining up with the ones on top. It's not a problem to cut a brick in half if you have the right tools.

[@kellykenny2916]

A little trick with a paint can, if drill a hole around lid rim of can when your finished pouring the paint will run back into can. Love how lounge room is coming together xx

[@MS-zj2mf]

I kinda like the corners missing on the hearth. Is that just me?

[@tbrwithkayla]

I vote for leaving the shelves open, especially so you can show off your lovely finds and frames.

[@aelisedasilva]

I hand sewed a small pillowcase last night and am beaming with self-pride 24h later... I can't even imagine how proud you must be of yourself for doing all that you're doing in your house!! Congrats, MaCenna, and keep up the good work! :D