Brees Mantels discusses the fireplace accent designed for all seasons
It may not be the first thing you notice when you walk into a room, but without it, the design just doesn’t work. It’s the mantel, and Brees Mantels in Greenville is a go-to company for more than 400 builders across the nation who are looking for something beyond the generic.
They also work with individual homeowners to create the perfect mantel to accent a room, in a variety of materials and with decorative elements like corbels and medallions.
We checked in with Jackson Griffeth, owner of Brees Mantels, to find out what goes into creating this practical design element that creates a focal point for art, photos, and other prized possessions.
Interview with Brees Mantels
What is your most popular product right now?
Our most popular product is a solid beam shelf. These can be live-edge, reclaimed, or just beautiful new wood.
What are a few current trends in mantels?
For the last 10 years, the trend in custom-built mantels has gotten away from decorative details and moved towards simple, clean lines.
What are the most popular materials you use?
We build mantels from many species, but the most common are maple and red oak. MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is very popular for paint-grade mantels.
Why a custom mantel? What are the benefits?
If someone wants a full-surround mantel, it is almost guaranteed that they will need a custom-built mantel. There are fire codes that must be abided, plus it must fit the space. This usually requires a professional to go to the house and get measurements.
Do you work with builders or homeowners or both?
About half of our business is from builders and half is from homeowners.
Why are mantels so important in a room?
In my opinion, a fireplace is naked without a mantel. A mantel can just continue the design elements of a room, or it can bring something new to the room and really stand out as a feature.
Do you find people want mantels even without a fireplace?
It is rare to put a mantel into a space that doesn’t have a fireplace, but it does still work for some spaces. More commonly, we provide simple floating box shelves that can be hung anywhere. Most often, we build and install them in kitchens, bathrooms, and over couches.
Jackson Griffeth, owner, Brees Mantels
1000 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville
breesmantels.houzzsite.com
