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Design Me Now (formerly Bucks Home and DIY, Inc.) is a trusted home renovation and design partner known for thoughtful craftsmanship and hands-on creativity. Owned and operated by Carrie Reininger, the business specializes in transforming everyday spaces into warm, functional, and visually striking interiors. Based in Pennsylvania, Carrie has built a reputation for blending classic design elements with modern execution, always tailored to the homeowner’s vision.

For this project, Carrie and her team partnered with J Thomas Home to create a custom fireplace feature using our standard White Oak mantel in Carbon stain, along with additional custom trim pieces that were adapted on site to achieve a one-of-a-kind final look.

Project Overview

This project focused on elevating a living room’s fireplace wall into a true architectural focal point. With soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a central stone fireplace, the space called for a mantel that could visually anchor the room without overwhelming it.

Design Me Now selected our White Oak mantel in Carbon stain for its clean lines, rich tone, and timeless appeal. The deep Carbon finish adds contrast against the lighter walls while still allowing the natural grain of the White Oak to shine through. To further personalize the installation, Carrie incorporated custom trim pieces from J Thomas Home, modifying and assembling them on site to create a bespoke vertical surround that draws the eye upward.

The result is a balanced, custom fireplace design that feels both modern and enduring—perfectly suited for a main living space designed for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining.

The J Thomas Home Connection

Projects like this highlight the flexibility and creative freedom that the J Thomas Home Trade Program offers to professionals. Rather than being locked into a single, off-the-shelf solution, Design Me Now was able to start with a standard mantel profile and expand upon it using custom trim elements to fit the exact dimensions and vision of the space.

Our Trade Program supports partners like Carrie by providing:

• Access to premium hardwood mantels and trim
  
  
• Custom sizing and finish options
  
  
• Trade-only pricing
  
  
• Dedicated support from our design and production teams
  
  

This collaboration demonstrates how our products can serve as both a finished statement piece and a foundation for further customization, giving trade partners the tools they need to create designs that truly stand apart.

Why This Design Works

The strength of this project lies in its restraint and precision. The mantel’s simple profile allows the materials to speak for themselves, while the added trim introduces architectural interest without clutter. The dark finish creates contrast, the vertical lines enhance the ceiling height, and the overall composition feels intentional from every angle.

By combining standard J Thomas Home products with on-site customization, Design Me Now delivered a fireplace design that looks fully custom while maintaining efficiency and consistency in materials.

About the J Thomas Home Trade Program

The J Thomas Home Trade Program is designed for interior designers, contractors, and builders who want to elevate their projects with high-quality, customizable floating shelves and mantels.

Members receive exclusive trade pricing, personalized support, and access to custom options not available to retail buyers, making it easier to deliver standout results for every client.

Join our growing network of trade professionals who bring spaces to life with J Thomas Home.