This fireplace surround was salvaged from an old building and cut down to fit the fireplace. Decorative onlays and fluted pilasters provide traditional elegance. Look for vintage pieces at flea markets or auctions or check out some of the newly manufactured accents. Onlays are easy to glue on with wood glue. Painted to match the surround, such onlays look like they've always been part of the surround.

"Onlays on mantels are like embossing on stationery—so elegant!" —editor Kelly Rawlings