Finished!

Before:

We opted for a faux wood finish because M. had to putty so much of the front. We followed this tutorial: http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/2011/05/ive-been-to-gel-stain-hell-and-back.html?m=1

After the first coat of regulat latex paint:

Mid- gel stain:

After texturing the stain:

Drying before polyurethane:

First poly coat:

Finished!!!:

M. installed it while I was out today and it looks fantastic! I can't wait to start putting things on it. And clean up the fireplace a bit...