Before I share with you the two ways I styled my mantle, I must confess my family room recently went through a major renovation, so the entire space is completely different not just the mantle. I would like to share the before of the room so that you can get an idea of the transformation. Below is a not so glamorous shot of the room at Christmas. Forgive the spartan mantle decorations. This picture was taken before I put the fresh fruit and ornaments amongst the greenery. I wish I had taken a picture once the mantle was decorated, but alas I completely forgot.
I'm sure you still get the picture. This was a very neutral, boring mantle that needed updating and refreshing in ways beyond just adding accessories.
The before mantle! UGH!
I decided to go for drama with my new design and paint all the woodwork black. Here is an in progress shot that was what I found when I returned from KBIS. The contractor began the work while I was away at KBIS. Note: the books left in the bookcases! I wish I had taken a pic of the living room nex to this room, to give you an idea of how much was moved out of this room. Hence why they probably gave up on thoughts of moving the books. This is a great pic regardless because it show the details that transformed the room from blah to color!
Here is the room once the trim and bookcases were finished. Notice I whitewashed the tired brick of the fireplace. I also decided to wallpaper the back of the bookcases with Cole & Son Prism wallpaper for a pop of color.
Next, it was time to decorate the mantle. I asked my dear, talented friend, artist, Kerry Steele of
Kerry Steele Art. If you don't know Kerry's work, check her out. My fireplace wall is the focal point of my room, so I chose to keep the fireplace black as a ground for Kerry's art. Next, came the decision of how to style the mantle without competing with Kerry's beautiful art but rather play a supporting role. I picked up these vintage Nautilus shell vases from my friend Sarah Fisher of
Matters of Style. These were my first stab at styling the mantle. Don't put pressure on yourself. Just look around your house and repurpose something you already have or look for something vintage like I did. With Kerry's painting, I didn't need much, so I chose to keep it simple.
The second way I chose to style my mantle was also a find from Sarah Fisher,
Matters of Style. Sarah has the best collection of interesting pieces. Make sure to follow her and watch what she has in her marketplace. I fell in love with these vintage sconces. Luckily Sarah is in Charlotte, so I can pop over and pick up things from her but if you aren't in Charlotte, you can buy from her shop or on One Kings Lane, and she will ship to you. She has a great eye! Sarah knows me and knows I like brass, so she immediately said: "Lisa, those sconces are silver/gold, did you realize that from the photos?" I said no, but that isn't a problem. I'll just make them gold!
Here's how the sconces looked when I got them. They
were silver with little dabs of gold
Enter Rub 'n Buff, my favorite secret weapon
for getting the metal tone, I want on any item
when I fall in love with the shape but the color
isn't right.
Rub 'n buff is so easy to use. You simply
squirt it on the item or a rag.
Then wipe it off or buff it on if you will.
See the difference?
Voila, gold sconce. Now, here is another little
secret. These sconces are wired and can be electrified,
but I haven't wired them yet. Will I? Not sure, but i love them
the way they are.
Here's my mantle now! I love how the gold brightens the black and acts as an accent to the painting. This mantle is already full, so I chose to add
the slice of agate on the left and vintage glass grapes on the right. No need for plants to keep alive or flowers, however, if I want to add plants here, I could add green plants in the sconces, or I could do low vases with flowers which I may do when I have guests over.
So what are my takeaways on
How to style your mantle?
1) Take into consideration what you are trying to achieve
with your mantle design?
2) Do you have a great piece of art to play the starring role
or do you want to use a collection of Various style pieces
of art to work together?
3) Shop around your home first. What do you
have around your house that you can repurpose to bring
an interesting story to your mantle.
4) Shop vintage and find interesting "one of a kind" items that
set your mantle apart.
5) If you find items you like the shape of but don't like the color
don't be afraid to change it so that it works with your plan.
6) Sometimes simply is best! Don't worry if you prefer a simple
design, sometimes it is the best choice for your room.
I hope my little tips have given you food for thought!
Make sure to check out the other participates in this event!
Check them out and get inspired!!!
Thank yu Mary Ann and Cindy for allowing me to participate today!!!
