It seems I am mantel-ly challenged. I have struggled with styling my mantels in all the homes we've lived in.
The only mantel that seemed to come naturally was this one in the sunroom:
Take my mantel in my current living room, for instance. The mirror was far too small and lacked a certain...je ne sais quoi. The accessories tried hard, but couldn't make up for the inferior mirror, nor create the drama I wanted; afterall, this is the main focal point in the room, not to mention the first thing you see from the front door.
Before:
The new mirror, old accessories.
The old mirror and accessories.
I found a new mirror which I shared with you in this post. I did try a few other mirrors, but ended up returning them and decided to work with this mirror.
I took the advice of the wonderful bloggy friends who left comments after my call for help and this is what I came up with:
After:
I wanted something more dramatic and finished, and I think that's what I got!
I brought in some natural elements with branches, Pussy Willows, antlers and moss balls.
An old encyclopedia set from the 30's helps fill the space below the mirror. I mentioned to my hubby that I was looking for some old books and he pulled these out of storage. In all the time we've been married, I had no idea he had these stored in a box in his shop. Maybe I should check out what other cool stuff he's got out there!
While I was hoping for a larger mirror, the urns with orchids and branches help fill the space. The Pussy Willows add a bit of a spring touch. If I ever want a simpler, cleaner look, I will remove the branches and Pussy Willows.
Finally, a mantel I am happy with!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!
The only mantel that seemed to come naturally was this one in the sunroom:
Take my mantel in my current living room, for instance. The mirror was far too small and lacked a certain...je ne sais quoi. The accessories tried hard, but couldn't make up for the inferior mirror, nor create the drama I wanted; afterall, this is the main focal point in the room, not to mention the first thing you see from the front door.
Before:
The new mirror, old accessories.
The old mirror and accessories.
I found a new mirror which I shared with you in this post. I did try a few other mirrors, but ended up returning them and decided to work with this mirror.
I took the advice of the wonderful bloggy friends who left comments after my call for help and this is what I came up with:
After:
I wanted something more dramatic and finished, and I think that's what I got!
I brought in some natural elements with branches, Pussy Willows, antlers and moss balls.
An old encyclopedia set from the 30's helps fill the space below the mirror. I mentioned to my hubby that I was looking for some old books and he pulled these out of storage. In all the time we've been married, I had no idea he had these stored in a box in his shop. Maybe I should check out what other cool stuff he's got out there!
While I was hoping for a larger mirror, the urns with orchids and branches help fill the space. The Pussy Willows add a bit of a spring touch. If I ever want a simpler, cleaner look, I will remove the branches and Pussy Willows.
Finally, a mantel I am happy with!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!
14 comments:
Looks beautiful Andrea!
I have to say i too struggled constantly with decorating my mantel in my house back home. It was a huge deep mantel and everything looked lost not to mention the ceilings were so high! I really think everyone finds this challenging.
I love what you've done and your fireplace is gorgeous. I just love your home!!
I really like the height you get with the branches - that definitely is making a huge difference. Liking it!
I love your changes! The branches in the urn really helped fill that space and balance out the mirror. What a great find from your husbands storage too. I love all the natural elements you used.
LOVE IT Andrea!! The added height of the branches was a perfect way to balance out each side of the mirror.
Your mantel is very pretty, a lovely mix of elements and decor.
Andrea,
I love your mantel with the branches.....but can we address the fireplace.....INCREDIBLE!!!!
blessings,
karianne
Looking much better now my friend. Love the height you gave it with the urns. I think both the mantels are great. Diane
Very pretty....love the branches.... and the urns too :o)
Have a great week!
~Des
Mantels are so hard. But you have done an outstanding job decorating yours! It turned out beautifully!
It look great now. We all struggle with our mantles I think. I love the leaning books and the moss ball and the horns. I agree the branches add nice height too. Wonderful job.
Love your fireplace screen too. That thing makes my heart beat faster just looking at it.
What a different. I might have to post my mess of a mantel and see if I can't get some help. Great job. You must be very pleased with it.
gorgeous! just found your lovely blog...come visit anytime:
http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com
smiles.
michele
What a fabulous mantel! It looks perfect to me. Love the urns with the plants. Wonderful!
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