So a friend told me I should do a post on mantle decor. I told her I actually had a file of mantles that I love...including fireplaces...if any of you know Jarod, he loves fires and fireplaces. So I've been collecting pictures for a while now.
I think the most common mistake (which I have been guilty of) when decorating a mantle, is trying to fit every accessory you like in one spot. My personal taste in this case, is 'less is more'.
Here is a picture I love. One mirror...that's all. Love it. This fireplace is also very simple, unlike some of the pictures to follow...but it still works.
Here again, very simple. I think most people think a mantle must be the focal point of a room, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a couch, a coffee table, an amazing rug, fabulous curtains and windows, a piece of art...I don't know...I am just giving my opinion. This is why I am blogging about it, and not writing a book. Because I really don't know what I am talking about, I just like to talk about it.
here is a mantle from Pottery Barn. They have professional decorators who come in and decorate to help sell their stuff. I love Pottery Barn, but if it were me, I would let the stone around the fireplace be the focal point, and pare down the decor on top...and get rid of the candle on the right of the hearth...but that's me just saying...as Brandon, (my Bro-in-law), used to say, 'you can't blame a guy (or girl) for just saying'.
Again, love the fireplace, but would have gotten rid of all the decor on top of the mantle, kept the mirror, and taken those black candles and stuck them up on top over to one side.
This is such a busy fire place, there isn't much need for decor and I love the result.
Again, one mirror...love it.
This room is so splendid...it just makes me happy I'm a girl. Though, I would have kept the books inside the fireplace...and done something a little more simple on top...just saying.
I found this mantle, and I love the symmetry and the simplicity.
Once again, one big mirror and two little bean bags...ha...not sure what they are...but the chandelier with black candlesticks reflecting is brilliant...not to be too corny.
Ahhh...simplicity.
THIS from West Elm is one of my favorites. I love antiqued mirrors, and big ones too! Plus the reflection of the chandelier and simple decor...plus the small pile of books inside the fireplace softens the almost harsh look of the black marble.
Another from West Elm. Now this one has more to it, but what I like is that it looks more like they decorated with things that have meaning...like a print picked up at a flea market in Europe while on vacation, or a painting handed down from a great aunt...I don't know...just seems more meaningful and not so much like you just stuck a bunch of stuff together that means nothing to you.
This too seems like a mantle that could have things that were picked up on vacation, and not at your local Pier 1...which don't get me wrong...I love Pier 1.
Lastly...one painting...so simple, yet, so elegant.
6 comments:
Love the post Heid's...did you know that only 30% of decor in Pottery Barn catalogs are actually Pottery Barn items? Someone once told me that and I was fascinated by it...urban legend or not, it makes one think!
You have such great eyes for style :)
Kt
such beautiful rooms heidi. only thing...as someone who loves books, i could hardly handle the fireplace stuffed with books. It looked like a major book burning about to happen. I guess the only way i'd like it is if was stuffed with porn that was about to go up in flames ha ha!
fun post!
Ahhh, thank you!!!! You are officially hired to decorate my mantle. :) Although I'm going to take down all the junk that's up there so you aren't freaked out when you see it. :) This gives me stuff to think about. If you see something I "must" have for my mantle, give me a call.
btw - I went to TJMaxx right after church on Sunday and couldn't find those poms. :( So sad. If you see them again call me!
Thanks for the post!!
Katie, not surprised by the 30%, they always have so much stuff in their pictures...looks awesome in a picture, but would drive me nuts having to clean all of it.
I laughed out loud when I read about the book burning! I never thought of that...I always think it seems like a waste to decorate with books that you wouldn't read...but maybe these were already read.
Mindy, so bummed the poms were gone! I should have bought them when I saw them.
This is soo fun!!! Heidi, these posts are so inspiring to me. I've been wondering what to do with my mantle, and this gives me a starting point. Actually, it makes me feel validated in my draw to simplicity. Hmm, what a novel idea to start collecting pictures of mantles and fireplaces. :) I've thought it before, but somehow it still doesn't click in my head to ACTUALLY do it until somebody says point blank to do it or that they are... Anyways, I'm loving all these things you're posting about.
heidi! please come decorate my home in the future! you have such amazing taste and fresh ideas. i have no decorating talent whatsoever.!
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