The mantel is often the focus of the living room in the winter, but it can be difficult to understand how to decorate the fireplace once warmer weather arrives. Can you perform it up with new colours and artwork, or allow it to hide out behind strategically placed chairs and plants? No matter the approach you would like, these 14 styling ideas should spark your creativity.
Kristie Barnett
1. Surround it with summery color. Take a step back and notice what is to the left and right of your mantel. The way you treat this space may modify the appearance of your mantel by association — think about painting the walls a fresh green or blue, or replace dark drapes for breezy white sheers.
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
2. Fill out a demijohn with branches. Actually, any additional container will do only repaint a branch or 2 from your tree, then plunk them in water and set the container with your mantel. The swooping height and green color are sure to reinvigorate your own space.
Lindsay von Hagel
3. Paint logs a enjoyable colour. Give a fireplace a fun, modern makeover by filling it with clips that are painted, and then also hang a classic educational map over. Just make sure no one tries to burn the painted logs; they are definitely for decor only!
4. Group themed artwork — perhaps even your own. Go shopping or search online for paintings or prints using a theme motif. Or get your camera out and snap off — try shooting a succession of photos of clouds, water or palm trees, and have them all framed. Hang them or within a grid to the biggest effect.
Pottery Barn
Summer Meadow Framed Print by Cindy Taylor – $99
5. Make an impression with oversize art. Save for a single statement-making piece, or choose one of your own preferred holiday photos and get it blown up. Aim for a piece that takes about three-quarters of the space over your mantel.
Fabric.com
Premier Prints Suzani Slub, Yellow/White – $8.48
6. Frame a significant part of fabric. Scoop up some cheery fabric, such as the sunshine-yellow suzani shown here, and basic it on canvas stretchers (found at art supply stores) for quick and effortless wall art.
Dreamy Whites
7. Decorate with classic treasures. Play I wholeheartedly at vintage shops and flea markets, and select things in a single color, such as the minty green used here. Cluster your finds on the mantel, adding your personal touch with family photos or freshly cut blossoms.
Holly Marder
8. Display pretty plates. Have a stack of vibrant dishes or platters laying around unused? Pick your favorites out and then hang them on the wall over your mantel for a vibrant display. Begin with hanging your largest plate at the middle, then organize the others round it like spokes on a wheel.
The Secret to Hanging a Plate Collection
Secret Gardens
9. Repurpose birdhouses inside. If you’re searching for something a little different, try painting birdhouses in colours you love and hang them on the wall over the mantel for example art. You could keep the colours classic (grays and whites) or totally fun (metallic, pastels or neon hues); it is your decision.
If you don’t currently have a couple of old birdhouses lying around the garage, keep a look out at flea markets and yard sales to start your collection.
Kate Jackson Design
10. Reposition chairs and plants. When the fireplace has been the centerpiece of your living room throughout the winter months, just rearranging the furniture could be all you need to alter the focus. Try angling a set of chairs facing the mantel, using a large potted tree tucked behind a chair.
Liz Williams Interiors
11. Begin a summer collection. Bring home a tiny sand from each shore you stop by this summer, also use it to fill a range of clear glass vessels. Line them up in your mantel as you collect them , nestling in candles should you desire.
Theresa Fine
12. Distract using a greenery-filled urn. If that empty fireplace is appearing empty, try setting a large potted plant at front. Pick a container with a nice shape and a plant with a few fullness.
Rizzoli New York
13. Use botanically themed art works throughout the year. If you would rather tweak modest details than overhaul your mantel each season, start with a nice big mirror and a couple of parts of impartial artwork. Botanically inspired pieces work well no matter what the season is only highlight them with seasonal blossoms, seedpods and other finds from nature as the mood strikes.
Julia Ryan
14. Lighten up the color scheme. Accessories in light blue, spring green and bright yellow are relaxing and cheerful. Shop your house for decorative details which fit this color scheme. Alternatively, pick up a can of spray paint in your chosen colour and provide mismatched finds a unifying coat of color.
Tell us : Can you alter the look of your mantel each year?