I may be a little late to the party, but this week I created a summer theme for our fireplace mantel. I am really excited about it, and the beachy look it brings to our family room!
When creating a mantel design I always use a few design tips that I’ve had stashed in my head from random decorating research over the years. I thought I would share a few of them with all of you!
My #1 tip is to shop your home. I learned this first and foremost from John & Sherry over at Young House Love. I may not have a decor cabinet like they do, but I always have fun nick-knacks around the house that can be re-purposed for a season. This is the best tip when you change your design on a regular basis!
My second tip is to bring in colorful accents with your mantel decor. I prefer to decorate my mantel seasonally {keeping in mind the rest of the room’s color scheme}, so for this summer scheme I’m going with whites & blue tones. Check out HGTV & Better Homes and Gardens.
Tip #3 is one I’ve always known…you know it’s one of those things that is subconsciously there. Use the rule of 3 when adding items to your mantel. For some reason, three is a visually pleasing number. “Three is the key to success.” – Casa Sugar
My 4th tip has to do with layering. According to Better Homes and Gardens, layering helps create an eclectic style without being cluttered, if you use a few repeating elements {in my mantel design I used candles & jars}. “Think of the objects in small groupings that relate to one another as a large grouping.”
Tip #5 is possibly the most popular tip: create a visual triangle with your decor. Whether you have a large painting centered on your mantel, or a tall candlestick like I have, place an item with substantial size in the center to “ground” your other accessories. Use smaller items toward the edges of your fireplace mantel. See some examples at SAS Interiors.
What does your summertime mantel look like?
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