Monday, November 29, 2010

Sprucing up my mantel

I' m going to get right to it because I have a few questions for you.
Here is the Before of my living room mantel.
And the Afters (still in the Fall look)
As you can see I took away a lot of the elements on the mantel and basically it now lacks pizazz. This was just a quick "makeover" to see what direction I wanted to go in and I am going in the Simplified direction. First thing that I did was take down the old window pane that was picked out of the trash. In it's place I added a simple dark framed mirror that I had stashed in a closet. I added this to see if I liked the dark color on the wall, and I really really do, so I the dark wood color will stay, just not that shape. The wall is a big square and the thought of putting something else square or rectangle on that wall.. well it annoys me.  I am thinking of going with something larger and a different shape on the wall.
Something like this:
Since there is so much "wall" that I was also thinking maybe adding sconces on both sides or maybe long dark framed pictures? Or how about really tall pillar candles to take up more of the wall? Also in a dark color? Wood perhaps? Should I paint the wood on the mantel or distress it? It has a heavy poly coating on it now that I just HATE. So what do you think? Ideas - suggestions? I'll take them all!
As for the old window pane? Oh I big plans for it. It's new home will be in the Master Bedroom - WHICH I might add is almost complete. I can't wait to share that makeover with you. We were sidetracked with the girls bathroom redo. I can't wait to share that one too. So many things to share.

I'm linking this up on: Making the World Cuter Monday, Motivate me Monday, Making Monday Marvelous, It's So very Cheri, Amaze Me Monday
mirror from here

4 comments:

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

I like the dark element against a lighter background plus it helps balance the dark wood of the mantle. (just my opinion)

Thank you for linking up to the first ever "Amaze Me Monday" blog party.

Pamela said...

I have sconces on each side of a picture and I'm thinking about taking them down. You'd be surprised how many times what I want to put on the mantle interferes with the sconces. To tall or the candle holders look like they are running into candle holders. I really liked the window...wonder if the mirror could sit in front of it? Pretty soon it will come together in your head just like the rest of your lovely ideas. :-)

Anonymous said...

You have great elements! Love the wall hanging in the first photo. If you are going to go with a mirror, you need something to take up the majority of the wall space above the mantle, otherwise, keep the mirror you have and go with sconces on either side as you had said. The decor on the mantle just has to be larger and go vertical.

Love the space you have to work with....For a minute there I thought I was looking at my own blog. I just painted my brick white like yours is done: http://serendipitychicdecor.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-paint-brick-wall-tutorial.html

I'm revealing my Xmas mantle tomorrow....

BTW, love the name of your blog....

Take care,
Lisa

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I think the sunburst mirror would look really pretty and you could put two mini Christmas trees on either side so you have some heighth on your long mantle. Look forward to seeing whaat you come up with!