Cottage Style Mantel Decorating

I think the mantel is kind of like the neck of our homes. Just as we dress ourselves with a lovely necklace to compliment our attire and express our style, likewise we dress our mantels to compliment our homes and, of course, to express our styles and even moods. My own living room mantel has has undergone several changes since we've lived here. It once held a large Kim Parker canvas for a few years (loved it, yes! but as my style evolved, it just no longer worked with the feel and "spirit" of our home...I passed it along to a friend who loved the canvas just as much as I did). I replaced it with an antique painting of a cottage. It fits the mood of our home perfectly during the fall and winter months...to me it represents shelter, warmth, and safety.

But when spring arrived, I craved a lighter atmosphere. I simply cannot stop myself from snatching up pretty, old picture frames whenever I'm fortunate enough to run across them, so I thought they would make a nice mantel grouping. I added a couple of topiaries and my letter K that I got from the decorating genius Layla of The Lettered Cottage a few months ago. Lastly, I tucked in some greenery across the front to add a touch of nature - even though the greenery is indeed fake! Here are a few shots...









For a change, instead of having one focal point in the middle of the mantel such as a painting, I decided to start at the left of the mantel and display items in descending order for a little interest. (Normally the candle on the edge isn't there...I was enjoying a quiet, overcast morning and decided to light it, but I have to keep it out the way of my birds when they're out! I forgot to move it when I took this shot.)


Because we have high ceilings in our living room, I think our fireplace mantel could stand to be beefed up a bit, perhaps with chunkier jambs (the vertical pieces holding up the shelf) and maybe even an overmantel. But for now, I'm enjoying transforming it when the seasons change or the mood strikes!

Before I sign off, if you'd like to see how I painted the lettering on the front of the fireplace, check out this entry. It's easy peasy!

Oh, and ONE more thing! Check out Layla's blog...she's having a great giveaway now in honor of her 1st blogiversary! It's a really nice burlap monogrammed table runner from Coastline...