Weekend Inspiration: Mantlescape

Even though we have a non-working fireplace, it is the natural focal point in the living room, and it just can't be ignored. Creating a mantlescape is a wonderful way to incorporate your room's overall design story, it's one of my most favorite things to do. The fireplace is the very first thing that you see when you walk into our home, and since the Fireplace Facelift, I have a lot of fun changing it up often. But you know that about me already right? :)

I typically like asymmetric displays, (although I've done symmetry before) in part because of the vaulted ceilings, it's not a large room, just high ceilings. I like using tall and large scaled vases or candle holders to begin and fill in with smaller items around it (or them). I let a little Summer sneak into this mantlescape, though the tulips leave it decidedly spring.

The round mirror acts as my usual backdrop, and I layer frames in front, just leaning them. I keep thinking that I want to put up a different mirror or abstract canvas up there instead, but I like the black and white contrast. Considering the sheer size of it (40") and the ridiculous weight has nothing to do with it. ;) Someone asked me where I found the mirror at and I didn't get around to answering, but I found it at Hobby Lobby. My funky circle sculptures made the cut from the Pre-Spring mantle and a milk glass vase with hydrangeas complete the display. The pleather ottoman in front of the fireplace offers some extra seating (it's usually at the foot of my bed) and a small tray display that is easily moved to the coffee table when needed. See my new throw I found at Ikea? It was some crazy low price like 12.99 or something. I did an arrangement of tulips and hydrangeas and kiwi vine, very contemporary, but I like how it adds some real visual interest and structure up there.

A little turtle magnifying glass on top of vintage postcards and a little carved rosewood box, I found a whole bunch of black and white and sepia postcards at an antique shop here in town. I really love them, somebody collected them with care and I will continue it! I want to frame up a few too. You've seen my framed sea fan before, still one of the best GW finds ever, and a framed snapshot of Keegan when he was about 3 weeks old (I love that shot). A little B&W flower picture too. I am on the hunt for some inexpensive drapery panels (if those exist), I think the ones I have are a little too boring. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you are inspired to create an asymentrical mantlescape! I'll be out of town until next week, in case you missed that, a little Spring Break getaway!

Joining Kate