Sunday, November 13, 2011

Miles of Mantles!

In my six years of being a stager, I discovered there are some areas I like to work on more than others. My favorite part of staging is setting tables (I guess that's no surprise!) but decorating mantles and bookcases run a close second and third.

Did you know that you can spell them mantles or mantels? They are both correct. Most of my clients have a tendency to over-decorate their mantels. They feel like every square inch has to be covered, which is okay depending on what it is you are covering it with. Scale is everything. A few carefully chosen larger items are usually better than ten small ones.

Here are some before and afters:











Several years ago, a challenge presented itself. I was asked to re-decorate mantles in a fireplace store. Seven mantles in one afternoon. I had a budget of $200 (and I could use any items already there) and only had time to go to one store. My choice? Ross.


Here is the result:

















It was so much fun! Thanks for letting me share them with you!



Please visit my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...

If you haven't joined up to be a follower, please do! Sometimes my "follow" button
 isn't there, so please try back! I try to visit everyone and if I'm not already following you, I will!

11 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

that was so cool to see the different phases and transitions. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

Tracy said...

Great job on the mantle decor! I love to play around with displays too, but I do sometimes overclutter!

Robin said...

This had to be so much fun! I love how you kept things simple so that the focus is the fireplace.

Robin
Robin Flies South

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Simple changes that look great!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Really good job on the mantles...I particularly like the use of the mirrors. They instantly updated them and made them look less doughty. You have a great eye for updating decor!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Thanks for sharing these mantels with us. It's great to see them side by side. You really rose to the challenge. Thanks for visiting me.

Mary said...

What wonderful transformations! I worked in retail merchandising for years. It's always amazing how adding & subtracting make such a difference. Fun that your finds came from Ross!

Anita Diaz said...

Wow, those are beautiful transformations!! I wish I had a mantle to decorate. Someday! Thanks for stopping by!!

Jordan@the2seasons said...

Wow sounds like a good time. It is fun to see all you can do with a mantel!

laxsupermom said...

Nice makeovers! Arranging mantels is definitely an art. I love how you have some of the more formal mantels with very symmetrical arrangements, but the more rustic with asymmetrical, but balanced arrangements. I can see how deleting some stuff definitely helps to let the mantel shine. Thanks for sharing.

I'm hosting my monthly Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays Party and would love for you to drop by and share something you made / did / bought sometime Before Blogging. Can't wait to see what you bring to the party.

Tami Michel said...

I bet that was a lot of fun working on them. They turned out great :)
~Tami