As we enter into the new year and the new decade I really wanted a fresh start in our home! As I’m taking all the Christmas decor out I’m honestly really feeling fresh vibes in our house right now & getting back to the basics including our mantel in our front living room. I hope that this post inspires you to get back to the basics this season, to simplify, & to make your homes cozy in this in-between season…
This mantel in our front living room is one of the spaces that is going to be getting a HUGE makeover. Hint: windows, new fireplace, & a whole new look. Before we do that I’m craving a fresh look on this simple mantel of ours. To achieve that look I got back to get basics with a few simple things that I love: My oversized wood mirror that I got at our store, a fresh plant that I picked up at our local greenhouse that I placed in an antique planter, & some chippy old architectural salvage candlesticks. It’s minimal, but oh so cozy because of the texture, wood tones, & the pop of fresh greenery. It needs to be nothing more or nothing less. Mirror + greenery + candles = the perfect mantel styling.
When styling mantels often times we think it needs to be overdone & grand, but with the right textures & balance you can create a gorgeous simple mantel. For this mantel style you could replace the mirror with a piece of art, the plant with some faux stems, & the candlesticks with a picture frame or some different style candlesticks. I hope when you visit my blog you are inspired even when your style is different or if you don’t have all the same items. I hope you can still always draw inspiration in some way from all my posts! Oh, & did you notice that candle holder on the hearth? It’s actually an antique plant stand that I turned into a candle holder…. do you like it?
Want to add another pop to the mantel? Here is a look where I added another layer with a simple piece of art:
With some of these items being antiques, you probably don’t have the same thing. Here is a little blueprint for placement and proportions to follow. The backdrop can be made up of a mirror or large piece of art. To the left and right can be made up of plants, architectural pieces, or unique finds. Here is a simple guideline map for your mantel to achieve the same look:
Winter style doesn’t always have to be pine & and winter berries. It can be clean and fresh like this mantel. I don’t know about you… it feels really good to get our house back after the holidays. We are currently in the middle of purging which is inspiring me to make your decor even more simple. Thank you guys SO MUCH for stopping by the blog today & every single day to see what we are up to! xx Liz Marie
PS. A few of you have been asking for the link to the basket by the fireplace, you can find it HERE!
Liz,
I love that mirror on your mantle. . .especially how the hue compliments the candlesticks!
I agree, more simplicity in our lives for 2020!
Thank you for always inspiring!
Pat
That mantel is just gorgeous… I love the simplicity. I know this isn’t part of the post, but where did you get that beautiful basket to the right of the fireplace? I would love to have one like that to put beside mine! Thank you!
I like the nice peaceful look of this arrangement, thank you so much and have a great day.
I think World Market! I remember seeing it in a different blog post.
I love how you added a blueprint for us! Love this blog post, Liz!
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much! Here is a link to the basket! https://rstyle.me/+Wm7rvm3sIThOFIIJCmvjvg
Thank you so much for the kind words Pat! I love that we are on the same page about simplicity!
Thank you so much, I really just want to feel at peace and relaxed in our home! So glad it gave you the same feeling!
I am so glad you found that helpful, it is something new we decided to try!
I’m new to this large item on my mantel style…HOW do you get these larger heavier items to NOT side off, without having to leave a mark on your wall?? Tips or ideas please. Thanks a million for your existence 🙂
I’m glad you showed this to us. I redid our mantel and because I have blue bottles and stems it feels like spring. Gotta go change that! Just got my Country Living Mag in the mail and was so excited to see your home. And those adorable photos with Jose and Copeland made me smile. Cheers to a wonderful 2020.
It’s all so lovely. I especially like the fireplace surround and candlesticks. Was the surround an antique?
Have a wonderful 2020.
I love the layering of the extra picture. I’m working on decorating my mantle too as I just finished building it right before the holidays. I’ve been looking for some chunky architectural pieces I can make into candle holders but haven’t found anything yet.
Love reading your blog, btw
Can you give names for some of the plants you have in your home? The one on the mantle is gorgeous with how full it is. So fresh and cozy!!!
I’ve often wondered about the layout of your house. Could you do a blueprint-like drawing to show how all the rooms inter-relate? I think that would be awesome and would help us to picture how the whole house looks together! Thanks!
I love the simplicity and the variety of textures that you used. The wallpaper is gorgeous! Do you mind if I ask the the name of the pattern and brand?
Another inspirational post…I’m hooked on your blog and the beauty of your home decor and style.
Would love to know how to purchase the mirror! It’s gorgeous!
I love those William Morris panels on the wall. Where and how did you make/get those?
I love the simplicity!! That’s how I went with mine and your antique plant turned candle holder is fabulous and has inspired to me to tweak what I have going on at the bottom ? ?
Any suggestions for styling a mantle with a tv over it? Thanks!