Friday, March 6, 2020

Early March Mantel

I have a confession... 
I struggle with mantels. 
Do I use more, or less?







This is something I've dealt with for years, but mostly since starting to blog. I love to decorate the mantel for seasons and holidays, but sometimes I don't know when to stop. This is a common decorating malady, especially if it is long. We all love to decorate; what's not to love about a flat surface that is a focal point?




I wanted to use my reproduction French wine bottles here with a neutral backdrop,
 and give a hint of Spring without bringing out the Easter goodies.



I took these photos a few days ago, 
since I wanted something new up here for March.



I love using this old print for early Spring because it is full of earthy colors 
and has my favorite print subject matter... sheep.




I wanted to create a French Country look. My basic candlesticks, oval frame and chalk artichokes on old book stacks are my staples here on the Hearth Room mantel.




But as I was putting this post together I got to thinking 
it all looked too cluttered and TOO MUCH.
(this happens frequently)
Removing the bottles and extra gold frame helped to
make things a little less cluttered.






So I edited a few items and now looking at these pics 
I'm wondering if there needs to be more edits = less stuff.







I think the paperwhites need to be here on the right
to balance things out with some contrast.











I like this view of the "more".
but it has a little too much to look at.







Taking a break from scratching my head about the mantel, I want to share my new quilt I bought a few weeks ago with Pottery Barn's winter sale. I'd been eyeing this quilt since they introduced it last Fall. It's a patchwork of soft florals in muted earthy colors. I just cannot bring myself to pay full price for things, so when this came up on sale and free shipping I just went ahead, since I knew it would be gone if I waited too long.





Carolina Floral Patchwork from Pottery Barn
(PB photo)

Carolina Floral Patchwork Reversible Cotton Quilt & Shams


(PB photo)

Carolina Floral Patchwork Reversible Cotton Quilt & Shams


I can use the quilt here on the ottoman, on the slipcovered sofa, the guest room bed,
or in the Garden Room. So it's sort of a Spring-y muted pastel neutral.








Antique armoire contains the TV.
(I really love this room)




Sorry the lighting is always off in here. 
This room is in the center of the house, so it doesn't have any windows 
and I have to rely on opening the front door and indirect lighting from the Garden Room.






So here we are. 
Do you tend to "over-do" or "under-do" on the mantel?

I may be in for a do-over soon.
or maybe I'll just wait and decorate for Easter.


(p.s. this is not a sponsored post, just sharing my source of the new quilt.)




Come by next Monday evening
and join the fun.




joining in here:

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
 Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters
Create Bake, Make at Across the Blvd
Happiness is Homemade at Blue Sky at Home
Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda
Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away from Home
Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 
 Talk of the Town at Knick of Time
Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode 
Share Your Style at French Ethereal 
Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home
 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 
Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Grace at Home at Imparting Grace
 Create, Bake, Grow and Gather at Shabby Art Boutique
Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge



4 comments:

  1. Hi Debra,
    I love your room too and I have always loved that armoire. For someone that always has the prettiest mantels it is hard to tell you struggle with them. I am doing that with my shelf over my kitchen window. I already have changed it out a few times to get it right. Happy Thursday.
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  2. Debra, I think we all understand the dilemma. When we first downsized I was all about minimal, but since Christmas (when we overdo without hesitation!) I've been a little bit more than minimal. Your edited mantel looks good, and I love that room too. That quilt is so YOU, very pretty, and will be really versatile. Good buy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debra,
    Both views of your mantle are gorgeous!
    However, I must admit I do like the less is more version best.
    The quilt is lovely. Those hues are so~o~o serene and tranquil.
    Beautiful room!
    Thank you for always inspiring!
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the quilt.

    I live the mantel and don't think it looks too cluttered

    I often do a cluttered mantel and then strip it back to almost nothing. Our house is too small for anything overwhelming.

    ReplyDelete

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