Decorating a Fall Mantel in the Living Room

When I made the change to white this summer

 in my Living Room color scheme,

for some reason

I thought it might be harder to come up with mantel decor.

But in reality it's been so much easier.

For the last six years I've purchased vintage items that

complimented a white palette, even though my Living Room

wasn't "there" yet.

I've had booth space at antique malls that were mostly white

and "all white" for years.

I guess it was just harder making that transition at home.

It was a big decision and job to accomplish that,

but I'm really loving the result.

And with the coming of Fall

I just wanted to keep it simple on the mantel

using orange and neutrals as accent colors.

So many of you have asked if we have plans on painting

the mantel and beams white.

I don't think so.

I really love the rustic contrast they give,

and since I still have a few pieces of dark furniture,

I think I'll keep them this way.

I've had these matching vintage photo frames for several years, they are of a man and wife on vacation snapping the customary "photo ops". Love their sepia tones and real vintage feel. The antique white floral bouquet iron doorstop is still here taking center stage.

Satin fabric pumpkins sit atop my white iron urns.

old book bundles tied with jute string

I wanted a little more contrast on the hearth,

so I'm using an old card table for a fireplace screen for now.

The colors compliment the season.

A new rusty birdcage...

and my, (er hubbs), old demijohns

with a recently painted pumpkin add the contrast I wanted.

We really love this room now;

it's so much more welcoming and inviting.

I'm linking with these parties this week.

The Lettered Cottage for Fall Mantels

and Vintage Inspiration Friday

I'll be doing front porch and door decor

for VIF this week,

so if you have posts please come link up on Thursday afternoon!

I've been having a lot of fun decorating for Fall

and I have tons more stuff to share!

xoxo,

 

Out to Lunch

My sister had a birthday yesterday and we always have a date for lunch.

This year we headed downtown to a new little spot called The Aviary.

A light and bright little restaurant that specializes in all kinds of crepes.

Springfield is like most cities where for years

 the downtown area was "less than" quaint.

The midtown area of Springfield is home to three major Universities;

Missouri State, Drury, and Evangel.

It's a "college town" for sure.

Within the last ten years we've seen our downtown turn around

with lots of restaurants, small businesses, and specialty shops.

It's become quite trendy, that's turning the corner

on making the downtown area a great addition to our city.

I couldn't get as many photos as I'd liked inside

but it's very shabby vintage,

with lot's of old birdcages, branches, and great ambiance.

The food was fabulous,

but we were so hungry we dove in without taking time for photos.

Savory Chicken and Mushroom Crepe

with heavenly French Onion Soup.

A wonderful church pew that's been married to an architectural piece.

Here's my mom and sis,

aren't they so cute?

Inside the "Girl's Room"

We found this great chippy orange door across the street

 with wonderful hardware.

Just had to get a shot.

My sis blended right in!

Hope you're having a great weekend

and enjoying this first week of Fall.

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday: #56 More from the Open House

Hey Everyone!

This is Fall Party Season as we all know,

and I just wanted to invite you over to

Vintage Inspiration Friday

to link up any and all of your Fabulous Fall Fun.

I don't have set dates or themes,

but I'm inviting you to share your porches, mantles, tablescapes,

 and Fall DIY crafts and projects.

"Anything vintage or vintage inspired"

that you're decorating for the Fall Season.

Button is on the sidebar, I'd love you to grab it and spread the fun!

And now more great Fall inspiration from

Leola's Vintage Home and Garden Fall Open House.

I saved the "whites" for today.

And if the store wasn't "sweet enough"

look at these adorable and oh-so-yummy witches hat cookies.

I "treated" myself to one!

OK, more inspiration from last week:

Great for Halloween or if you're just feeling strange...

Emily's Upcycled Furniture can get you to laugh or have goosebumps!

(can you tell I'm diggin' it?)

Theresa from 612 Riverside always has the best "stuff" out

on her wonderful front porch.

Here's her new mailbag...how cool is this?

Jana from Collected Treasures

created the most beautiful crocheted doily chair.

Be sure and go by for more photos!

And here's another chair from Details by Kari

with some farmhouse goodness.

I love the feed sack graphics on this.

you have to see the before!

I'll be linking up with my Friday Gal Pals:

Links on the buttons on the sidebar.

Thankyou, thankyou to each one of you that takes time to link to the party.

I really appreciate your friendship and support!

Please grab my button or have a link in your post,

have a great Friday everyone,

xoxo,

Porch Reveal at Eleven-O-One

It's a lot of fun hosting Design Challenge;

Getting to share decorating ideas with everyone out in blogland.

And even more fun when those ideas

 are incorporated into a new room or space.

Here's the Reveal of Fran's great sideporch

 that was featured back in August.

Head on over to see the wonderful makeover

she and her hubby accomplished.

This is the before, and above is the after.

With some great ideas, a little money,

and some hard work

Eleven-O-One

really looks fabulous!

Thank you, Fran,

and thanks to everyone that takes the time to

leave a comment for those who are featured.

The feedback really means a lot.

I have space available for new features starting in mid October,

if you're interested just email me.

And if you haven't seen the latest

Design Challenge

just scroll down to the next post.

See ya tomorrow for

Vintage Inspiration Friday

xoxo,