::Fall Mantels: Oh, how I love thee…::

   

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year for decoratng.  When I transition my home into fall, it is as if my home takes on a deeper level of warmth and coziness, which I absolutely adore.  Yes, I agree that the heart of the home is usually the kitchen, but when I was a little girl, the heart of the home was the fireplace.  I have so many fond memories with my parents and my brother gathered about the fireplace, either watching television, chatting, and even roasting marshmallows.  Yes, in hindsight, I realize that probably was a fire hazard, but we survived, and I am left with a beautiful memory.   So, now, as an adult, I get completely excited (and a little nostalgic) about decorating the mantel, especially for the holidays.  Honestly, mid September until the beginning of January it’s festive decor overload around these parts.  My husband just loves it (no, of course there isn’t any sarcasm there).

Sadly enough, since I just moved across the country right at the tale end of September, and we are just getting settled, I haven’t really been able to decorate for fall like I like to.  Let me just say that Halloween is in my top two for Holidays (I heart Christmas a WHOLE LOT as well), so not being able to use my cute burlap Halloween ribbons, or my vast number of pumpkins, amongst other fabulous fall favorites, has been a struggle, but I am staying strong and working through it.  AND, to really throw a knife in my already aching heart, our new digs doesn’t have a fireplace, which means NO MANTEL TO DECORATE!!!!!!!  (Cue the blood-curdling screams.)

So, in honor of my favorite time of the year, and in honor of my favorite area of the house to decorate, I thought I would provide a little fall mantel inspiration for y’all, plus some tips on how to achieve your perfect fall statement.  This at least lets me think about what I could have done this year, had I had the time…and the mantel.  I may just have to install a faux one.  I’ll also share my fall mantel from last year because y’all know I had to take a picture of it. 🙂

Enjoy and get inspired!

 

This is my mantel from last year.  We were living in a super old farmhouse, dating back to the 1860’s.  With that in mind, I wanted my decor to compliment that while adding in some more contemporary touches to keep it from looking too “Little House On The Prairie.”  Also, sorry the lighting is poor, but I think you’ll get the idea. 🙂

I always have a plan (or at least an idea of a plan) before I just start throwing items up there.  So, with that being said, there are a few concepts I always consider when decorating a mantel, regardless of the season.

Those things are…

1.) Pick a theme/color scheme:  This is where you start your process of dressing your mantel.  Do you like simple, or over-the-top?  Bright colors, or muted tones?  Traditional, or contemporary?  There is no wrong answer!  It’s your home, therefore do what you like!!!  (Can I get an AMEN?!)  I typically base it off the style of house I am living in.  Being a military family, we have lived and will live in a lot of homes.  Homes styles differ from region to region.  Like I mentioned above, our last home was a New England farmhouse over 150 years old, so I wanted the decor to have a little of that farmhouse feel.  The muted color palette with a few pops of orange keeps it in this century.  Our new home is more modern with a touch of tradition, so I’m decorating it to compliment that style.  And, no, I’m not going out and buying all new things for each home.  If I did that, my husband would probably leave me!  Haha!  Just kidding, but seriously, part of the reason I love decorating it the creative challenge of taking existing items and using them in a new way.

2.) Varying heights: Adding pieces that have different heights creates interest.  You also want the different heights to create an eye-pleasing silhouette.  The highest point on my mantel is towards the center, but it doesn’t have to be the center.  It can be to the left or right, or even on both sides, creating a “U”  shape.  It really just depends on the items you have to use and what you prefer.  Just make sure there are different levels.

3.) Play with depth: Adding dimension to your decor is another way to make the overall look more captivating.  Instead of lining all your items up on one flat plane, try placing some in front of the other.  I like to off-center the items in the front to the items in the back.  To me, it’s more casual, and that is usually the look I’m going for.

4.) Add elements of nature: My final tip is to consider using what is right outside your door!  Fall is an especially great time to bring the outside in.  The beautiful leaves, fall flora, and not to mention, the vast array of pumpkins!  I get inspired just thinking about all of it!  I personally LOVE the white and green ones. 😉  My husband laughs at me because I am always outside either cutting branches, or picking some sort of seasonal flower.

Here are some other beautiful mantels for your viewing pleasure!!!

(Just click on the picture to see where I found these inspiring mantels!)

Simple color palette with a punch of orange and red.

 

Warm and inviting.

Muted colors, and I especially love the chalk artwork!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,

Megan

Details for my mantel: My “Happy Fall Y’all” banner and the ravens: Hobby Lobby.  Candlesticks: Pier 1 Imports. Mirror: Given to me by my inlays. Gray Frame: Took out the old picture and painted it.  Tall White Vase: Crate and Barrel.  Basket: Antique store in GA.