Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Pet Peeve ~ The Line Up

I mean really, I can not even believe this one . . . Who would do this to a very lovely mantel ? I love pottery, but when it is lined up like that, it is just a eye sore. And what about all that open space above the line up . . .

Could they find anything smaller to put on that mantel??? I just don't get it, do you?

Beautiful room, but would you agree that the art is the "only" thing needed above the mantel?


This looks like a great space, but I am almost certain we have a line up on the mantel . . . What's your thoughts on the line up?



39 comments:

  1. Hummm I know what you mean.
    Being a minimalist I actually like mantels to have free space.
    So when friends are walking about they can set their wine glass down and such.
    I think people need to let their mantles breath.
    :)
    I do like the wall arrangements of plates in the 2nd one.

    PS
    Thanks for always making me think.

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  2. gotta have scale and proportion ...my mantra ...oh and objects of interest.

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  3. it's just too boring..and I agree with #3 ..the art would be enough...maybe they just REALLY love their bowls? hehe

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  4. the gardeners cottageSeptember 8, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    I know what you mean but I understand that peole want to display the things that they love. They just don't know how to do it. I know I struggle with this because I have so little room to display things. Sometimes I'll put something out knowing it's not in the perfect spot, but it's the only space I've got so I'll do it anyways. The art of display is tricky for me. I like the last photo, even the mantle. I need more lessons! That's why I'm here.

    Janet

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  5. Janet, I wanted to let you know that it is okay, to put things out and enjoy them and then put them away ...rotate your loved objects. I like to do mine seasonal...for some reason, I have been unable to go to your blog! Just wanted you to know I have tried.

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  6. I don't care for the line-up myself. I'd rather see some larger items than what is pictured and set things off to the sides. I agree with you on the one ~ that art is great on its own, and the one with nothing above the line-up ~ something that incorporates that green in the room would look great there.

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  7. Good principles here. When everything is on display,nothing stands out.

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  8. I love the one with the big piece of art and agree that is all they need. That poor mantel in the first picture looks so sad! I am symmetrical and I like balance and variations of height. Mantels can be challenging. I am happy with mine right now....I think I am tooting my own horn...LOL.

    LeAnn:)

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  9. Toot that horn, LeAnn, Life is too short to let a tooting pass us by!

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  10. I love your pet peeves, or do I hate them?
    I agree with them!
    xxx kim

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  11. I agree with you Vicky but here are my additional thoughts and a possible solution for THE LINE UP:--

    As by no means is it a pleasant experience when viewing and its extremely difficult to point out 'the subject' among 'a group of fillers'; I'm thinking.....a two-way mirror might help.

    Will that work for you? -Brenda-

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  12. Brenda, am I too dumb to get this... I don't know what you are saying. Try again, more details...

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  13. I'll agree with the first mantel - the items are just "lost" in space, and I am one that doesn't care for symmetry or "matchy-matchy" so the next few don't do a thing for me, but I think that the bottom mantel is okay. Maybe the smaller pieces in front of the mirror are not necessary. ~ Robyn

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  14. I'm with you on the line up. Can't stand it

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  15. I really like the pic with green chair in light colored room.
    Very nice!
    Blessings,
    d

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  16. I see what you mean, Vicky. I would rather have a few larger pieces at each end of the mantel....Christine

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  17. I agree with you, the line up is boring. Sandi

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  18. Vicky sorry about that kiddo, let me try this again.

    A Line Up is a term and also a system used in Policing. The latter usually performed behind a two-way mirror. It is 'a grouping' in which there is the suspect (subject) and other individuals (fillers) who are similar in appearance. Kind of like the arrangement and the choice of the Mantle accessories in pics #1 and #4 wouldn't you say?
    Winks! -Brenda-

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  19. I wish people didn't feel obligated to fill every inch of their mantle whether it's with a line of like objects or a bunch of mixed up, too small items. I find the last photo most acceptable because the items are white on a white mantle against a white wall. They read more like texture than objects that expect your attention.

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  20. I get it now Brenda! You could be on to something. And Tracy, I agree with you too. I even tired to delete the last picture after I uploaded it, but did not know how. I love the last one and the mantel is okay too! Besides, with the ceiling who will even see the mantel...

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  21. LINE UPS...what a waste of a mantle!! The first one is the worst waste of space,good heavens...what would Candice think!!! Great post as always,you keep us on our toes!!

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  22. I agree on most, but I do like the last one...it fits with the space, I think.

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  23. As a professional organizer one of the things I encourage folks to do as part of their home decluttering is to pack up all the trinkets they want to keep (just like if they were moving) and live with the space empty for a few weeks and then figure out what they REALLY miss (if anything). I think the lineup is often just mindless placement of objects folks don't know what else to do with.

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  24. Jennifer, I agree and Joan, that is a great ideal! Love it.

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  25. Hi There!
    Getting back to you about liking the line-up...
    In the first picture, I really love the green chair in this off white room. As for the line-up, if this was the only place to store the items then I would have to store them there, but I wouldn't like it. The area above the fireplace would be enhanced if a large oil painting were to grace it.
    Blessings to you and appreciate you stopping by HomeHaven. Thursday we're having virtual tea. Will you join me?
    d

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  26. * Short n' maybe "not-so-sweet", BUUUUT I WOULD say the "DESIGN POLICE" should come & TAKE THESE PEOPLE AWAAAAY, to a mandatory "Decluttering Class", EXCEPT, there's too much butting in (by "the gov't) on our lives as it IS, V-girl! (Am I right?)... ..."Seriously tho, too much is a no-no!"~~~~~~~~~~Love, Linda

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  27. ***** P.S. I could literally LIVE in that LAST ROOM, with or without things on the mantel/mantle~~~~~~~~~THIS soooo speaks to me!!! I... love... it!!!! You too??????? Hugs, Me

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  28. Been wondering where you were ms. linda...glad to see you finally made it...things just are'nt the same around here without you!

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  29. Vicky re your comment to Linda, I know it is your Blog.....but hope you don't mind me 'seconding that motion'. Missed you MOM! :) -Brenda-

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  30. Hi Vicky, how you doing girl? Its been so long since i have stopped by, i miss your always interesting post. As for these images, definately not my thing...too many little things which to my eye looks cluttered. That being said a line of three items can look good if done correctly. Hope you have had a great summer.
    hugs
    janet

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  31. I cannot stand a "line-up"!! I have a hard time with mantels because most of the time they look cluttered or the balance is off. I need help with mine right now! Good pix!

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  32. *** Awwwwe V-girl and Mrs. B, what a NICE, unexpected and wonderfully warm "welcome back"... (I had that nasssssty flu or SOMETHING like it!!! Mucho better now!!!)...

    Thanks, Sweethearts!
    Love, Me ***(P.S. I'm shocked & honored that you NOTICED I wasn't here~~~ wow!~~~ even MORE thanks!)~

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  33. Vicky, Nope it wasn't me...I hope it was a nice e-mail, if it was maybe I'll claim it. - LOL. ( Also, I'm glad that Linda/Mom popped in, too.) Have a great day tomorrow - I'm closing up shop and going to bed. ~ Robyn

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  34. Everyone has their own thoughts of how their home should look. I may not agree with some bu if someone came in and made fun of your style you might look at things in another light. People may not be perfect in the way they see something, bu tit is their home. No one is perfect. I was upset by a comment made on Rate my space. It is their right to make it but it still hurt. If the house is too perfect it dosen't look like a home it looks like a department store. Just my openion. Kathy

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  35. Thank God Vicky..I thought I was in the minority when it came to the little soldiers lined up style. Drives me nuts right along with the disproportioned fireplace tableaus.

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  36. Hi there, I love following your blog. As for the mantels...I took an Interior Decorating class at our community college. The teacher showed us pic after pic of homes done by "designers". Most were from "parade of homes" and things like that. I was so suprised, and she pointed out so many wrong things like this. Also, accessorized bookshelves, coffee tables and even window treatments. Sometimes I wonder what they were thinking. I'm not so intimidatded to get out there myself.
    Kelly

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  37. With the exception of the last picture, my pet peeve is mainly with the poor proportions that the fire place, mantle and surround have. It does not matter much to me if the chaka's are all lined up as long as the mantle and fireplace and surround exhibit pleasing proportions.

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  38. oh some great inspiration pics... this is what's on my plate right now!!!!

    have been scrolling through all of the posts (am so behind!!!) big hug!!!
    -lauren

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