Thursday, November 19, 2009

Singing Mantels

A few post back , I did one of my "Pet Peeves " post , "The Line Up". . . I showed a few mantels that suffered from the mindless line of objects. This is a big pet peeve of mine, because I just know we can do better. This most important space should be given something interesting to look at. The cream of the crop of our accessories. I am really enjoying this beauty.

Even with no fireplace at all , the mantel will still become the focal of the space, so show some style. Let your creative juices run. I love this little cozy corner, small , interesting and just so perfect.

My own mantel, at Christmas time . . . special because the painting was done by my mom and all the little Santa's have special meaning to me as well, most were gifts from my girls when they were small. ( Note the Santa made from a toilet paper roll, just precious.) So take a look, is your Mantel Singing?


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24 comments:

  1. Tales of WhimsyNovember 19, 2009 at 1:23 PM

    I can not take my eyes off that blue velvet foot stool/coffee table

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  2. PoindexterNovember 19, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    Um, no. My mantle is not singing. Theme music intro has begun, but the rest of the orchestra has not yet chimed in. Yes, there is a decent little arrangement that is somewhat visually appealing, but we could do better. I just don't quite know how yet! Struggling with a massive amount of vertical space that I have never before experienced. A totally new challenge. - Diane ps, LOVE
    ~heart~ your Santas!

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  3. AnonymousNovember 19, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Vicky! Oh, I love that first room and it's such a shame the mantle isn't as pretty as the rest of the room is. I wish you'd give a little tutorial on mantleing! This is something I have a hard time with. I just poke lots up on mine and never do know if I get it right or not.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. Tammy@InStitchesNovember 19, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    I think mine is just talking kinda loud, not singing.....

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  5. the gardener's cottageNovember 19, 2009 at 3:11 PM

    Sad for me, i don't have a fireplace. But if I did it would hopefully look like pic #2.

    ~janet

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  6. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    I love that top picture and I love the Santa painting your Mom did! My mantel is not singing yet ~ it is warming up! : )

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  7. Abramyan AvenueNovember 19, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    I love this post! The photos show different variations that can done with your mantle. I was stuck in the "line everything up" rut that made my mantle boring and really made me nervous to look at. I took all those decorations down, put up a nice floral arrangement, hurricane candles and tall wooden candlesticks. I got compliments immediately. It totally gave my living room a different appearance. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos. -April

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  8. KarenaNovember 19, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    I do love to change out my mantle. The art I hang or prop above is always the focal point. Then some art glass, ceramics, candles etc.

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  9. artis1111November 19, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    I love Christmas when I can have fun doing my mantle. Kathy

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  10. AnonymousNovember 19, 2009 at 6:35 PM

    Your absolutely right! I love your mantel, and I love love love that blue ottoman in the first pic! What a dream! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Linda in AZ *November 19, 2009 at 8:59 PM

    * V-girl~ The first pic is simply comfortable, like a home really SHOULD be, IMHO... it's casually elegant, oh-so-chic and has just the RIGHT AMOUNT of "IMPERFECTIONS" to make it wonderfully INVITING... "PERFECT", actually!!!

    We need places where we can "take off our shoes, curl up on the couch & have a good chat w/ a dear friend & just, well, "chill"... This DOES that for me...

    A most SPECIAL PRESENCE during the holidays is your mantel~~~ I remember last year getting kind of wet-eyed because your HEART was right there on that mantel, and it touched me so that I KNEW I would like you, GENUINELY, as a friend... And now, all this time later, we ARE! Isn't that ANOTHER nice thing about sharing your "loves n' memories of the past"???

    Thanks, kiddo... And BTW, even tho I was an Army wife for 38 years (guess I always WILL be after THAT much time!), I've NEVER cared for things "lined up & spaced exactly evenly"... it reminds me of a row of soldiers... and they belong in Garrison, not in one's living room!!!... Can you imagine that?!?!)...

    Big, warm hugs,
    Love,
    Linda *

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  12. Greet LefèvreNovember 20, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    Vicky,
    The mantels are all very beautiful! And your is so charming! I love the Santas that children make!

    Greet

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  13. CindyNovember 20, 2009 at 7:12 AM

    I think my mantel is singing, I have just recently decorated it for Christmas. I try to keep it simple, but because it is a good size, it holds alot of decor items. It is probably my favorite place to decorate. I love the second photo, the whites are so restful and your mantel is darling, it tells a story. Hugs, Cindy S.

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  14. Room Service ~ Decorating 101November 20, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    ahhhh, linda, that's so sweet. Thanks everyone for all the comments... you know, I blog for those.

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  15. My Galveston CottageNovember 20, 2009 at 2:25 PM

    Here, here. Mantels and bookcases!
    Vicky, I hope you'll check out my giveaway and play! Happy Thanksgiving, -susan

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  16. CindyNovember 20, 2009 at 4:18 PM

    Thank you for your comment on my mantle, and thank you for the 5*'s. Is that good? Hugs, Cindy S.

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  17. DeannaNovember 20, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    I don't have a mantel, but if I did I would hope it would be a singing one!

    Doing my best to stay focused as the projects slowly get done.

    May you have a splendid Thanksgiving,
    d from homehaven

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  18. savvycityfarmerNovember 21, 2009 at 7:09 AM

    fa-lalalalalala





    watch for christmas at the farmhouse

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  19. DeannaNovember 21, 2009 at 9:07 AM

    Hi there!
    Your mantel is great and I love Santas. Very nice statement.

    Thax for coming by to see the unfinished projects. As time passes I pray I will have pics to share as we go along completing these things.

    Understand about projects getting finished faster when not tending to others! I'm presently babysitting a 2 yr. old Grandchild and by the end of the day, I'm whipped. The projects are in slow motion.

    Hope you'll share pictures of your Guest Room!

    Blessings to you,
    d from homehaven

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  20. Porchlight InteriorsNovember 21, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    I agree that whatever is displayed on the mantel should be beautiful, meaningful and not just thrown there without thought! I love all of your examples! Tracey xx

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  21. Natasha in OzNovember 22, 2009 at 2:37 AM

    I don't have a mantel (I so wish that we had a fireplace and a mantel but our winters are so very mild) but I really like your decorating tips when it comes to making displays.
    Best wishes, Natasha.

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  22. mrsbenNovember 24, 2009 at 2:24 PM

    Ahhh, just like an Opera. The Mantel is the stage, the objects are the Performers and the arrangement is the Libretto. (Bet you never knew I cud be so philosophical. Winks!)

    Great Post Ms. Vicky! Hugs
    -Brenda-

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  23. NishantNovember 25, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    I love all of your examples!

    Work from home India

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  24. C.J.November 25, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    love the mantel with the chair, and mirror, see? anyone can have one.

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