Mantel Decor.. Is this Better? Old VS New Pics

13 years ago

I am trying to implement some suggestions I have received.

One suggestion was to use larger stuff on the mantel.

I re-did the stuff on my fireplace mantle with larger items.

I am aiming for French Country look for my dining room. This fireplace is in the dining room.

I made the arrangement on the right from a rustic rooster planter. I made it to go on the dining table but wanted to see if it would work on the mantel.

I also went for something bigger on the left. The flowers are real but if you guys think it looks good I could replace those with some fake ones (something similar)

I like the splash of color!

Is it Better than before?

Please give Specific suggestions for improvement.

If I need to put something different up there, please suggest possible Shapes, Heights, Sizes, or specific items

Ignore the ash smeared on the hearth lol, needs to be cleaned.

Thanks, Loretta

OLD one

Old one from a distance

NEW one

New one

New one from distance

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Comments (4)

graywings123
13 years ago
With a desk to the left of the fireplace and wire storage system on the right, it's easy to see your room is doing double duty as an office. In my opinion, you cannot disregard those items when decorating the mantle. The elegant white vase with flowers and the soft colors of the painting just seem out of place in the room.

I'm not sure what to suggest, maybe one large piece of driftwood or one big piece of ironwork over the mantle in place of the things there now.
susanjf_gw
13 years ago
love the vase but as gray wings said it's abit too elegant for the space...

since you've already have the black wire, look for a more homey wrought iron pot...a bit of copper will enhance the french country look...

flea market, or second hand store mirror, with some "damage" (like it was handed down for generations instead of the too pretty picture. if you don't like the mirror, look for a pasture,kitchen, scene...

if you need to reuse the existing frame soften it to a dull gold...
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alicate
13 years ago
How about some plates lined up over the fireplace? It's a dining room and the plates would be fitting there. Is there a way to lean some up against the wall casually rather than mounting them on the wall. The photo makes me think of a living room fireplace not one in the dining room and in my humble opinion, it doesn't fit. (I have a fireplace in my dining room, too :) )

Is there a way to replace the wire storage system? It is way too officey. How about a nice computer armoire over in the corner on the right? You could use it as a desk area and hopefully have enough room for storage as well.

I'd also lose the bulletin board that also screams "office". I can't remember if these are viable options for you or not but I think it would be hard to decorate with the accessories when some of these bigger things need to be addressed.

Hope something here in my message will be useful to you!
lorriekay
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank all of you!

Yes, I think I will have to re-visit the fireplace mantel After the office stuff is addressed. The stuff (office) on left will either go in an armoire to conceal it or moved out.

The desk on the left is going out of the room

Would like a sitting area on one side of the fireplace. Possibly a buffet on the other?

Or the armoire (hiding the office supplies) on one side of the fireplace and the sitting area on the other side

I guess I need to get my pieces in there First to see if I can use the picture over the fireplace

I was hoping if I chose the right furniture pieces and fabric I could use it because I love it.

As it is, it looks Terribly out of place LOL but thought I'd start on one smaller manageable spot but I see the finishing touches will need to come last.
That's why they call them *fininshing touches* .. ahhhhhh
now I see! LOL

Loretta

Mantel Decor.. Is this Better? Old VS New Pics

Comments (4)

graywings123

susanjf_gw

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Mantel Decor.. Is this Better? Old VS New Pics

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