Intrigued?
:-)
Well, I am happy to report that everything came together quite nicely!
Turns out, I actually had a lot of other things around the house that I was able to work into the mantel display as well.
This is one of them...
Don't worry- it doesn't look anything like that now.
Let's just say it "bumped into" my Sea Salt-colored frame, some leftover Nacre-colored paint, a can a chalkboard spray paint and a piece of sandpaper, and they all lived happily ever after.
:-)
If you've visited my blog before, you know I'm all about the re-purposing of previously loved art and accessories.
Because when it comes to old treasures, there is always a new story waiting to be told.
I did use some new items too though. A couple of white pitchers I've had for a while now, some grapevine elements, some great-looking faux greenery, and the little speckled eggs I mentioned last month .
(Which, by the way, I had planned to use before I saw the faux eggs on the cover of Pottery Barn, thankyouverymuch. LOL!)
"Mantel Mania" has turned into a pretty fun exercise.
I've received a lot of questions about how to decorate different types of mantels, so it's created an opportunity for me to really think about what I would do with any given mantel. So I think instead of just one day, I'll try and break it up over the entire week next week. Monday will be devoted to sharing my Spring-inspired mantel, but the rest of the week I'll try and put together some posts that offer inspiring ideas for all types of mantels, so that there's a little somethin'-somethin' for everyone.
:-)
If you've got a special request, feel free to leave a comment on this post, and I'll see what I can come up with. (Because we have such creative readers, I'm sure there will be lots of good ideas in the comments next week too!)
And if anyone has a mantel display they'd like to share with me ahead of time- I would love it if you'd send me a photo to LaylaPalmer@aol.com.
(Your ideas could help someone with a similar set-up!)
Alright, I've got a husbear to go wake up, but I'll leave you with an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny sneak peek of a couple of my mantle bits...
I'm calling the look "Farmhouse Fresh", and I can't wait to hear whatchya think!
Happy Weekend friend,
PS- We're hosting a fantastic Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway this weekend, so make sure you come back and enter if you're interested in winning a little bit of lovely...
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85 comments:
Layla,
I can't wait to see what it looks like I can only imagine! I stayed up late last night watching your videos. I loved the video of you shopping at the flea for your mantel. I can hardly wait! You guys have the best blog! Guess what because of your video you took of Kevin tearing down the drywall from your ceiling~ I am getting tin put on my ceiling in my bedroom!!! Thanks you guys!!! I wonder how many you women you guys have helped out with those awesome videos. For some reason I couldn't get the videos to play of the bathroom redo. I will try again tonight because I don't want to miss it.
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Take Care,
Maria
p.s. Layla I hope you got my email. Sorry I was a little excited in it!
Hey Layla! I just found your blog this week and I LOVE it! I was telling my husband last night about all the projects that you and Kevin have already inspired me to want to do :) We're always limited by budget and not knowing how to do something, so I love that you and Kevin just figure it out and do it affordably!
So anyway I'm really looking forward to the spring mantle pics - we have a great mantle that I've just recently starting paying more attention to, and I'm stoked for new ideas. But my question is, what do you do with all of the items you just bought when you change your mantle again? Do you box it all up and store it? Or do you find other places in your home to use it? Or do you sell or donate it? Thanks! :)
i'd love to hear how you suggest dealing with corner fireplaces where the mantle is a really deep triangle... all i've done is lean a big mirror up in the corner which creates a "normal" shaped mantel, but it leaves a dark shadowy place above/behind the mirror in the top corner. hope that makes sense. looking forward to lots of inspiration next week!
Hi, I am new reader too. We moved into our house about 5 months ago. Our family room looks nice, and the mantel arrangement is nice. But not what I'd call truly inspired. However, we don't want to look like we copied our home from a picture of someone else's house. My girlfriend loves (as in LOVES) clocks. Our idea is to cover the mantel space with clocks of all types and sizes, including getting one of those ginormous ones from Target. We're ok if it looks quirky, but we don't want it to look ridiculous. Ever seen anything like this?
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I can hardly wait to see the full mantle redo! I have a love/hate relationship with mine - it's 14 feel long, 2 windows and 2 sconces. Farmhouse fresh is exactly the look I love so I will be taking notes or I will be having you decorate it for me!
Sarah
After watching your cute video, with your cute dog sounds... ha! I am so thrilled to see what you came up with.. Love the fish plates by the way. Oh' and i am loving the tiny sneak peak... I can tell its going to be so FAB. p.s. my hubby lub is Kevin too! Have a great one! JGG larsenloves.blogspot.com
Layla, What great things you found! I can't wait to see the mantle : ) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the fish plates!
Have a great weekend!
Health and happiness to you and Kevin,
Angela
Hi there, we have a suuuuper long mantel (17 feet, stretches the whole wall in our living room, above the fireplace and some built in bookshelves). Since it's so huge, I have split it into kind of three "zones", one at each end and one in the middle, but it looks kind of disjointed. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Can't wait to see it!! It will be super cute!! Love your blog!!
i blog stalk you and have never commented before but i had to today...
you are adorable. not in a creepy i'm stalking you way, i promise!;D just in a you are adorable way.
i love your home and your vision. you two are inspiring. i also love, love, love old homes, the yuckier the better because then you have so much more to do! unfortunately my husband doesn't agree...so we just get to redo a a 60's rambler.:)
can't wait to see your mantle!
Can you have too many little nests and eggs? I don't think so!
I can't wait to see the finished mantel. The little snippet looks gorgeous already. I can't believe you stencilled a number on your platter - I was going to comment that you could number your little white dishes - 143 maybe! Your blog is a huge inspiration and I love how you built around your brick fireplace. I have a fire surround I don't like but don't want to paint it and ruin it so your idea of covering it is great!
Can't wait til Monday!
~Sam
Hi Layla,
We have a builder townhouse with a gas fireplace that sits out into the room, creating a square "mantle" that is really the entire top of the gas fireplace box. It's a large, odd space that I've tried to fill with several layers of items to create interest and fill up space. Any creative suggestions?
Love your blog. Thanks!
I can already tell that I'm going to love it. Can't wait to see the whole thing. It must be egg time, I'm painting some eggs now and Fern Creek Cottage linked up to my "We Can Do It Cheaper" post with a great idea on some crafty eggs. Love it all!
Can't wait for the reveal. As for ideas, I'd love to see a natural approach to decorating for each of the 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter). I'd like something I can live with for at least 3 months at a time. It's just too time consuming to try to go for a month to month "theme"!
hi Layla - So looking forward to this. I struggle with my mantle. It is about 12 feet long and I can never make it work. Any thoughts to decorate over that length of space?
Can't wait! It makes me want to go hit the flea markets too!
☺ Celeste
Thanks for giving out mantle ideas - I struggle with what to put on my large mantle... I want it to be balanced, but not too matchy-matchy. Also? If you have any tips on what to do after you've already let your husband hang the flatscreen over the mantle, that would be swell. (I know it's a decorating no-no, but marriage is about compromise, right?!). Here's what my mantle looks like now:
http://homeinthecountry.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/heart-garland/ (minus the v-day hearts, of course!).
Love the shopping trip, and your backdrop!! I think I am hooked on your blog on the first visit...what ya' putting in this thing?^&*($^*&^*&^%#$@
Best,
Michelle
haven't commented in a while but don't think that doesn't mean i'm lurking, er, i mean reading. :) love the mantle sneak peak, and i'm always dying to own a lisa leonard creation so i'm looking forward to that fabulous giveaway. happy spring like day to you and your "husbear". :)
Okay... those faux eggs are the cutest!!
I am sure it is just delicious - with your styling and those cute eggs how could it be anything else. Can't wait to see it!
Hey!! I have the exact twin of your little grey pitcher!!! I paid $1 for mine, as well. I'll be interested to see what you do with that pitcher. I'm leaving mine grey!
I love your blog! I just recently came across it and am absolutely inspired. Thank you! We just remodeled our house and we're getting ready to move in-- so I'm getting excited to decorate! How would you decorate a narrow depth mantel? Maybe only 3-4 inches.
Thanks for always finding new ways to inspire your readers! I'd love to see your ideas of how to deal with a flat panel TV that is mounted above the mantel. I've tried a number of different things, but I've never found a way to balance out this huge focal point.
i am so excited to see what you've done with your mantel. you have such creative ideas and i LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog. i wish i had a house to fix up. thanks for all you do. megan
Love the tease!!! You amaze me with your ideas...can not wait to see what your Spring mantle will look like. :)
Cheers~
e
Ok I love the items you bought and can't wait to see the finished projects but can I just say that I was laughing so hard at your dog and the faces you were making every time there was a 'dog noise' LOL so cute! & so totally 'real life' :)
I love it and I haven't even seen it all yet! That mantle goes with my kitchen makeover...go see what ya think!!! I TOTALLY rehauled my kitchen! I LOVE IT!!!
I'd love to go to your flea market, some great prices! :)
already love it! And I enjoyed this video--you get to see even more of your personality, which is lovely.
What a fun post! I am looking forward to your posts next week. I have a cute mantel that you might be able to use for reader inspiration ideas. I will email you.
Kelly
I love the little peak of your spring mantle.Spring things have been popping up around my home as well. I love your blog and everything you have to share;I've added you to my blog list. I am a new blogger and if you would like you can hop over to my blog to see it. Thanks!
I'm looking forward to this series. My mantle is one of the things in my house that I struggle with decorating. I can't believe you didn't pick up the "fab" unicorn head - that looked pretty Spring-like to me ;)
Major score on the frames! I've never seen frames that cheap where I live :(
Oh, and I LOVED the virtual design you did for the Nester!
Oh Layla! I am so excited for next weeks posts! We just moved into a new home and I am having serious inspiration issues when it comes to the mantles! I have two, one that is your basic mantel, and another that is very deep and wide. (Think 2.5'x 5') I am very excited to see what inspiration you can bring us!
Thank you so much for your time,
Jessica
Can't wait to see what you come up with. So far, so good. The video had so many treasures and at such great prices....I would love to find that place!
Layla,
Working your magic, I know it will work! I especially like the platter and in your sneak peak I see your stenciled a number on it. Farmhouse Fresh meets Sea Salt -- you bet I will be back to see the finished mantel! Will email you.
Deborah
Such great ideas! The "teaser" pics are beautiful, can't wait to see the rest!
My mantle in our "new" house is actually a style I really like...it has built-in bookshelves recessed a bit on either side, the center is forward a little with a traditional mantle. The only problem? Either a pretty plain mantle with more stuff (books, art, pictures, cloches, coral, plants, architectural pieces) being displayed on the bookshelves (that's what I have now), OR lots of books only on the bookshelves for a "solid/neutral" background & a more varied mantle display. It would look too cluttered to do both! Oh well, there's always a bit of compromise in decorating, isn't there? That's why it's so much fun to be creative! :)
Should be a great series!!
Blessings,
Stacey
So, am I the only one who is wondering abut the "3" on the plate? Hmmm . . . Hope you are well.
Amanda
Queen Bee Designs by Amanda
Layla, I can't get the video to work. Is it me or is anyone else having problems. Can't wait to see what everyone is talking about!
This will be a great series since mantels seem to be a real challenge for people. We had a corner, gas fireplace in our last house that was just horrible to make right.
I haven't had luck downloading your book--so I will enlist the help of tech support when he gets home from work. :)
Have a great weekend!
Looks wonderful, can't wait to see the whole thing :)
Kristin
Hi Layla, could you do a decor series on how to dress up the 4 cute herb crates hanging on your wall? I bought a set from LCH and put a bunch of pinecones in them during the Fall/Winter seasons, but now I'm drawing a blank for Spring and Summer. What else looks good in them besides flowers/plants and plates?
p.s. Can't wait to see your mantel series next week! Have a delightful weekend!
It looks like it looks amazing from what I Can see....I am excited to see the rest :)
~Katie
Wow - i positively love what you've shown so far! I have just "re-done" my mantel and yes blogged about it lol. I am loving those eggs. Must get thinking about an easter display to co-ordinate! Thanks, Mel xx
Loving all of this! Pratville sure looks different that it did 15 years ago when I lived in Montgomery. Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like...
I just love your style and ideas. I am a newbie to this hobby. Check me out, I could use all the help I can get. http://amanda-brown.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-first-flea-market-finds.html
Spray paint on the pitchers... never even occurred to me to try that one! I can't wait to see how they turned out and then i'm hitting the thrift store!
~~ drop by my blog for a chance at my birthday give away - i'm getting older by the minute!
Just wanted to say that I love the hardcore music in all your videos. Rock it, Layla.
I seriously need help with my mantel. Seems every home we've lived in has had quirky mantels - nothing plain jane about them. They have all been really large, too, and that is my quandary.
I'd love input on a style that has windows behind it - such as my current one does, because you can't hang anything above it! Plus it is enormous:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5TQuZScy2Po/S0KGU5f8jII/AAAAAAAAE7s/HJdXHCAfetU/s400/mantel_ugh.jpg
Love your blog!!
Arrgghh don't mention Pottery Barn :) I fell in love with their 'faux' eggs over the internet. I live in Australia and they don't ship to here. So I found a company that I could purchase through that would provide a US shipping address and then forward them on to me. The eggs, however, are not faux as described. They are REAL eggs that have been blown. So of course, they were seized by customs upon their entry to Australia. The 'unidentified plant material' that was packaged with the eggs had to be destroyed. Eventually, the eggs were released to me. I do love them, but they still annoy me a little every time I look at them because of all the trouble they caused me. Plus, when I finally received them and had a look , I thought 'I could have just done these myself with chook eggs' lol oh well. I do love those green ones though... so perhaps I might have another go with Customs!
Hi Layla,
Three things:
1) I wanted to get some stuff done today so I told myself I WASN'T going to get on the computer and read blogs... but I just HAD to see what you were up to... I love your style.
2) Forgive me, but am I the only one who is commenting to you about your video shooting while driving??? Please Layla, do not do that. Even if there were no other cars around at the time, etc., just DO NOT DO THAT. I don't mean to be a party pooper, but just think how you would feel if something were to happen... to anyone...
And 3) If Kevin doesn't mind, could you please post that link again to the great music video of his that I'm guessing he asked you to remove?
Thanks, Layla, and please don't mind that I commented on the shooting while driving. :)
What fun! Can't wait to see hot it turned out! Also, you're so lucky to have the Flea Mart sooooo close. WE have one here too! I have 2 go to it! Happy Weekend! :)Alyssa
If you're interested in doing some house crashing, I've got an old marble mantle in Montgomery (Cloverdale) you can "style" if you'd like! We've got a big mirror we just purchased from Eastbrook and I'm not sure what to put on either side to make it seem less huge.
This is perfect timing! I just moved into a townhouse and it has a corner fireplace. How to decorate a triangular mantel I have no idea!
YOU ARE SO AWESOME!
Love the sneak peeks! I can't wait to see it on Monday!!!
I finally got a new computer so now I can watch your videos! yeah. My old mac-mini just couldn't support them for some reason..
anyway your post makes me WISH I had a mantel! OUr little brick rancher doesn't have a fireplace. Sad.
Oh and P.S. I love ur dog. My Dachshund does that to me ALL the time with the noises at untimely times! :)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your video. You are so REAL. I cannot wait to see your final mantel. I am in the process of decorating mine, so it's perfect timing. I've left mine blank for 3 years!
Layla.
Could you please just get your own show.
I love, love, love your videos.
Love the fish dishes too.
i also can't wait to try the white laquer spray paint approach. I have only used the dry in 12 min. gloss spray paint.
Can't wait till next week.
Have a Super Duper fun weekend creating. geri.
p.s. My Pit/lab mix Henry makes that noise your puppy was making all the time. Looks kinda funny with such a big body and head making the squeeky sounds.
I'm a long time reader, first time commenter - I'm so glad you are working mantels!! My mantel has been really bugging, but I'm completely stuck. The problem is that the wall behind it is two story. That's a lot of space to be decorate! Luckily there are windows on each side, but the middle, mantel area goes to the ceiling of the second floor. Any tips, other than maxing out the card on a gigantic art piece?
I really love your style and appreciate the inspiration!
Hi - looks like it's going to be a great one!! Can't wait! Just wanted to say I found you through the Nester and I'm loving your blog!
I'm mantle challenged and can't wait for your posts. I'm also a lover of little bowls!
Happy weekend to you too!!!
I cant wait until Monday! What a treat.
Love the things you plan on using. My mind was already at work trying to figure out how you will display and use everything. Can't wait to see if I am on the right track! Have a great weekend
Such a tease! Ha! I already know I love it!
Love Farmhouse fresh...Farmhouse anything...lol
Layla and Kevin,
You two are an awesome couple. I look forward to reading all your blog posts. They always bring a smile to my face and I'm learning so many things about decorating.
Keep the posts coming,
Wendy
Yes, I have a special request! The house we are buying has such a shallow mantel, something like 4" or less. I have no idea how to decorate it. How do you decorate a mantel that is not deep enough to hold most of my decorative things? Love your blog! I am relatively new to it.
Oh, what fun! Is that wee taupey brown pitcher with the turquoise interior Taylor, Smith, & Taylor? Just wondering. I have a matching bowl in my shop....I just used it as a bird's nest to fill in where I needed a fourth in a tiered display.
Have a beautiful weekend!
: )
Julie M.
Layla , This is my first post -- I found your blog (through a friend's recommendation) last year. I love it! You not only have great style but your writing voice is so warm and funny.
I am so excited to see the week of Mantel Mania! I would love your ideas on what to do with a mantel that stretches the length of the wall! We obviously have that design dilemma... Thanks! Kate
Layla-as others have posted, please help those of us with the 16+ foot mantle. It feels so overwhelming. I LOVE your blog and look forward to the day my name makes it to the top of your wait list! Take care!
I can't wait to see what you come up with! My living room is being redecorated and I have the most challenging mantle ever.
Layla,
I love what I can see so far! I am in love with the farmhouse look, but I just can't pull it off in our current house. Any suggestions on what to do with a mantel that has a tv box above it? Our keeping room mantel is great, but we have a giant cabinet for the tv above it. The cabinet has doors that open and recess. So basically the area in front of the tv has to remain bare. Right now I just have candle lanterns on either side. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks, Erin
Not to wish the weekend away...but I cannot wait to see the dreaminess you've created on your mantel!! Your shopping trip looked sooo fun. Aren't those just the best days??
I adore your blog and can't wait to check in everyday! You're ideas are always inspiring. Over our mantel, we have a big old rustic window that we salvaged from an old farm house. We hung it around Christmas time, so I used a crimson velvet ribbon and hung an old wicker wreath and adorned it with pine sprigs and berries. My questions it, now that it's WAY past the holiday season, what could I use to spruce up the wreath or is there something else I could do so the window doesn't look so gigantic and empty? Thanks Layla!
Love the video and I can't wait to see the mantle.. Call me sometime and I will meet you at the flea marker.
{{Big Hugs}} and Happy WEEKEND..WOOHOO!!
Cathy
Where is the flea market you visited?
Hi Layla,
I would LOVE for you to show how to decorate a corner mantle with a wood burning stove in front of it. The mantle literally runs out from the corner about 3 feet in two directions. It does not go diagonal across the corner. I sure hope I'm painting a good picture. I've googled photos of corner mantles and found nothing. I LOVE your style and have found mine to be almost just like yours. Thanks so so much!!
Martha in Waco
The sneak peek is looking good! I look forward to seeing more!
R
Can't wait for Monday! It looks so serene already!
I only just found your blog this week and I am already hooked! Great ideas on the cheap! I am learning so much that when we move into our new home my husband is not going to know what hit him! LOL
Marci's note made me laugh! :) I agree with her on all counts. My husband, too, dislikes farmhouse fresh. So, I am fixing up a 1978 faux Tudor complete with harvest gold *everything*. Funny how many women are in this boat. :D
I can't wait to see what you do! I am looking for inspiration not just for my own fireplace mantle but also for the top of my upright piano. :)
Layla,
Thank you for the sneak peak! Just another reason for me to finish the manle I am making. I love this warm cosy cottage style so much I am painting over all the drab olive greens in my house and brightening up my spirit as well.
Now, if I only knew what to do with the overstuffed man-couch and chairs my husband picked out several years ago before he died...Have any ideas?
i have the custard cups that match that little brown/turqouise pitcher! i've always loved them for their pop of turquoise inside, and never seen anything else like them!
Love the new mantel! Just found your blog last weekend and I've spent the last week ooohing and ahhing over old posts! Love your ideas!
First of all, thank you for all of your inspiration!! Love your blog!! Because of you, I had so much fun today at Goodwill looking at the possibilities of old frames, canvases, wooden signs, etc.! Such fun.
Love your mantel and your inexpensive decorating ideas. I have a 3-sided fireplace with an oak mantel that separates the living room from our dining room (it's otherwise all open)...I am kind of at a loss for decorating it though...any ideas??
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