Mantel Makeovers

Designer Kimberly Paul shows some inexpensive ways to create a beautiful focal point on a mantel:

• Bring nature's beauty into the room using a terrarium with herbs, stones, branches and a fallen bird's nest (figure A).
• Make a simple yet stylish statement with the use of black frames plus black and white photos (figure B). Soften the look with a green plant to one side.
• Architectural finds combined with old books create a rich look for any mantel (figure C).