Decorating the Fireplace
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-605 -- More Projects »
Decorating expert Brenda Cornelisse provides hot tips for making a fireplace the focal point of a room.
- Fireplaces are often the focal point of the room. Make the most of a fireplace and mantel with these simple yet beautiful decorating ideas. Use caution when choosing materials, however. Do not place flammable materials anywhere near an open flame.
The grocery store can provide a wealth of inspiration. Fruits are an inexpensive way to add color and texture to a mantel (figure A). Fill empty floral vases or pitchers with lemons and limes. Fill the pitchers with water if desired. Top off fruit displays with a floral arrangement. Another way to add some sparkle is by placing small votive candles around the base of the vessels.
Don't ignore all the open space below the mantel. Make decorative cones by cutting square pieces from a tag board, then rolling them into cones. Staple the edges together and use scissors to even out the tops of the cones. Cover the cones with a decorative fabric, and make a handle for hanging them with pieces of ribbons attached with fabric glue. Fill the cones with potpourri, dried flowers or fresh flowers and hang from the ends of the mantel (figure B).
Grow some grass for the fireplace. It makes an inexpensive and eye-catching display (figure C). Rye or wheat grass seeds are available at garden centers. Simply cultivate a patch of sod, then cut it to fit into a galvanized container. Place the container on a square of burlap to add to the rustic look.Utilize the space above the mantel by propping an empty frame against the upper mantel wall. Secure a bunch of fresh or dried bittersweet to the top of the frame with floral wire, then loosely wrap a length of pretty ribbon around the frame to conceal the wire. Let the ribbon drape down the rest of the frame.A mirror placed on a mantel instantly gives a room depth and light. A mirror also reflects whatever decorative item is placed in front of it, such as candles and wreaths.Use the entire fireplace space by placing topiaries on either side. Wind ribbons and small lights around one topiary, drape them across the mantel and wind them down around the second topiary.Fill the fireplace with an interesting display during the summer months when it's not in use. Place decorative urns inside the fireplace, and fill with pillar candles. Half slices of oranges make great votives to place around the urns and candles.
Guests Brenda Cornelisse
Decorator, Wildflowers
6633 Southcrest Dr.
Edina, MN 55435
Phone: 952-928-0055
Fax: 952-928-0501
E-mail:
Brenda@wildflowersdesign.com
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