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One Mantel Gets Three Modern, Holiday Makeovers

October 10, 2016

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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A beautifully decorated mantel can set the tone for the holidays just as much as your tree. Here are three easy, stand-out looks that can make any fireplace more festive in minutes.

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Look #1: Cabin-Inspired Mantel

This look is the perfect mix of warm woods, lush greens and vintage charm.

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Look #1: Go Au Naturale

Ramp up the rustic vibe by pairing vintage elements with a mix of classic and unexpected greenery. You’ll end up with an overall look that’s full of unique textures in a beautiful, natural palette.

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Look #1: Time-Worn Charm

Aged bottles in a variety of sizes complement traditional decor, like pinecones, and are a great way to accommodate curious flora, like the scabiosa pod or fragrant, evergreen clippings.

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Look #1: Holiday Surprises

Everyone loves little surprises during the holiday season. Here’s an easy Advent calendar switch up; instead of taking something out, put something in! Little bits of unexpected greenery tucked into each drawer help to create a more beautiful mantel as the holiday approaches.

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Look #2: Modern, Classic Mantel

This mantel's dramatic abundance of greenery and warmth provide a timeless look.

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Look #2: Abundance of Candles

Keep accessories, like mix-and-match candlesticks, in the same finish and group them in multiples for a dramatic look that’s bold sophisticated.

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Look #2: Fresh Spin on Greenery

Change up traditional elements. Instead of using the usual pine or spruce garlands, opt for the clean, flat shape of paddle leaf eucalyptus. The more the better!

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Look #2: Sleek Shapes + Finishes

When selecting vases for the mantel, opt for sleek shapes and modern finishes. This natural stone vase filled with seasonal berries is minimalist and merry.

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Look #3: Sculptural Mantel

This mantel's play on shapes, scale and layering gives it an understated vibe that's seasonal, yet modern and a bit industrial.

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Look #3: Faceted Objects

Consider using decorative objects and ornaments with multiple sides or facets. They not only add depth, they help pick up and bounce light around without relying on holiday string lights.

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Look #3: Classic Holiday Shapes

Include traditional holiday shapes, like the star, to keep your mantel look seasonal.

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Look #3: Layering + Height

Create visual interest with a slightly imbalanced arrangement of accessories and decor. These layers will interact and have more impact when a few objects are hung from unexpected heights.

One Mantel Gets Three Modern, Holiday Makeovers

Look #1: Cabin-Inspired Mantel

Look #1: Go Au Naturale

Look #1: Time-Worn Charm

Look #1: Holiday Surprises

Look #2: Modern, Classic Mantel

Look #2: Abundance of Candles

Look #2: Fresh Spin on Greenery

Look #2: Sleek Shapes + Finishes

Look #3: Sculptural Mantel

Look #3: Faceted Objects

Look #3: Classic Holiday Shapes

Look #3: Layering + Height

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