Give Your Holiday Mantel Four Different Looks in a Snap
Not sure how to decorate your mantel this holiday season? Try out our four mix-and-match variety of options by simply swapping out accessories to find the perfect look for you.
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October 14, 2015
Look #1: Vintage + Tailored
Start with a collection of rugged, vintage items to add a collected and tailored look to your mantel. To pull in holiday flair, incorporate a palette of faded reds and rich pine green.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #1: Rich Colors
To add depth and sophistication to shades of green and red, mix in black or charcoal accents. A few metallic items will break up the rich hues.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #1: Industrial Accents
Introduce a graphic touch to your mantel decor with industrial numbers or letters. If you're short on space, sheet metal styles will do the trick; however, if you have the room, try more 3-D letters or numbers made of wood or stone.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #2: Mod Metallics
If you're stuck on which classic metallic to use for your holiday decor, silver versus gold, why not go with the more-is-more approach and use them both?
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #2: Mixing Metals
The key to mixing metals successfully is by using a proper balance. For every silver item used, be sure to even out the look with a mix of gold.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #2: Create Balance
Since there are not that many shades of gold and silver, it's best to create a balanced metallic look by ensuring a range in texture and shape. Bring in objects with rigid and round silhouettes and add a mix of both shiny and dull finishes.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #2: Add Wow Factor
Add some wow factor to your metallic mantel with a garland made from plastic globe ornaments and cut pieces of tinsel. Get the instructions.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #2: Layering is Key
Layering is the key to mixing your metallics right. As you gather a variety of gold and silver objects, mix up the look of the finishes. Antiqued, faded tones mixed with shiny, polished elements strikes up the perfect balance.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #3: Americana Holiday
Bring charm and character to your mantel with a mix of Americana elements. Stick with a range of antiques with aged finishes and a layer of bright and dull reds for a classic look.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #3: Adding Height
Some of the most iconic elements used for styling Americana spaces are old wooden spools. These pieces introduce texture but also bring a range of heights and serve double duty as pedestals for displaying other objects.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #3: Found Objects
Americana style is characterized by one-of-a-kind pieces with tons of personality. Gather a mix of antique objects and arrange them randomly based on height, shape and texture.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #4: Bold + Monochromatic
Stuck on which shade of red to use for your mantel's holiday look? Use as many as you want to create a vibrant, layered look.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #4: Earthy Elements
Adding a touch of greenery to your mantel will instantly give it a more lively look. Look for objects that can accommodate a small potted plant or cut flower arrangement on top or inside. Once greenery is added, the look will feel fresh.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Look #4: DIY Yarn Spheres
Keep your tone-on-tone mantel from falling flat by introducing an element of texture. An excellent way to do this is with DIY yarn spheres. Pick up foam spheres from the craft store, then wrap twine or yarn around them, securing random strands in place with glue. Once the entire sphere is covered, cut the strand to size and conceal it along the bottom. Tip: Keep away from cats.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
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