Hello all! How did the updates around your home go this week? Do you have touches of Christmas in all of your spaces? To help you keep the Christmas spirit and decorating on track and to keep it as easy as possible for you, this week I am sharing some easy steps for decorating your fireplace mantel. If you don’t have a fireplace or a fireplace with a mantel, this approach can be used for a coffee or sofa table display, the top of a hutch or bookcase or your sideboard as well. Read on!
1. Clear the Decks
Start by ‘clearing the decks’ and cleaning the area – this is a great opportunity to dust when you aren’t working around things. It also allows you to see the space clearly and openly and to consider the area you have to work with as well as what might fit.
2. Select Display Items
Think about what you want to include in your vignette. Are you using what you have in your Christmas decor collection? Is it time for a complete change or are you blending existing decor items with a few new ones DECOR TIP! One way to reduce the pressure of having to put all the decorations away as soon as Christmas is over is to use items that are not Christmas specific. There are lots of decor items available that are winter themed but can do double duty for Christmas and into the new year - think trees, snowmen or deer and of course candles or a string of mini lights for that touch of sparkle every room needs.
3. Layering in Items
Place your larger items first as they anchor the display and provide the base from which to build. In this case, two glass hurricane lamps with mercury glass pine tree shaped bases frame the vignette. Two large bottle brush trees add in lots of texture to the display. Five more trees of varying heights, materials, colours, textures and shapes add form and more texture and depth. DECOR TIP! An odd number of items result in displays that are more visually appealing and attractive and actually bring balance to the look.
4. Fill the Gaps
While you want to fill in the display, don’t fill in every possible area – you want some negative or blank space to make it the items stand out and allow the eye to be drawn across the display. Often displays are over crowded and too many items drown the display making it a touch chaotic and difficult to see and appreciate the items that have been included. DECOR TIP! Remember ‘less is more’.
I have a mirror casually propped on the mantel and at Christmas add in mirrored stars all of which create the illusion of space and brings more light and depth to my displays. I love to include a touch of whimsy to keep my displays from looking too stiff and formal so have included 2 silver deer tucked among the trees.
5. Give it Texture
Texture creates movement and interest and adds depth and vitality to any display - without it displays can look flat and one dimensional. In my display the various materials of the trees bring instant visual and tactile texture. I include a garland of greenery to tie the display together, add colour, ground the vignette and provide more texture. A string of glimmer lights add a touch of sparkle to the whole display making it more festive and lively.
The most important part of creating or styling a display is to have FUN! Style, re-style, experiment, play with the display. Move your items around until you have a look you love and is gorgeous in the space. Be sure to share pics of your displays (#simplyswankdecor) - I love seeing the results of your work!
For more ideas and inspiration follow Simply Swank Decor on:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/simplyswankdecor/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/simplyswankhomedecor/)
Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.ca/simplyswankdeco/)