Fall is in full swing here even though the weather is still unseasonably warm. We have had a few cooler days, and I know more are in the forecast for next week. The “real time” decorating has moved into Halloween mode at our house…just cute and fun..nothing scary because we don’t get into that. We have some cheesecloth spider webs, friendly ghosts and a Halloween tree with lots of handmade decorations from the little ones.
Today, I am taking you back a couple of weeks, to our fall decorated fireplace mantel. It is slightly altered now for Halloween, but here is how I first did it up to welcome fall. I shared portions of it during my fall home tour post. Be sure to check that out if you missed it!
This fireplace is in our back den, that is overall, a pretty dated room: parquet floors, brass fixtures, rustic wood beams that match the rustic wood mantel, lead glass lattice windows. In the 70’s, when this home was built, it must have been one hip room.
It originally had heavy green velvet draperies, but that was an easy update. One day I took all of those, and the thick plastic brass curtain rods down. No curtains are way better! They made it so dark and even more dated.
I have plans to make this room fit our style and bring it more current, but for now, I am just using it as is. I put up my rattan mirror from the Target clearance rack (originally $49 but I got it for $14!) and it instantly felt different.
To start styling the mantel for fall, I began by draping groupings of oak leaves on it. These were purchased in bunches at our grocery store, Wegman’s. I loved the color and they added the perfect fall touch to the mantel.
Then, I simply filled in with various decor pieces, old books and found branches in a vase. I wanted to keep it natural with an eclectic vibe. One real pumpkin and one faux, in white, a jarrahdale pumpkin, an African basket and birch logs in a brass holder to finished it off.
The glass geometric terrarium is another Target find. I never really put anything in it because I think it adds enough on its own. And it fits in with all the retro brass in here ;).
Someday soon I would like to paint the brickwork white and replace the dated mantel. We will probably update the sconces at some point too.
We aren’t sure what this room’s main function will be just yet, but for now it’s my office space and where our chesterfield leather sofa found a home. Our
dollhouse is also in here where the kids enjoy playing with it. Violet spends most of her playtime in the carpeted family/living room. I have let her play in here a few times though and will try to make it more baby proof in the future.
With all of the devastation going on in the world right now, I can’t help but look around at all that I have and feel immense gratitude. It is truly a season to be thankful for family and friends, good health and a warm home for us to feel safe and loved. I hope that you are feeling that as well this season. That is my prayer.
Till next time…
~Alice W.
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Round rattan mirror // Target (clearance – no longer available through Target)
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One Comment
NanaDiana
I love your sweet mantle. It is warm and welcoming and feels like Fall to me. I always enjoy looking at all your sweet pictures here. Have a great weekend- xo Diana