The one area in my house that I’m constantly changing is my fireplace mantel in the family room. Such a simple act can really transform a room. You can see how it looked before here.
I’m not really into pumpkins and gourds so this is my take on a Fall mantel.
The large brass candlesticks purchased this past weekend at the Aberfoyle antique market inspired the decorating. I was told these candlesticks are from the 1930’s – not sure if this is true and it doesn’t really matter as I love their shape, size and patina.
Yesterday, I was sourcing wallpaper for a client at Schumacher and came across the most beautiful wallpaper I have ever seen. It’s called Rampura and I loved the turquoise colourway with navy and gold. You can see it in the image below taken from the Schumacher site. It was just launched last month and is part of their Jaipur/Hand Block collection. You can see the entire stunning collection here.
The candlesticks didn’t look great against the butter colour of my walls (Benjamin Moore’s Standish White) but when I placed the wallpaper behind – they looked gorgeous. I always have paint canvases lying around (for when I have time to paint which is almost never) so I painted it out a navy colour. The other wallpaper sample is Sarana Vine in Cerise . Thank you Schumacher for your samples – I never intended to use them as art but they are so beautiful and I couldn’t help myself!
I added some hydrangeas and branches from the garden, placing the branches in front of a nude painting I did in art school. (My daughter looked at me in amazement when I was telling her that yes it was a real person modelling and she was even more embarrassed that I placed it on the mantel – her exact words were “That’s gross Mum.”)
I painted the painting that is hidden behind the nude – washes of indigo/blue/pink/gold. I adore my new hand blocked indigo pillows from West Elm and so inexpensive too.
Do you decorate for the seasons or Halloween?
I’m linking up to Layla’s Fall Mantel link party.
If you need decorating help, please contact me at vanessa(at)vanessafrancis.com
Tim
September 27, 2011Love the new candle sticks and that ottoman! It is a nice refreshing take on Fall decorating than all the pumpkins we see everywhere!
modern jane
September 28, 2011Beautiful! And I’m jealous that you have the D*S book:)
Kelly @ JAX does design
September 28, 2011I love how you turned the wallpaper samples into art – pretty & inexpensive 🙂 And the candlesticks were a great find, regardless of what decade they’re from! They do look wonderful in front of the blue wallpaper.
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
September 28, 2011That’s a lovely fall mantle Vanessa! Smart idea with the wallpaper samples. And I’m so envious of all the natural light you get – it seems like such a calm and restful room!
Naomi@DesignManifest
September 28, 2011I like the layering approach you have taken here.
And I relate to your nude story. I just delivered a female bust to my clients’ house for their mantel. Their sons were both intrigued and repulsed by BOOBS!
Amelia @ House Pretty
September 28, 2011It looks great – and I love that you skipped the pumpkins 🙂 The framed wallpaper is a great idea.
kelly@refresheddesigns.
September 28, 2011Beautiful mantle Vanessa! I love the combo of the round mirror and square frames.
Maureen @ Modecor
September 28, 2011Very pretty, fall inspired mantle….but why hide the nude?…bring that beauty out. frame her and proudly display her…not kidding.
Beatrice @ becado.blogspot.com
September 28, 2011It looks beautiful. What a great idea to frame the wallpaper and those candlesticks are gorgeous.
lisaroyhandbags
September 28, 2011So pretty! I love decorating for the seasons but living in Dubai now, it’s hard to get into the fall spirit when it’s still 40C.
Grace @ Sense and Simplicity
September 29, 2011What a bright happy room – love the layering and wallpaper samples on the mantel.
Julia @ Hooked on Houses
September 30, 2011What a pretty fireplace! I love how you styled it for fall. I have a similar round mirror over mine, so I’m taking notes! 🙂
Karena
October 2, 2011Vanessa I adore all of the elements you have used in your Autumn decor!
I have hooked up with Julia’s Party as well!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Kerry
October 4, 2011Your mantle is the most original seasonal decor I have seen in a long time. Its mah-velous! Why does everyone have to be so literal?