A Week’s Worth of Mantles? {one day at a time…}{40}
Well. Did I say (in my last post) that making that little vignette with the pumpkins and the watering can had gotten me into the swing of things as far as decorating for Fall? Turns out that was really an understatement. I have been on a cleaning and decorating tear for the last three days. And BOY! does it feel good?!?
Funny how I had not done much of either for quite some time and once I started doing one. . . the other just seemed to follow right along behind. I realized today that I have just about a week’s worth of mantles (or very mantle-like places) in my house. If I got really motivated I could share a mantel a day for a whole week!!
But you might get bored.
For now I’ll just show you some of the work I did on my bedroom mantel. It’s one of the two real mantels in the house. Real meaning, a shelf underneath which you could actually build a fire. I honestly sometimes forget that we even have a fireplace in our bedroom. We have lived here for more than 14 years and we have never had a fire in it. Our room is a fairly decent size but is rather awkwardly situated – lots of doors and windows – and a fireplace – it doesn’t leave many options for placing the furniture. I have to tell you though, it gives me a little thrill to think that, when my house was built, that fire would have been kept going most of the night – for heat! Oooo! I get a shiver! Not from the idea of the cold – it’s the thought of all those people who’ve slept in my room for the last 160+ years.
Maybe it’s because I’m researching Halloween Crafts for my kids tonight. Maybe I should just show you the mantle?
Let me ask you a question. When you work on something like this, do you go into it with a plan? Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. Yesterday, I decorated the top of the piano and I had a sketch that I made – weeks ago – to work from. When I did this mantle? I just cleared everything off that was on there . . . washed it down, and started sticking new things up there. Both of the spots that I fancied up yesterday are pretty, uh, what’s the word? Full? Lush? Layered? They have lots of stuff on them. How’s that? I was trying to be a little more subtle here – I ran up and down the stairs about 20 times, grabbing things from around the house that I thought would work. Decorating as exercise!! But as you can see, there was some evolution to the project.
I’m really pleased with how it turned out. I think it’s pretty special that we actually have a fire place in our room – and even if we are not going to light a fire in there, I think I can still make it a focus of the room.
What do you think about that wall color? It sure is Autumnal. I really liked it when I picked it. Not so much anymore. I think it’s called Bungalow Gold.
It continues to evolve.
and then, at some point, I thought I was finished.
It’s still pretty minimalistic right? Hmmmm. . . . looks a little bare to me. Maybe just a little something more? That’s the kind of mood I was in today. Besides decorating I took a big whack at cleaning up construction filth. Seems that the chaos of the construction in the house had gotten the best of me. We are slowly but surely coming to the end of the project – I’m told we will have running water in the upstairs bathroom tomorrow night! Most of what is left cluttering up the dining room and the upstairs hallway – is the supplies and fixtures for the plumber. If all goes well tomorrow, that should all be gone!! OH! Keep your fingers crossed!!
One last picture. I took this one much later in the day. See? I just couldn’t leave it alone! I have a few of these amazing window screen frames up in the attic. They’re the originals from this house (i think). I’m not sure this one will stay here – but you’ll probably see it again – on one of the other mantles!
See, I told you in my last post that if you were to come back you would likely see some more Fall loveliness! Was I right? Is it lovely?
breida
I’m linking this project up with:
The Humble Brag at One Project Closer’s The Better Half
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
DIY Fall Festival Link Party at The DIY Showoff
Oct 12, 2012 @ 15:02:47
So simple and pretty! btw, loved your FB message this morning….i love a clean house too, but hate getting there.
Would love if you came and joined our link party!
http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-2/#comment-130052
Oct 12, 2012 @ 15:29:01
i WILL join your link party – when i get home – gotta run to pick up kids in a minute! Can you explain to me how you are part of one project closer? and the better half? I like to get my peeps straight! I’ve been following OPC on FB for a while now – feel free to email me directly if you want –
breidag at gmail dot com
Oct 18, 2012 @ 20:10:01
Hey Breida, For some reason, I never saw this comment. Anyway, OPC is the main site and devoted mainly to hard core home improvement projects. My hubby, Ethan, follows contractors around during the day and spends his nights writing details how-to guides for the DIYer. The Better Half is the sister site, run by me, and focuses on crafts an decor oriented projects. Email me if you have more questions!
Thanks so much for linking up last week at the Humble Brag. Make sure to check tomorrow to see if you were featured and link up some more projects. We will be giving away ad space for the week to one lucky featured blogger. That means thousands of page views a day! Hope to see you there! http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-3
Oct 18, 2012 @ 21:37:51
AHH! Now, I understand!
You can bet I’ll be checking in tomorrow! Thanks so much for the explanation.
see you around!
breida
Oct 12, 2012 @ 20:35:27
done!
Oct 12, 2012 @ 15:15:13
I have been looking for that paint color! could you tell me who makes it please? I found your blog via Mockingbird Hill Cottage’s blog (which I just found today thru another blog), which the title of the post was Serendipitous! I can’t tell you what a serendipitous feeling I had when I saw your paint color.
Oct 12, 2012 @ 15:25:28
well, you’ll have to let me think about that. I know it came from Lowe’s. I am certain of that. Hang on. Lemme google it. . .Yep. Looks like Valspar, Eddie Bauer (collection) from Lowe’s – I can’t promise they still have it but that’s what it’s called! So glad I could help!!
breida
good luck with your painting!
Oct 12, 2012 @ 15:37:18
Thanks for replying so quickly. I have a granite counter in my bathroom that’s a rusty cinnamon/orange color with white marbeling. I think this wall color will actually blend. Your walls are lovely, can’t believe you’re not crazy about them any more. I’m on my way to Lowe’s, thanks again. I’m your newest follower on Pinterest and subscribed via email.
Oct 12, 2012 @ 19:40:36
YAY! SO glad you stopped by and glad that I could help! And, by the way, I DO still like the color – it’s really almost a cooked pumpkin – but more subtle. . . but my room has never been “done” you know what I mean? I liked the color but it didn’t tie in with anything else in there – it’s just a mish mash. I want to “do” the room. Not over the top or anything – just have plan and kind of bring it all together. The walls will be grey (at some point).
Thanks for subscribing!
breida
Oct 12, 2012 @ 17:37:55
Oh I love your room…at least the part I could see. It made me want to sit in that chair and read a book. Such a warm cozy feeling.
Oct 12, 2012 @ 19:41:49
and the camera never lies, right?
my mother was a bit shocked when she saw that picture – she says my room is NOT that big and NOT that bright.
i love my camera!
breida
Oct 13, 2012 @ 03:31:54
Gorgeous mantel. I love how you re-purpose the inside for book storage. Very creative. I found you on Funky Junk Interiors’ SNS 156 Link Party
Oct 13, 2012 @ 09:04:03
Ha! You know – I’m sure I’ve seen books inside a fireplace before – but I was really looking for someplace to stick a bunch of books that didn’t have a home! We have books coming out of our ears around here – time to build some more bookshelves!
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know you were here!
breida
Oct 13, 2012 @ 08:47:35
Looks great!! Love the books…and the addition of the frame. Perfect
Laurel
Oct 13, 2012 @ 08:58:14
Thanks, Laurel! I’m glad you like it. And thanks for letting me know you were here!
Breida
Oct 13, 2012 @ 13:25:17
Oh you lucky thing – having a fireplace in your bedroom! what fun! I love your decor – the books in the fireplace are awesome!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 21:10:50
you would think that we would have had at least ONE fire in there in 14 years, right? NO.
I know i saw books in someone else’s fireplace first – was not a totally original idea – but i like it, too.
b.
ps. i think i just saw that you’re sick?? feel better, friend!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 19:38:32
What a wonderful mantle! I am in love with the color tile you used on the fireplace…reminds me of the ocean!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 21:12:38
Hey there! Good to hear from you again. I did not put that tile in the fireplace – those are probably 160+ years old – same as the house. If you start looking at fireplaces in pictures of historic homes – you will notice that they are VERY often that color – or quite similar. I never noticed it till i lived in this house!
breida
Oct 14, 2012 @ 14:54:07
Even better!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 20:18:54
The books in the fireplace are inspired. I’m going to have to try that in my fireplace!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 21:14:30
Thank you! My 10 yr. old son (a true biook fanatic) nearly had a heart attack when he saw the books in the fireplace – he didn’t even think i was going to burn them or anything – he just felt that it was WRONG to put them in there! Really, we just need to build more bookshelves!
breida
Oct 13, 2012 @ 22:52:04
The important answer is Miss Mustard!!!!
I love seeing how your mantel evolved. I had a recent post with a similar evolution of my sideboard/buffet. As I don’t even have one mantel. (Very sad face.) I’m pretty sure if my bedroom fireplace were working I’d enjoy building a fire regularly. I think. Such coziness.
Best wishes as you finish up your bathroom reno.
Oct 13, 2012 @ 23:51:30
YAY! Diane – you got it! I got the clay tag when I went to the Lucketts Spring Market in May. You might not have any mantles but I bet you have closets. We don’t have ANY of those!
breida
and by the way – the plumber DID come back on Friday and there is a toilet and a sink (both with running water) and a shower – also with running water – but no shower glass yet – so we can’t use it. We. are. getting. there. !!!
Oct 14, 2012 @ 10:05:35
Yes! It’s lovely.
Oct 14, 2012 @ 11:42:20
Thanks, Karen!
Oct 14, 2012 @ 11:21:28
I’m so jealous that you have a fireplace in your bedroom! I’d have that baby lit every night! (but then I guess you’d have to take the books out, and they look great-ha!
Susan
Oct 14, 2012 @ 11:44:10
You know, I guess I just don’t spend that much time in there. I’m hatching a plan to re-do the bedroom and make it into a place where I’d really want to hang out. It’s going to be a while though! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to et me know you were here!
breida
Oct 15, 2012 @ 10:19:55
I love it! I would LOVE a fireplace in my bedroom!!!! That’s on my forever house dream list! =] We got lucky when we bought our house. We bought our first house last March and it was the last of one million homes that we looked at. We really really wanted a wood burning fireplace but thought we were just going to have to settle for a gas burning. We loved every thing else about the house and we didn’t want to lose it. Well, come to find out at the inspection that it was just a gas insert and the fireplace was in fact wood burning!!! We were so happy. And lucky too because our heat was not working for awhile last Winter when it was like 20 degrees so we slept downstairs in front of the fire a couple of nights! We can’t wait to start using it again now the weather is getting cooler here!
Oct 18, 2012 @ 21:42:13
Hi there-
I missed this comment somehow – I’ve been doing a lot of out and about stuff I guess. Good to hear form you again!
You know, I’m thinking I should make it a goal to have at least one fire in that fireplace this winter!
Don’t you think??
b.
Oct 19, 2012 @ 09:51:15
You definitely should!! =]
Oct 15, 2012 @ 16:43:49
No mantles here at the cottage, unfortunately! You’d think there would be at least one!
I am in love with the blue tile around your fireplace….
Oct 18, 2012 @ 21:39:52
Really? None? I’m really surprised!
That tile around the fireplace is really green – it’s a very pretty color but it’s a little tough to work it into a color scheme (well, at least the color scheme that i want – which is grey, white and red. . .)
Oct 19, 2012 @ 22:13:04
Congrats on being featured by Donna over at FJI!! I especially love your book stack and of course the MMS tag
xo, Jennifer
Oct 20, 2012 @ 02:39:19
Hey! Thanks, Jennifer! It looks like you were the first to know! I was out on a date with Mr. Social Media tonight. Thanks for the heads up!
Breida
Oct 22, 2012 @ 11:31:46
Love your mantel. I just redid mine and yours gave me an idea. I was left with a favorite white metal basket
Oct 22, 2012 @ 11:38:37
Thanks, Carol! Are you putting a pumpkin in that basket? I have my eye on a white basket (just like the one in my photos – but white) at an antique store near me. I see it everyday as I drive by. But I KNOW it wouldn’t be as good of a deal as I got on mine. I only paid $5 for it!
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know you were here!
breida
Oct 22, 2012 @ 15:16:37
Hi Breida– love your mantle. So lovely. I like the color of the tile…and I think it should go well with some red. it goes well with the orange for sure!
Your basket tag…I think it is from MMS Lucketts shop, perhaps?
Also… your basket with pumpkin has inspired me to put a faux pumpkin and flowers in basket as well. I first saw it at FJI.
Love your look in your bedroom!
Happy Fall! Patricia
Oct 22, 2012 @ 15:22:36
Hi Pat – Thank you so much! I love that Donna over there at FJI!
That pumpkin in my basket is a real one – but faux might be the way to go! I just found one of my pumpkins (in another display) rotting quietly away onto the hutch in my dining room!! Yuck!
Have a great day, Pat!
breida
Oct 22, 2012 @ 15:58:11
Yes… well, I knew your’s was the real-deal. I only mentioned mine being faux… because, well, I don’t know why I mentioned it. But it is. So—no point in beating around the bush about it, I guess. Sometimes I just say it like it is. LOL… my filter is out of order, what can say?
I love your pumpkins… and this mantle.
have a great week!