my parents have 4 fireplaces {1882 Federal brick home overlooking the Genesee River in upstate NY}. she is always decorating them, arranging her finds and unique prints & frames, pretty vintage finds, plants & decor items to decorate them with each season. so naturally, i was jealous!! i left home 13 years ago and up until last year i had never had a fireplace. in the 8+ homes we live in, nada one.
just before moving to our current home that has a built in fireplace — i had finally convinced my husband to build one. after spending hours pouring over the design to use the least amount of wood possible while using my brother’s stacking method to design the hearth — he carefully took notes & photos & then designed an incredible download for a beginning builder to build their own!! (& for only $12 you can buy a copy of the DIY Mantel Plans!!)
so, here’s my “Spring Pear Mantel” — and i promise, even though it’s been up since October, i WILL change it out next month to welcome Easter and the spring. but for now, i am still thoroughly enjoying this design.
this mantel sits in our eat-in dining room… it’s a focal point in our home and typically holds my DSLR so it’s within reach when i need it. the Pear print is from JDC — it has inspired me to collect pears!
enjoy my little collection of Spring Inspiration — plus this amazing “How to”!!
amazing decor instructions from honey & fitz – original drawing from Steven & Chris
spring mantel – featured on inspired design
bunny banner from Uncommon Designs
Spring Mantel from Sweet Something Design
Beatrix Inspired Mantel from Nibs
a Spring Mantel shelf by Decorchick
a large Mossy letter – Spring Mantel from A Creative Beginning
& my favorite one EVER {with a sweet little wreath tutorial}
a DIY Spring Wreath & Mantel from The Sweet Survival
have a favorite? i can’t decide — i love the flowers + the bunny bunting + the old window + everything else that’s lovely. but now i’m ready — say goodbye to my little pear collection…. i’ll be back soon with a new mantel. in the meantime, if you’re sad like i was for not having a mantel — build one!! it is TRULY miraculous how it looks like a built in and is so well built you can move it wherever you go. DOWNLOAD here!
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i want a mantle so badly. we are still in an apartment (praying that one of the 3 houses we look at this weekend will hit our hearts somehow) and all i want is to decorate. i actually love the idea of creating a mantle over our bed, since our headboard is very simple. that chateau chic one is gorgeous!!
great post>>>>> pinning it! xo
i love having two… but with the one Craig built, i’ll always have at least one!! i too love those shelves.. my brother made one for me a few years ago that hangs over our long bedroom dresser and i love how much it makes a statement. i cannot wait to hear about your house-hunting!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing our little burlap bunnies! I could stare at all of these forever..stunning collection Aimee!
thank you ladies. it was fun to sort through my favorites to see which ones will actually inspire my upcoming spring mantel designs!
I desperately need help in this department. Right now my mantel consists of our big family picture and 3 Willow Tree figurines. Pretty embarrassing.
i cannot WAIT to see what you come up with. big simple dramatic pieces are always a good place to start — along with fresh flowers!
I LOVE the outside mantel!! What a great idea!
me too!!!!! i am definitely going to build that for our outdoor space. we have the perfect corner for this and fully intend to put a nice big lounge chair looking at this! fun!!
Yours is my favorite! I love that wreath. So cute!
ohh… thank you!! me too! it’s been hanging on the burlap strap, on that mirror for a long time. i am so hesitant to change it!
Lovely! My favorites are the ones with propped artwork… that one little thing makes layering so simple and a formal mantel feel casual. Love it.
xo Heidi
can you come over?! i need help with layering. with the mantel so far off the ground — i always hesitate to do too much — and clutter irritates me but i LOVE how it looks! HELP!!!
Okay, now I’m dying to know what town your parents are in, since we are a stone’s throw from the mighty Genesee!
Great ideas. I’ve just started changing my mantle with the seasons/holidays, and I don’t have enough ideas of what to do!
my parents live in Allegany county! & i grew up on the Genesee… trips to Letchworth. we are certainly missing it living here in California right now!
You have spurred my creative juices. Looking forward to being back in our home after spending the winter in an RV in FL. Blessings to you.