Joanne Graves

The Art of Mantel Decorating



Posted: Thursday, March 05, 2009

by
Mantelscapes

The art of creating a beautiful mantel display may seem like a daunting task to many. Mantels everywhere are left barren or used as a storage shelf for items that we don't know what else to do with, such as miscellaneous photos, and knick knacks that have accumulated over time.

Joanne Graves, interior decorator and co-owner of Mantelscapes.com believes that a fireplace mantel should be decorated in a way that makes it the focal point of the room. The mantel and what's placed on it is an integral part of the decorating scheme of the room. The mantel decor should add to the style of the room, not detract from it.

There are a few basic principles that should be followed when decorating any mantel. Start with a clean palette. Clear everything that is currently on your mantel, and begin fresh. Evaluate the style of your room, and mimic that on your mantel. Whether you're decorating is traditional, country, contemporary, French country, minimalist, or eclectic make your mantel decor reflect that style.

Second, it is always a good idea to start with an anchor piece and decorate around that piece on the mantel. These decorating accessories are usually the largest pieces in the overall design, and can consist of a mirror, picture, or a prized piece of art. There should be a sense of balance as you decorate your mantel. Choose accent pieces that you enjoy looking at, and begin layering them around your anchor piece.

Third, your mantel decor should have continuity in color, design or theme to make it appear that it was a planned design, and not just items put on the mantel haphazardly. Mixing too many accessories on your mantel can cause confusion. Knowing when to stop is an important element in mantel decorating.

Finally, let's review the basic principles. It is important to know what your decorating style is. When you have figured that out, make sure your mantel decor is incorporated into the style of your room. Make sure you edit the items that you will put up on your mantel. Look at the height, width and length of your objects. Pretend your mantel is a balanced scale and one side might tip the other if one is too heavy. Your mantel decor does not have to match perfectly but make sure the elements don't fight each other. Although there are no concrete rules that must be followed your finished mantelscape should be a feast for eye.

Joanne Graves is an interior decorator and co-owner of Mantelscapes.com. Her business was formed when she and her business partner and best friend, Beth Lindstrom, realized that many people don't decorate their mantels because they are either unsure of what to do, or they just don't have the time. As working mothers they know that time is a precious commodity so they created a company that sells prepackaged, predesigned mantel displays.  Knowing that the home is a place to find beauty and comfort , they are assisting homeowners in creating a professionally designed mantel displays.  To view our beautiful Mantelscapes go to http://www.mantelscapes.com. Joanne hopes that her articles can help you make your home a haven and your mantel a beautiful focal point to your room.
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