It took making-over the surrounding space, but I think the mirror has a new home at Sugarplum Casa! My waffling days about the mirror are over!
Styling mantels, tables, bookcases and vignettes is something I’m fairly new at, and haven’t quite mastered the skill (yes, it’s a skill!). I worked on this one several times over a 5-day period, and went through countless items laying around my house, before settling for now on this version.
Here’s a time lapse of how I built this mantelscape by layers. I started with the antique candelabras I recently inherited (I love having reminders of my grandparents all throughout the house). The marble bases look so much grander against the black mantel.
Next came a botanical print from Bombay (is that store still around?) and our initial from Hobby Lobby. The black and metallic unites the first layer, and the mirror. I’m in a ‘prop things up’ phase, so I like how they lean together against the mirror.
Then I added some height and a pop of color with faux stems in a pink Tuesday Morning vase. The coral helped to balance out the left side, and satisfied my need to group items by 3.
I was fairly content with the mantel at this point, but really wanted one more quirky item. Enter Furbish Studio and Jamie’s amazing collection of accessories. When she posted new shop pics on her blog, I Suwanee, this Brass Urchin jumped off the screen at me. I had to have it, and thank goodness for her speedy shipping because I was eager!
I love this crazy little guy! But I knew I would, I think Jamie and her taste can do no wrong.
I also scaled back the gallery wall beneath the pass-thru for a cleaner look. The art is actually a needlepoint by my great-grandmother, that hung in my baby nursery. (Yes, I’m completely sentimental and have the makings of a hoarder. Thankfully I’m also a chronic purger.) Bonus points for anyone who can identify the little seat (which is of course another family item!)
And just to keep it real, designing this mantelscape took no fewer than 27 picture texts to my patient and wildly talented Aunt! You’re only seeing the finished product, not the anal process.
I’m completely smitten with the whole thing…the mirror, the black mantel, and my favorite new accessory!
So smitten in fact, that I had a little photoshoot starring my urchin friend!
Yep, it’s fabulous pretty much anywhere! And although I’m not technically working on the Living Room makeover yet, the new mantel has helped to elevate it to a more glamorous room.
I still think I’ll paint the brick, and my waffling has begun again with a new color option on the armoire. But that’s another post. My mantel has certainly had many lives, but this one fits the direction I hope to go in the room. What do you think?
