The windows are finally open and there is a spring breeze blowing through Casa Kimba this week. I’ve been inspired to do a little spring fluffing and the mantel is my normal first-target when I start moving things around.
As much as I love our rustic stone fireplace, the mantel is always a bit of a challenge to decorate. It’s not quite deep enough, so it’s hard to layer stuff. And the stone really competes with whatever I put up there.
This is what I have so far…lots of white and greenery. White and green feels like spring to me. But I’m not sure if I love it or not. I’ve fiddled with it a hundred times…added things…taken things away…knocked it all down and started over.
What do you think? Does it work? Does it look to jungle-y? Too much? Not enough?
Edited to add: This rock that I live under gets so heavy sometimes. Layla from The Lettered Cottage did an awesome series called Mantel Mania less than 2 weeks ago. You can see what she did to her own mantel here (complete with an adorable video). Her white and green mantle has given me some ideas for tweeking my own.
Edited AGAIN to add: I feel like I showed up at a party wearing the same dress as The Nester today. She just posted with lots of great tips for having a beautiful mantel. I guess if I’m going to be wearing the same dress as someone else, it may as well be The Nester. Cause she’s cute, y’all!
Do you have a post with photos of your spring mantel? Summer or non-seasonal would work too. I’d love for you to link up with our friend McLinky. Don’t worry if it’s an old post. This was a spur-of-the-moment idea.
{ 54 comments }
Just wishing I had a mantel
Destri´s last blog ..The Bullet List {Anne & Emily From Bloom}
I love it! Not too jungley at all. But this is coming from a girl that has her mantle covered in all things green
So I might be a tad biased.
Aura´s last blog ..Spring ‘Round Here – Bringing the Outdoors In
You and the nester must be on the same wavelength…check out her blog this morning!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage´s last blog ..Birds, Nests, and Cages — three things that make me smile!
Oh good grief! That’s hilarious!
I think it looks great and I LOVE your stone! I have brick, and the colors are just so dark for this time of year! The stone is very soothing for a backdrop. Thanks for sharing your inspiration, I have yet to update mine for the Spring.
~ Michelle @ FTSN
Michelle´s last blog ..What’s for Dinner?
White and green remind me of Spring too. It looks beautiful. My mantel’s really neutral right now. Not exactly what I was going for, but I like it.
Leanne´s last blog ..Inspiring Egg Decorating Techniques
I think it really looks great — don’t change a thing and don’t stress over it. You did a beautiful job!
Elizabeth´s last blog ..Appliquéd Onesies
Nope it is perfect as usual. I will be sharing mine this evening. It is Eastery though, hope that works:)
I added my mantle link on number 7, then I updated my blog with a my today’s post on my new Easter mantle on number 15.
So, if you want to remove #7, that’s fine by me
Oooooh, I love me some white ceramics perfectly balanced on a mantle ! It’s smashing darling – so fresh and so spring ! Love it !
I wouldn’t feel bad, Kimba. It’s a new season, and us bloggers tend to have the same things on the brain. At this point, it happens to be mantles!!! I love what you did with yours. The white really complements the brick behind it. LOVE it!
I have a hard time changing my mantle. I get it the way I want it and I only change it at Christmas. I’m always afraid I won’t like it as much as I did before. Weird, I know.
I do love the white and green, it does say SPRING to me too.
Brooke
Brooke´s last blog ..Easter Fun!
and ps, I love all the white and greenery. it just looks so balanced and pure with the brick backdrop and dark wood mantel. and the bird’s nest is a perfect touch.
wonderfu as always
Little Lovables´s last blog ..Easter Mantel
Oh my goodness… I can’t believe I’m going to say this… because I think you are the style guru and I love, love, love what you do.
I think it looks a little Christmas-y.
Ah! I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings!
I love the white, I love the nest with the eggs, I’m not so sure about the green piney stuff. Can you use some pussy willows? We have a basket combining pussy willows and daffodils that looks really pretty…
And now, I’m going to get my brave on and hit submit. eeeek!
Sharon´s last blog ..How to Make a Cross out of Palm Branch (with pictures!)
It doesn’t hurt my feelings at all!
I want to hear what people think because I’m not totally sold on it. Hmmmm… Maybe if I change out some of the green stuff.
Thanks!
Phew, I’m glad you said that! Here is a picture of what I meant about the daffodils and pussy willow… a different look, but definitely spring!
http://www.goodtrueandbeautiful.com/2010/01/01/sign-of-spring/
Sharon´s last blog ..a BIG THANK YOU!
Christmasy? You are crazy! I think it looks fresh!
Actually, I don’t think you are crazy at all–pretty smart, it would be LOVELY at Christmsa. But then people would probably say it didn’t look Christmasy enough!
The Nester´s last blog ..Fireplace Mantels
smiles, you’re probably right!
Christmas-y wasn’t the best description. I should have said “not quite spring enough.” (And more likely, I should have just kept my mouth shut). Oh well… Happy Easter!
Sharon´s last blog ..Sweet Shot
No, never keep your mouth shut in the comments–they are so much less fun that way! What if you and I totally hijacked Kimba’s comments and just talked back and forth?
How’s it going?
The Nester´s last blog ..Fireplace Mantels
I think it looks pretty! And definitely not too jungle-y.
Carmen´s last blog ..Easter Menu
I love all the creamy white and greenery on your mantle! It’s really lovely! I am thinking that mine needs some more green action going on…and a few other changes, but I did post what I’ve thrown together thus far! =-)
ClassiclyAmber´s last blog ..Springtime Mantle Decor, a Winner and Appendicitis
Love how fresh and crisp it is!!!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last blog ..It’s Time for You to Go!
I used to have a weekly Mantel Party but killed it after a few months. It was fun but a mantel party works better every few months…not every week. I’m going to link up one of my old mantels to your party because I love it and I’m tired of looking at Easter decorations
.
Beth @ The Stories of A to Z´s last blog ..Picnic Picnik Party–Need Your HELP!
i love it! so fresh and springy!
Sara @ Queen of the House´s last blog ..spring=parks & recreation
If only I had a mantle! Good job lady!!
Tonya Riggs´s last blog ..{March} Lucky Girls
Oh my word, I posted that post and then left my house for 8 hours, came back and YOU are doing a mantle party! Hate me! You have no idea how close I was to doing it TODAY! Just too lazy!
Great minds…
love you friend!
The Nester´s last blog ..Fireplace Mantels
I LOVE your mantle !! Love your white pieces, and the greenery in your white vases is a beautiful contrast !! Thanks for hosting and allowing me to share my great room w/ spring mantle !! Happy day !!
Well Kimba, I love everything you post…yes and I am being honest…but I could see maybe a little pastel color added to add some Spring color. Not a bunch but maybe the eggs in the nest. maybe the green with alitlle spring flower with it. Not a bunch but maybe a gerber Daisy. Ok I am no design person like all the others. But something is missing not sure if that is it but even if you don’t change it I still lvoe it.
Now I don’t have a mantel so I use my piano as my vocal point but it still has St. Patricks on it…ekkk…I am such a slow poke but you can tell since I don’t have much to post about…but I am going to add Spring to my piano this weekend and add it to your mantel…we can make believe it is a fireplace? can’t we?
Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Beth
Beth´s last blog ..HAPPY SPRING MEANS FRESH VEGGIES
So pretty Kimba!!!! I love the white and green. Very fresh and clean looking!
XOOX
Jen
jenjen´s last blog ..Spring Project: Burlap Flowered Topiaries
I love all of the white. I have the same color stone on my bedroom fireplace, so I loved seeing your inspiration.
I did see both your post titles in my sidebar and felt like I missed out on the “mantle memo!” But I love it, because I am in desperate need of mantle inspiration!
Too funny that you and Nester were on the same wave length!
Blessings!
Traci
Traci´s last blog ..Giveaway by Garnish!
I love your Spring mantel, Kimba. I like all the white. Wish I had a mantel…I settle for the top of my TV armoire.
Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Out of Pure Curiosity…
I think that it looks nice and too jungley. LOL!
I am sitting at the front door with it opened and I couldn’t be happier. Thank the Lord for the sunshine and warm weather.
Melanie´s last blog ..Just a shout out…
I think your mantel looks so beautiful! I just moved to a new house last weekend and have a fireplace for the first time – thanks for the decorating ideas.
Hannah
it is so lovely, lovely.
Heather´s last blog ..Early Spring/Easter Mantle
Looks great, wish I had a mantle! If I did it would be filled with all sorts of lovelies, and my summer mantle would definitely include pitchers or vases filled with pale pink peonies!
{The Classy Woman}´s last blog ..Frugal and Fabulous Find
Love, Love, Love all the white.. and as for the similar posts – hey – great minds think alike. It just shows you guys are all on the cutting edge of style!
And as always – thanks so much for hosting!
The Little Brown House´s last blog ..Frugal Friday -Dollar Store Girls Name Art
I think your mantel is lovely and aptly “springy”. I have a floor to ceiling stone fireplace – which is stunning – but that can also steal the show. My mantel is similar to yours in that there isn’t a huge amount of depth, so layering is tricky. I will take pictures in the morning when the light is better, so I can link up my springified mantel.
Nicole
Nicole @ The Cozy Chateau´s last blog ..An Easter Egg Tree
Love the freshness of white mixed with green. However, since you asked you must feel it isn’t quite right so perhaps you could try this: Keep white vases where they are and place the greens in other containers under the mirror and not quite so much of them. It will keep the greens from competing with your lovely white vases and you can still enjoy the contrast the green brings. Another idea would be to eliminate the heavy greens and find some thin branches with blossoms.
julie´s last blog ..Seeds….
I love your mantle. Makes me wish I had one to dress up!
Jenn´s last blog ..Family Themed Wall Tile Project
Hi Kimba,
We just moved and my poor mantle has only one little picture on it right now. I want to take my time and figure out what I want, but it sure is taking forever. I am estatic that you posted the idea for links!!! Where did you find that mirror? I love it!
I think it looks great! I do like the idea of adding in a touch of yellow with some daffodils though
Also, I would love, love, love to see your kitchen!!! I have seen snippets of it before, but never the whole thing. It looks like you have darker cabinets and that is what I have. I LOVE the look of the white kitchen but unfortunately our builder didn’t offer them so I’m working with what we got
Could you share some more pics of your kitchen decorating ideas???
Thanks,
Rachel ( a loyal lurker reader)
Oh! I like the idea of a little yellow too. Now to find me some daffodils.
I would love to talk about my kitchen. I have a project in the works for the kitchen now, so there should be some posts coming up soon.
I have maple cabinets that have a cherry stain on them and darker granite countertops. The island is painted black and has a butcherblock top.
Most of the time, I love my cabinets. I did choose them after all.
But sometimes I long for the freshness of white cabinets. Especially now that we have that gorgeous white board and batten in our family room. White cabinets would tie in so beautifully.
PS…The mirror came from Goodwill.
Shocker, I know. I think it was originally sold at Target.
It was silver, which was also pretty, but I painted it white.
I don’t have a mantel, but I have a piano
That’s my pretend mantel. Right now, it’s a bit cluttered and needs some attention. Perhaps I’ll do that tomorrow in time for easter. All of your white milk glass has inspired me to get mine out and use it!
Jen @ Jewel of the Praire´s last blog ..Spring Has Sprung
I love using a piano as a pretend mantel. Great idea!
I like all the white against the stone. Simple and beautiful. I really need to dress my mantel up for spring, so I appreciate the inspiration!
Happy Easter, Kimba!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses´s last blog ..Freaky House Photos Friday
I really like the all white theme you have going on here. I understand the narrow mantel but I think you have layered quite well. Sometimes I like something right in front of the mirror because it is reflected back in it. You could try that too.
Looks great. I wish I had my mantel done so I could link but I think I am going to paint a canvas. Pretty sure that won’t be done today.
Pam @ Becolorful
Pam @ Becolorful´s last blog ..TA DA! It’s Done? or I Just Can’t Leave Well Enough Alone
Kimba,
I popped over to grab your link and to Thank You for being one of my Top Referrers for March, and I found another fun party!
I haven’t changed my Mantle to Spring yet, still have Easter up. Hopefully next wk.
Thanks again for being such a great referrer!
~Liz
Liz@HoosierHomemade´s last blog ..What’s New Cupcake?
No, no, no worries…can anyone tires of seeing such darling mantels??!!
m ^..^
I think it’s perfect for Spring, so fresh! I’m always struggling with decorating my mantel as well. You have really pulled it off! Happy Easter, thanks for stopping by!
Take care-
Kristin
Kristin´s last blog ..Happy Easter!!
I love that white look……so calm and spring like
Tamara´s last blog ..Spring Is In The Air
It looks great! Thanks for hosting the party. Happy Easter.
Stephenie´s last blog ..Easter Eggs, Home Tour and Closet Office
I think it looks fabulous. I love milk glass although of what I buy I keep litle for myself – most of it goes to my MIL who collects it. I mostly just keep my absolutely favorite pieces.
I like the clarity of the white glass and the color of the green against the stone….
Melissa Howard´s last blog ..baptismal dress
Love this! I also have the stone backdrop on our fireplace and it can be hard to find the right colors/decor. But white looks just beautiful. I love the big white chunky mirror too.
Sarah Sarniak´s last blog ..Friday Finds: Blogs I Love
Hi Kimba! I have a question for you. I so love your mantle! I have a similar stone fireplace in my basement family room but it currently has a whimpy slate shelf as a mantle. My dad is almost done building us a nice big chunky mantle (your mantle was one of the inspiration photos I showed him!) and I’m going to stain it. I’ve never actually stained anything before and I’m excited to try it. Did you stain your mantle or did it come with your house? If you did it, do you happen to know what you used to stain it?
Thanks!
Pam
Pam Fitz´s last blog ..Desert Bisque…