Mantle

I love mantle design. I am normally drooling over photos I see in magazines of mantles that successfully pull off an eclectic yet put together look. I have been trying to mix things up on my mantle with brightly colored frames, art painted by the kids, etc. but still have been stuck in symmetry. Any attempt against symmetry has resulted in a look that just doesn't make sense. I am finding that it takes a lot of effort to pull off a look that appears to be thrown together with no effort.

So recently, with the holiday decor officially all gone, I have designed my mantle again. This time, I anchored it with symmetrical elements -- the upside-down candlesticks that I found are a perfect resting place for some ivy (it's lovely to have some live greenery around here) plus the ones with plain white pillar candles. But I then added in a bit of non-symmetry with paintings and photos that go in different directions and are layered on top of each other. Not exactly avant garde, I know, but it's a step in the direction I want to take. Now I just need to mix it up with those candle sticks (the tall ones -- I love the short ones on the ends and feel they allow me to express myself within their confines). Perhaps some bell jars? As always, stay tuned!