Thursday, June 19, 2008

MANTLE vs MANTEL DESIGN

Is it mantle or mantel? How do you spell your mantel/mantle? I think last year there was a blog post (can't remember who it was now) that also raised this question. Kari and Kijsa have researched this and discovered that either way mantle/mantel is spelled, it is appropriate. Today Kari and Kijsa are sharing how we display and accent our mantels. Stop over to their blog and join the fun of viewing mantels and visit the links to many more lovely blogs.

I have a few ways of decorating my mantels in both my living room and library.
Since I have a mix of Tuscan and Cottage style in my home, I have shown 2 mantels changed with different looks, just by changing the decor placed on them.

This first look I call " Even Steven" when everything is the same size and balanced side to side. It is a uniform look and just brings the eye across the mantel at an even place. Pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.


This design is Asymmetrical, and one I prefer because it has more interest and unpredictable. Pulling the candle holders to one side at different levels brings the balance to the display. Look at the picture. What small change should be made with the candles holders? Do you see it? Placing the lower one to the outside would bring better placement and balance out the rose platter on the other side.

This next display is completely off set with the flower arrangement to the left. This makes the side heavy, so by adding the black candle sticks opposite, the display gives balance and width by laying one candle stick on is side. Notice the framed wall picture is the same in all three examples.

Now for this one, I have hung a large round clock and scattered the accessories across the mantel for interest. Notice the bird house is raised on a box to balance out the yarrow in the vase on the opposite side. Keeping with a bird theme, I have added a few stone birds at different heights, textures and color.


These next few examples are from my library fireplace. This is a small mantel in a room that has a cozy cottage feel with lots of books and a display of blue and white collections.
The first picture shows handmade doilies of the same design but different sizes made by my grandmother. The painting is a Thomas Kinkade painting done from a puzzle and framed. It looks like the real thing!

On this change, I left the doilies, and placed the books on end with the pitcher of roses in the bowl for a book end.

Next, I gave this display a look with clean lines and less accents. Kept the books and added a bit of whimsy with my sweet golden retriever figurine.

In this last photo, I took away the lamp, added the flowers and tea set for yet another look in the cottage feel.

Books of inspiration!


This last picture is my Tuscan country side scene I designed and painted a few years ago on an old oval tray.

Thank you for visiting mantle vs mantel. Remember to stop over at Kari and Kijsa's to view their mantels and also visit other blogs for more mantel displays.
Till next time, Blessings, Celestina

36 comments:

kari and kijsa said...

This is just wonderful!!! A perfect inspiration post- so many suggestions, so many ideas!!! Stunning! Love them all!! We love asymmetrical designs too- although sometimes you just have to go with the even layout!1 Oh- we just love everybit in this photos!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Your mantles are beautiful. I wish I had one! I too like the asymmetrical designs. Thank you for sharing....love it!

Anonymous said...

Each one is a fantastic look. Asymmetrical is almost always my favorite, too.

Art by Ronda Juniper Ray said...

Oh, your mantel/mantle (or as the French would say, chambranle, I think??) vignettes are so beautiful! Every single one of them! Just gorgeous.

Marie said...

Thank you for coming by my blog! I've had so many visits from so many awesome bloggers with wonderful comments today. Lucky me! Your blog is beautiful!! I read the first page of your blog and I'll be back! I can't get over the toile in your workroom. Gorgeous!

Shirl said...

Hi Celeste, well I love all your displays here, mantel or mantle! The Thomas Kinkade is beautiful you can't tell it's a puzzle.
I've just given you an award. Stop by and see what it is all about.
Blessings, Shirl

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

The blue and white rabbit needs to hope on over here...I will give him a good, loving home, I promise! LOL! All of the your mantle vignettes are great! I love the way you displayed the candlesticks, with one on it's side! Great idea...don't be surprised if you see it down the road in when of my blog pictures! LOL! You will know that I "borrowed" the idea from you!

You are such a sweetie! Thanks for the kind comments on my post! Such a comment from you is such a treasure, because you are a talented artist and decorator!

Hope you have a great weekend!
Hugs, Rhonda ;)

Connie said...

Celeste, my sweet dove, I am always "treated" when I visit with you!!
Smoochies,
Connie

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

How fun to see all the different ways you arrange things and how small changes can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing these with us! -Julia :-)

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

celeste...so beautiful!

mommyholly said...

Such pretty pictures!!! I especially love the mantel with the clock above it! :) xo!

CIELO said...

Beautiful home; a lovely characterization of YOU!

Pd: haven't seen you garden pic yet; hope to see you at the party...

Have a great weekend!

cielo

Unknown said...

Oh Celeste, both of your mantles are beautiful and so inspiring! I LOVE that tuscan countryside painting too! It is so warm and calming. Just like every thing you paint!!

Love you,
Amy

Kimba said...

Wow! Those pictures are wonderful! You do an amazing job of decorating your mantels. I'm bookmarking your post so that I can come back for more inspiration when I'm ready to start working on my mantel.

Thanks!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Oh Celeste, what yummy pictures of your mantles! I didn't even know about the mantel party ~ guess you know what I'll be doing tonight!!

Yours are all beautiful! I like the asymetrical look best, too. And I spy a doily that I love waaay back on the kitchen table & how fun to see the ginger jar & trinket box!! I WANT that blue/white bunny. Miss Beazy's figurine is adorable also.

You have such a gift for creating inspiring vignettes! I always look forward to my visits!

Big Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Neutral Dwelling said...

Each look is so different- my fave is the one with the large clock!

Ruey said...

ooh, I love your mantles! They are beautiful. I think the one with the clock is my favorite, anthough anything you do is sooo inspiring!
xxxooo Ruth

Naturegirl said...

I loved all your different looks for your mantle! I also change mine up with each season! Right now I have loads of peonies sitting pretty to admire!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my ~Garden Party~ post~
An eternal peony type of girl and in second place my roses! Oh and then my hydrangeas and then my lavender..oh I could go on and on! Nice to meet and visit this way! hugs NG

Anonymous said...

I like "uneven Steven" the best. :)

bindhiya said...

Dear Celeste,
What a beautiful and inspiring blog you have! I loved all of your displays. I'll be back to read more.
Thanks for your visit.
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Cherdecor said...

Oh. My. Goodness! I have learned so much here! I have certainly enjoyed looking around your blog tonight! You are one talented lady! I HAD to snoop through your gardens on my way out! Lovely! Everything is lovely!

Thank you for coming by on the Garden Tour today! I certainly loved meeting you and will definitely be back!

Blessing, my dear!
Cheryl

marine's words said...

I always enjoy coming by hear you have so many wounderful ideas ...Love all the mantles I would have a hard time picking one.
love the tea set.
Thank you for stopping by.have a bless night,marina

Anne Fannie said...

Your mantles are just beautiful and so is your home. I also have a beautiful mantle that was custom made out of mahogany. I like to decorate it based on the holiday or season.
Thanks for visiting my blog today on my garden party and posting such a beautiful sweet message.
love, Ann

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Celeste, Thank you so much for coming by my blog to look at my garden. You have wonderful decorating tips. I love your mantels! I prefer asymmetrical designs also. I will use some of your tips to update my mantel. Thank You for sharing your great designs with me. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Unknown said...

Your mantles are gorgeous Celeste. I like how you the different looks. I love the idea of framing the puzzle. That is so creative and your painting is so awesome. I really enjoyed this post!

Unknown said...

Oh, I love that last photo of your painting. I have those books too...like minds think alike. Your mantle (that's how I always spelled it) is gorgeous. A wonderful backdrop for your many versions of decorating it. I like all of your styles. Thomas Kinkade is another favorite, we bought his victorian Christmas when we were living in Hong Kong and very homesick for Western art. Karen

Rue said...

Hi Celestina :)

Sorry it took so long to get over here to see your mantel decor. All of the vignettes were beautiful. You are really quite talented at it. Me on the other hand... it took so long to get it right that I'm afraid to touch it now LOL

Have a beautiful day!
rue :)

Unknown said...

Hi Sweetie...
What a great post. I love getting new ideas for my mantle! You had some wonderful displays. Lovely as always. I am not sure which is my fav cause on any given time of the year, I might need symmetry but then again I might go for an asymmetrial feel too...lol
How are you doing? It is hotter than you know what, thar? lol
Miss ya...but know you are busy like me. I am making progress in my room. Wish you could pop over to help me tweak and get it just right like your room is!

Blessings..Lorena

Nélia Botelho said...

Olá Celestina!
Vim espreitar as novidades e adorei a decoração da lareira.
Por aqui o nosso clima é muito ameno e as nossas casas não tem lareira, ou se a tem será mais como decoração.
As ideias que mostra são de um grande bom gosto!
Espetacular!...
Vou daqui com a alma cheia !
Uma boa semana
bjs
Nélia

Natasha Burns said...

What lovely mantels you have there Celeste!

I know the mantel/mantle blog post you are talking about, I think of it every time I look at a mantel now, as I used to spell it mantle. Which is wrong. lol!

I found that blog, it is Barbara Jacksier's "The Book Blog" and her post on it is here:

http://barbarajacksier.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-pet-peeve.html

Comartins said...

A coisa mais importante que existe
       é você curtir bastante a sua vida,
    pois o mundo gira, o tempo corre e não vai te esperar,
     nunca desista dos seus sonhos pois milagres acontecem
       e eles são nossas ilusões,
      pois só através deles podemos realizar
          aquilo que temos vontade de fazer.“

        Sonhar é preciso e Viver muito mais !!! amei o seu catinho,bjs

Unknown said...

Celestina, I just love your blog....you are so talented.
Thanks for leaving me a message and for your prayers. I truly appreciate them.

gentle hugs,
marsha

Unknown said...

Wow, what a wonderful lesson on Mantels. I was intrigued with all the wonderful ideas you have on decorating a Mantle. I wish you could come over to my house and help as I have the oddest mantle ever...let's just call it a mantelle...LOL!!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Wow! I love all of your mantel scapes. Every single one is just terrific. I tend to come up with a comfortable look and leave it that way for years...you have motivated me...
Penny

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi Celeste! Just stopping by to check on you! I've missed chatting lately. Will email you soon.

Love you,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Art by Ronda Juniper Ray said...

Just checking in sweet chickie! You must be busy!

Have a wonderful, productive and painterly week!

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..