Ok….so you are going to have to forgive me while I get all mushy-gushy here for a minute.
Can I just tell you how proud I am of my sister??!!!
Her Kitchen Island Transformation is beyond incredible and the fact that she did the bulk of it all by herself truly amazes me! I think she is such a great example to all of us, that we can bring our vision for our homes to life, not break the bank and learn new skills along the way. You rock Heather!
And your photography skills ain’t too shabby either!
Now, since we are on the topic of bringing a vision to life and not breaking the bank, I would love to share with you how I did that on a much smaller scale when I tackled dressing up my
Living Room Fireplace Mantel for Fall.
As with my Family Room Mantel, a Harvest theme, keeping things simple
and avoiding the craft stores as much as possible were the goals!
and avoiding the craft stores as much as possible were the goals!
Those craft stores just suck you right in don’t they? I think it’s all those coupons. Feels like I’m just throwing money away when I don’t use them…at least that’s what I tell my hubby!
I love the juxtaposition of the white urns against the dark wood of the mantel.
Still loving my corn husks and their many different functions.
Still haven’t made Tamales with them.
I have had this urn forever but it used to be a red-ish/gold-ish tone.
So I took a can of white spray paint to it and then sanded it up to let some of the base color come through.
The wheat bunches were stuck down inside for added height and then faux flowers and gourds were tucked around the base to add a pop of color. I think it provides just the right amount of drama and creating this could not have been easier!
Most of these gourds I have had for years but this is the first time I have ever used them on my mantel.
Bead and berry filled branches at the ends finish it off.
This is the time of the year when I feel like the color pallette in my home really comes to life.
The buttery yellow walls seem to take on a soft glow.
And the reds, greens and golds all seem to perk up, ready to welcome Autumn in all of its glory.
Thanks for letting me share my mantel with you today at the Fence,
This post is partying here:
Bravo *clap clap clap* Bravo !! This is beautiful, Vanessa !! It’s truly a fabulous mantel, showcasing Fall in fine fashion. Love the old books … the corn husks (mine are still in the bag … lol) … the painted urn and pumpkins and guords! Great hurricanes, too … I had those same ones, but broke them. Waaa. Well, well done, friend! xoxo
And, PS: YES, I’m truly amazed and inspired by Heather’s gorgeous new island! She did an awesome job … you girls rock. Creativity doesn’t run short in your family, that’s fo’ sho’ !! xo
Looking good! You’re all ready for fall. Now all you need is a fire in the fireplace.
Vanessa, it’s so organic, you truly captured the essence of fall! I’m coveting your ottoman coffee table, and the fact that you have a mantel… this is the first house I’ve lived in that doesn’t have a fireplace. The Hubster promised to put one in after-market, I’m still waiting!
Vanessa-It is absolutely beautiful! I love it. Very homey and comfortable looking. A mantle to be proud of …and…. I am proud of your sister too…she did a phenomenal job! xo Diana
Your fall mantel looks great. I love the urn with the corn husks and your old books are perfect!
Beautiful mantel! I love the urn with the corn husks!
Loving the white urns! My fav! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Your mantel looks lovely, Vanessa! You did a great job! And I love all the ways–other than tamales–you’re using those corn husks! 🙂
Gurl you done good on Mantel II! I love the corn husks and the pretty orange pops here and there. Loves it!
It’s so pretty Vanessa!! And ummm is that a wedding picture I see that I want to see more of ???
XO
Your mantle got great results. Love the white urns and the bright colors. Your mantle is lovely with the dark wood and I love the tile. After seeing yours I think I need to do a little something to mine. I understand your mushy-gushy sister feelings too. Have a great evening……
~Emily
The French Hutch
This looks so pretty!
Love the design of the arrangement!
xx
Alison
It’s a beautiful and inspiring mantel! Perfect for autumn harvest. So warm and inviting!
This looks great! A great fall mantel and so inspiring! I love those old books!
Very nice. Love the angle of that first photo– Stop by and link up if you have time.
Mary
So pretty…the perfect fall touches!
Great job, Vanessa! I love the colors for fall too. I’m working on mine. I’ve been working on it. I thought I liked it and then got sucked into blogland and a state of dissatisfaction so I’m dinking again.
Great job Vanessa. I love your mantle. I have got to tackle mine…hopefully today. It’s raining here so it will be a perfect day to get some fall decorating done. Thanks for inspiring me…as always.
*wolf whistle* You have set the bar very high this year, Vanessa! Your mantelpiece arrangements are LOVELY!
The colours all tie in so beautifully. I am feeling thoroughly inspired…
Sarahxxxxxx
Vanessa your mantle looks Fall-licious!! I agree about the white urns against the dark mantle – great contrast. You did good girl!
xoxo,
Kim
The mantel looks beautiful! I think you’ve done a super-fantastic job on both mantels. I really do love your buttery-yellow walls. Everything looks so cozy!
🙂 CAS
Gorgeous! Love the black hurricanes with the pinecones and candle :-).
Beautiful mantel. I love this time of the year don’t you.
It’s looking great and oh-so-fall! It makes me even more excited for the cooler weather to get here! Yay for fall!!!
It all looks fabulous with the yellow walls! It lends itself to a very cozy atmosphere and sometimes simple is striking. andrea@townandprairie
How beautiful your mantel came out Vanessa! I love such pretty elements you used for it, like the black hurricanes, books and pumpkins, very inspirational! Thanks for sharing,
FABBY
Your mantle is beautiful, Vanessa! I love both of them.
Hugs,
Sherry
Vanessa, I forgot to thank you for linking to the Open House party. I always appreciate your participation. Thanks!
xo,
Sherry
Just the mantel all dressed up for fall. It all looks so nice together. Very well done.
Hugs,
Ellen
Vanessa~
Your mantle is truly gorgeous. You have balanced it out to perfection. I love the wheat arrangement and the pops of color around the base, it looks so elegant. I also like the urn with the corn husks, great idea. Fantastic job! Thanks for sharing and linking up! XOXO ~Liz
Hello there 🙂
Just to say, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the pumpkins.
I am obsessed with pumpkins and I am so happy to see I am not alone!
Delightful blog.
Can’t wait to browse your archive.
Lella xx