design // Simple & Budget Friendly Fall Mantel Decor

Just a few weeks after creating the perfect mantel design for our new house, it was time to change up the decor to match the coming season...  If you missed that post, you can check it out here.  I also mentioned that I would show you my seasonal mantel changes, so here is what I came up with for *F*A*L*L*.

I really love how it turned out and the best part was that I didn't spend too much to switch it up.  I kept the basic background of shutters and old window and a couple other elements, then I just added in the fall bits.  Half of the items where things I already had from last year and then I filled in with a few items from craft & discount stores.  I thought some of you may be interested in where I got these pieces, in case you are trying to find some frugal options, so I've broken it down below.  :)

Small Map Trunk (from my wedding!) - TJ Maxx

Yellow & Orange Blooms - Target clearance

Styrofoam Pumpkin (that I painting white and gave a grey-brown patina, was originally orange) - Dollar Tree

Metal Stand - note sure, since I've had it since college

Faux Burlap Molded Pumpkin (that I again painted white and gave a grey-brown patina, was originally brown/orange) - Dollar Tree

Glass Vase - left over from flower arrangement I received as a gift (but they have inexpensive ones at Walmart or even Dollar Tree at times)

Corks - from wine my husband and I have drank over the years... or months?  ;)

Fall Floral and Leaf Stems - Big Lots  (this was my color inspiration for the whole look)

Books - from my personal collection (but The Salvation Army or other Thrift stores have great decorative options - just take off the paper cover protectors - for $.50 to $1.00)

Burlap Banner (I added the leaves and letters which I printed from my computer and cut out) - Michael's Craft Store

Black Frame - Dollar Tree

Fall Printable - Got the free printable from Thoughts From Alice, and just tweaked it a bit in Adobe Photoshop to fit my frame

Mercury Glass Vase - Burlington Coat Factory clearance (it's got a little chip on the lip, but it's turned to the back so you can't see it)

Burlap Rose (from my wedding!) - JoAnn Fabrics

Fall Leaves Garland (three intertwined) - Dollar Tree

Fall Fabric "Poke" Wreath - A DIY project made by me, I used brown & orange chevron, mustard yellow, burnt orange fabrics from JoAnn Fabrics and the foam form is from Dollar Tree

White Ceramic Pinecone Sculptures - Target clearance

Metal Candle Holders - Not sure, my husband has had these since before we met

Pillar Candles - Burlington Coat Factory 

Orange Flowers -  Dollar Tree

Books - again my personal collection

I also snatched this cute wreath for our front porch windows from JoAnn Fabrics, they were 50% off and then I used a 20% off coupon, so it ended up being less than $15!  I just loved the realistic look of the leaves, the pine cones and the chalk board sign.  I used a chalk pen from the Dollar Tree to write 'Welcome', but you could write whatever!

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Well that's everything!  Hope you've enjoyed a little bit of frugal fall decor inspiration.  And remember you don't have to be decorating a mantel, these ideas could be easily applied to an entry table, shelf, sideboard, really anywhere!

Please let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer.  

And as always, thank you so much for reading!

Happy Fall Y'all!!

current obsession // mantel designs

We just recently moved into a new rental house.  And we love it!  It's a little roomier and we are so glad to have a backyard for the pups, but it did come with a few challenges... #1: a giant wood paneled fireplace/mantel.  Even with a design background, this was a challenge I have not yet encountered.  Mantel design is somewhat of a science, but it's rules are also meant to be bent.  To me, it's the focal point of a room and can set the mood for the entire space.  It can also help harmonize the design of the room.  

Since the harmony, balance and mood of my home is very important to me I have been currently obsessing over mantel designs.  OBSESSING!  Even more so since the holidays are coming up.  I took to Pinterest to find some ideas that incorporated items I already had, like old shutters, a salvaged window and candle holders.  Well I found TONS of lovely inspiration, so much so, that I thought I'd share with you.  I've also included my final mantel design at the end. 

Hope you enjoy perusing as much as I have!

 

 

 

 

And a few with some holiday spirit...

After hours on pinterest and several iterations later I finally came up with a winner.  Our style is somewhat a mix of island eclectic and rustic, so I chose to incorporate items that showcase this. I really love how it turned out and even ended up making a fabric wreath from our left over wedding fabric to tie it all together.  There's nothing better than decorating your home with things that hold fond memories.

I plan to keep the shutters & window and change out a few of the smaller items to transition into Fall and then again for Christmas/Winter.  I'll try to do another post showing these as well.

If you are like me and are feeling a little overwhelmed with a huge blank mantel, just remember some simple tips:

1)  Start with a large focal piece or two

2)  Add objects of varying heights and textures in groups of 2 or 3

3)  Layer art and add smaller items to fill in

4)  Make sure some items are sentimental/meaningful

5)  Books help add height and color

6)  Greenery/flowers and fabric can soften the look

7)  Try to only use 2 basic colors in the design - for example: blue and turquoise - this will help keep the look cohesive and not too busy

And 8)  Just have fun and don't be afraid to try many layouts before you get to your perfect one!

Thanks for reading and I hope you've enjoyed this bit of mantel inspiration.  :)