FESTIVE FOCAL point

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MANTEL MERRY THIS YEAR

BY COURTNEY WARREN

When I envision Christmas on the Pinterest board in my mind, I think of a roaring fireplace, hot cocoa, and several pairs of feet in fuzzy socks cuddled up in front of the fire. The backdrop is, of course, the living room mantel, all decked out for Santa’s arrival down the chimney. No matter your decor style, there is a mantel decoration to leave you dreaming of sugar plums, so let’s explore a few options to make your Christmas mantel shine.

WOODLAND RUSTIC

Focal point: Multiple coordinating details

This rustic mantel coordinates the wood’s warmth with the stockings’ texture. A Christmas tree lot sign overlooks the herringbone and reclaimed brick fireplace. A rustic sled is propped up with the hope of a white Christmas, and the mantel is peppered with smaller green trees throughout to complete this outdoorsy look.

NO MANTEL, NO PROBLEM

Focal Point: Apothecary Cabinet

Not every home has a fireplace, and if that is the case, do not worry! Any piece of furniture can act as a focal point. In this case, a large antique apothecary cabinet is the home for the stockings and garland, exactly as a mantel would. Consider using a media cabinet, console table, sideboard, or any centrally located focal piece as the makeshift mantel.

VINTAGE WHIMSY IN RED, WHITE, AND METALLIC

Focal point: Jolly Santa Art

If vintage whimsy is more your Christmas fancy, enlist a jolly Santa face to watch the living room. This look begins with traditional Christmas red and white, then adds in metallics to keep those classics fresh and a bit unexpected. An evergreen garland loaded with colorful ornaments and striped red and white knit stockings trims out the mantel, peppered with bottled brush trees and vintage reindeer. Various metallic Christmas trees are housed in vintage tins, and birch logs and reclaimed wood candlesticks fill the fireplace hearth. This scene could be successfully set with any number of these items and allowing them to work in concert together creates a festive overall mood.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Courtney Warren is a Rockwall native interior designer whose award-winning design work has been featured in numerous national magazines and media and whose clients span the North Texas area. You can find her recent projects on Instagram and Facebook at @courtneywarrenhome or courtneywarren.com