New year, new look. That’s what I always say. Every New Year I get the decorating itch and want to switch things up. When better to do this than when spaces are temporarily naked while you put away your Christmas crap? I always seem to start with my mantle so I figured I’d go with it.
This was 2010:
This was 2011:
So what to do for the big 2.0.1.2? You know what I always say, “When in doubt, consult Pintrest!” I searched “mantle” and after a few minutes found this picture.
Huh. Books? Oh, I have books. Lots of them! And I love to decorate with them. So I ran (literally) upstairs and gathered piles of books and a few random knick knacks that needed a new home. What do you think?
This is my kind of decorating. Rather than spending money,I shopped around my house like I did here and used what I could find. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trip to Home Goods and Hobby Lobby as much as the next girl. But when I can pull something off without opening my wallet I sorta feel like Rocky when he reaches the top of the capital steps. Oh yah! I did that for F.R.E.E! *arms in the air* So here’s the rundown. The mirror was already hanging. The books were all shelved upstairs. The wreath (made several months ago from a book I thought was lame) was hanging in the upstairs hallway in a spot I never really cared for. I actually passed it on my way back downstairs with an armload of books and went, “Oh!” Do you ever walk around your house and suddenly see something that would go perfectly somewhere else? That’s kind of how this whole thing went down.
Ooo, you know what I’d really love to do? I’d love to recruit a friend, my mom or my sisters to help me redecorate using fresh perspective and stuff I already have on hand. Any volunteers?
So my challenge to you is this: pick a spot that looks tired and boring. Strip it down naked. Then go shopping around your house. Who knows what you’ll rediscover. And if you get stuck, there’s always Pintrest to inspire you.
it’s beautiful Chantel!! I did the same thing this year, remodeled my mantle, inspired by this picture you pinned. Mine isn’t as bright and colorful though.
Love it!
Yours is even cuter than the inspiration picture! I’ll volunteer for helping you move stuff around. It is my favorite thing when that works out.
You have so many cute books… I want that.
Jana, half of them are covered in scrapbook paper. Shhh, don’t tell.
awesome Chantel! yours IS way cuter than the one in the picture. such great colors! you are inspiring me, I’ve been getting the itch to kinda redo some stuff too…
Seriously Pinterest Rocks! How did we live without it before? Your mantel is super adorable too.
It looks great!! I love that you do this “shopping around your house.” I have remembered this since the last time you did it and I have done this a couple times myself
Such a great idea!