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3 Ways to Style Your Fireplace Mantel

Seasonal Decor

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Decorating your fireplace mantel can be tricky, and if you’re like me and want a new look for each season/holiday it can get expensive. I have come up with three ways you can style your mantel using the same core anchor pieces, making it easier to switch out the smaller decor from season to season!


Everyday Look

farmhouse styled fireplace, arched mirror, wood sign, glass vases

First let’s establish our anchor pieces that will be used throughout all the different looks. My biggest focal point is the larger mirror. I chose this one because it is a perfect piece to use in layering without being distracting. The wood frame and simple design draws your eye in but doesn’t distract from the sign that’s in front of it. The other anchor pieces I have are the vases with tall flowers on each side. This works great to get everything symmetrical, making it ok to keep the mirror and large sign off-center because the vases bring balance to the whole display. Finally, for this everyday look, I added the “home” sign and wood beads as decor. They look great and are easy to switch out!




Spring Look

Spring farmhouse styled fireplace, arched mirror, large sign that says "Alright Spring do your thing" white tulips, glass vases

For my spring look I swapped out my “home” sign for this larger spring sign, and added some wood beads on the vases. I also found these cute glass bottles at the Target dollar spot and put some real touch tulips in each one to give it a spring touch. By keeping the anchor pieces I didn’t have to change a lot but got a whole new look for spring!!

Summer Look

Summer farmhouse styled fireplace, arched mirror, wood candle sticks, glass vases with faux greenery, boxwood wreath

For my summer look I did something a little different than before. I love lots of greenery in the summer so I wanted to show that. I changed the cotton stems I had in the glass vases to some faux seeded eucalyptus, added some faux succulents inside 2 different color mason jars, added a faux boxwood wreath over my mirror, and added some fun vintage candle sticks and candles. Just like before, I kept my anchor pieces the same and incorporated smaller/different decor for a new season and fresh look!!

-Grey Birch Designs-








DIY’s on Monday


Vignettes on Tuesday




Front Porches on Wednesday




Mantels on Thursday




Recipes on Friday




My Paint Colors

Design Tips

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One of the most common questions I’m asked is what paint colors are in my home. Deciding on what colors to use in your home can sometimes be a nerve-wracking decision. I hope this post helps answer some of the questions you have before heading to the paint department and being completely overwhelmed by the thousands of paint colors to choose from……..
Paint Brand
First I want to talk about paint brands since there are so many to choose from. I have tried many different brands, and for the most part, I don’t see a huge difference from say Valspar to Sherwin Williams. One thing I do think is important is to get at least the mid range quality paint. Don’t go with the cheapest one, because you will end up paying more in the long run by needing additional coats. I really like paint + primer. I feel it goes on thicker and covers better. I can usually get away with one coat, unless I’m painting over a darker color wall. Another thing to remember, since there are so many different brands out there, is the price can vary significantly from a more economical paint to a designer paint. I tend to fall in love with designer colors and fortunately places like Lowe’s and Home Depot will color match just about any color for use in an economical brand.

Paint Finish
I never used to realize how important paint finish is to the life of your walls until I had kids…..hahaha!! I was the person that always picked flat paint because I didn’t want it to shine. Well I have learned just how important the shine is!! Flat paint is a dirt magnet, but satin or semi-gloss paint is cleanable and wipeable. So for this reason I ALWAYS suggest at least a satin or higher finish.
My Paint Colors
Nearly all of the colors in my home are Benjamin Moore but color matched in Valspar paint. Some people say its not a 100% perfect match but I have been very happy with the colors and don’t notice any difference. My wallet appreciates it too!! I also often use true or pure white paint for trim or other accents. I like using this because I don’t notice any other colors pulling through the white. Whites can be tricky since there are so many tones to choose from. It’s very easy to love a white on paper and find that you see blues or tans in it once it’s on your wall. I have never had this problem when just using a pure white. Even if I have cool or warm tones in a room it always reads a true white and nothing else!
Living Room

  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Shiplap Wall: Pure white in satin by Valspar



Kitchen

  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Cabinets: Custom color from manufacturer but all door trim and base boards are Dover White by Sherwin Williams and a near perfect match
  • Pantry Door: Peppercorn in semi-gloss by Sherwin Williams 

Sunroom

  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams
Dining Room

  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Board and Batten: Pure white in semi-gloss by Valspar
Guest Room

  • Walls: Silver Fox in satin by Benjamin Moore 

Loft
  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams
Master Bedroom

  • Walls: Revere Pewter in satin by Benjamin Moore
  • Shiplap Wall: Pure white in satin by Valspar paint
Master Bathroom

  • Walls: Dover Grey in satin by Sherwin Williams 
  • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams 
  • Cabinets: Same as kitchen cabinets 

    My Twins Room

    • Walls: Glacier Mist in satin by Valspar
    • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams 
    My Little Guy’s Room

    • Walls: Dover Grey in satin by Sherwin Williams 
    • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams 
    • Feature Wall: Dover Grey in satin by Sherwin Williams
    My Daughter’s Room
    • Walls: Rose Buff in satin by Valspar
    • Trim & Ceiling: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams 
    Interior Doors

    • Doors: Peppercorn in semi-gloss by Sherwin Williams
    • Trim: Dover White in satin by Sherwin Williams
    One last tip! Paint colors can look slightly different in your home due to your home’s light and color scheme. It’s important to try a sample of the colors you’re thinking about using on a wall in your home just to make sure it’s what you’re wanting before investing in a lot of paint!
    Happy painting my friends!
    -Grey Birch Designs-

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