bronze

My Top Ten Tips for Styling a Fireplace Mantel

Tip #1: Use real art, not a mirror, over the fireplace. This will provide depth and character.

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Tip #2: If you have a collection, pair it with complementary real art for a statement that is yours alone:

Traditional Family Room design by Minneapolis Interior Designer Bruce Kading Interior Design

Tip # 3 Bigger is better, but don’t exceed the width of the mantel.

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Tip #4 Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room. This is a good place for a pop of color (that you should repeat three more times in the room.)

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Tip #5 No dinky accessories. (These are nicely proportioned.)

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Tip #6 Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize.

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Tip #7 This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.

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Tip #7 Use sconces.

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Tip #8 No framed family photographs. Find other accessories for a more current overall look.

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Tip #9 Remember that you must balance the large dark hole of the firebox. Think deep and rich, not dainty, for the over mantel décor.

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(#9 Balance the dark hole of the firebox)

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Tip #10 Use a portrait light (not shown).

Spaces design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Maureen Mahon

For easy reference, here are my top ten tips for styling a beautiful fireplace and mantel area:
(1) Use real art, not a mirror.
(2) Bigger is better, but don’t exceed the width of the mantel.
(3) This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.
(4) No dinky accessories.
(5) No framed family photographs.
(6) Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize. If you have a collection, this may be a good place to incorporate it with a complementary piece of art overhead.
(7) Remember that you must balance the large dark hole of the firebox. Think deep and rich, not dainty, for the over mantel décor.
(8) Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room.
(9) Use a portrait light over an oil painting.
(10) Add a pair of sconces.

June 23, 2012 | Categories: Art, bronze, fireplace, Residential styling | Tags: accessories, art, collections, fireplace, mantels | 4 Comments

Bronze sculpture by Jane DeDecker

A recent post spoke of focal points. Have you considered a beautiful bronze sculpture as your focal point? Yes, the price point is high. But, a museum-quality bronze is forever. It is timeless. And, Jane DeDecker is one of the best. Can’t you see this resting on the corner of a Carrara marble tub surround?

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Can you stand the darling daddy, below, tying his baby’s shoe? And, the baby just in awe. Priceless.

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The above Jane DeDecker sculpture is a gift of a couple in Des Moines, Iowa, in memory of their son, Christopher, who was a victim of juvenile diabetes. Apparently, their dog clearly mourned the loss of his human companion so that the parents were moved to donate this sculpture to the City. What a beautiful and heartfelt (and heartbreaking) tribute to boy and dog.

My friend, Master’s of Art holder Holly S., introduced me to the sculpture of Jane DeDecker 11 years ago. I have been captivated ever since. I am the proud owner of two of her works, “Tippy-Toes,” which reminds me of my dancing daughter,