“Debbie, thanks for the pricing and for all the help. We found it very very useful. Much happier with the new living room arrangement you suggested, and you gave us great ideas on lots more to do. Not sure what we will tackle first, so we may be back in touch in the future. Many thanks!”
Fireplace mantels are undoubtedly one of the most prominent focal points in any room, which is why decorating them is so fun and challenging. Interestingly enough, the rules of decorating a mantel are much like decorating a room. The first thing you need to take into account is its size. If you have an oversized mantel putting tiny objects on it will make them seem microscopic and out of place. Likewise, placing gigantic pieces on a smaller mantle will render them out of scale and create a disjunctive environment.
Once you have achieved a perfect range of sizes of objects to display you can begin to play around with sizes within that range, just be sure that these objects have continuity with scheme of the rest of the room. For example you wouldn’t put classic colonial artifacts on your fireplace in an ultra modern room.
What is also important is the number of items on your mantel. You may have 75 of your favorite things that you want to display, but do your best to resist. The beauty of each item will get lost in the clutter, so remember sometimes less is more. Also remember that it is incredibly easy to change out your display, so there is no need to over clutter!
Finally, and most importantly, consider each objects affinity to catching ablaze. Keep flammable objects away from your fireplace mantel!
Creating an elegant table setting is the perfect way to set the mood for any type affair. The primary step to develop a table setting is to solidify what the theme you want to portray. This will dictate what type of stemware, color scheme, china and centerpiece that you will choose.
Another key to creating a sophisticated table setting is the mixing and matching of textures. This doesn’t necessarily mean it is only in fabrics, for example if your using glass candle sticks, you will want to consider the texture this creates and find complementary elements that will contrast or repeat the texture, such as adding blown glass ornaments. Also, repeating the textures at different scales creates a feeling of continuity as well as maintaining contrast.
Some other essential ideas to keep in mind are to work around things you cannot change. Perhaps, like most people, you only have one set of china, as well as table size or budget can also become an issue. The key is to be creative to work around these obstacles to create something beautiful and unique.