[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO METADESCRIPTION” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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You probably think I\u2019m joking, but I\u2019m actually totally serious! \u00a0Until a few years ago, I had never tried to decorate a summer mantel before. \u00a0Actually, we didn’t even have one until a few years ago.\u00a0\u00a0However, I have had so much fun with it and hopefully my experimenting will inspire you as well!<\/p>\n
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Summer d\u00e9cor, in general, is so fun because of its casual, laid-back nature.\u00a0 I love the light and bright colors, soft textures, and natural elements!<\/strong>\u00a0 Most of all, I love that summer is really a time that you can do as much or as little with your d\u00e9cor as you want!\u00a0 Switching around d\u00e9cor is really my \u201cplay time\u201d and I love looking for new ways to get creative with it.\u00a0 With living in a small, coastal town, I think I especially love bringing in a bit of that coastal vibe to our \u201csummer house\u201d!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-12-scaled.jpg” alt=”chippy wooden table styled with summer dough bowl in front of a cozy white couch” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (12)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Because, let\u2019s be honest\u2026I really don\u2019t follow the Florida rules for decorating\u2026at all!<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> I pretty much stick with the northern decorating cycles, even when that means decorating with pumpkins in 90 degree weather.\u00a0 Haha!\u00a0 Summer is my one chance to be a real Floridian!<\/p>\n And if you don\u2019t live in Florida?\u00a0 Well, summer is your chance to pretend you live on an island resort and totally get away with it in the d\u00e9cor world!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I love mixing these coastal elements with my vintage and farmhouse d\u00e9cor pieces.\u00a0 Further proof that chippy white goes with everything!<\/p>\n Speaking of chippy white, let\u2019s move on to the mantel d\u00e9cor! \u00a0But first, let me introduce you to Thrifting with the Gals!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Thrifting with the Gals – ADD LINKS FOR EACH BLOG” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In case you are new here, let me introduce you to one of the most fun blogs of the month: Thrifting with the Gals! \u00a0I love joining up with some of my thrift-loving, vintage-obsessed friends to share our finds from the month, styling and decor ideas, and DIY tips.<\/p>\n You’ll want to make sure to visit each of these blogging friends for loads of home inspiration…especially if you love a great thrifted find!<\/p>\n Ann from Dabbling and Decorating<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Kristen from White Arrows Home<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n and our guest host, Renae, from Peacock Ridge Farm<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”how do you decorate a plain mantel” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We are going to look at all of these seven aspects to decorate a summer mantel:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”how do I Decorate a summer Mantel” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first thing I do when decorating any space is to completely clear it off and deep clean.\u00a0 I find that when I clear a space, I can get more creative.\u00a0 A clean slate is good for my brain!\u00a0 While most of my d\u00e9cor pieces are things that I use year-round, I still like to get a clean slate, clean it really well, and start fresh.\u00a0 I also use this as a time to rotate some of my d\u00e9cor around the house.\u00a0 Shopping my own home is always my go-to! \u00a0Also, it is a great way to create budget-friendly decor too!<\/strong><\/p>\n When I started decorating my mantel for this season, I started with these elements:<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Elements of Summer Decor:natural elements” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What is found around you in nature?\u00a0 Or\u2026what do you WISH was around you in nature?\u00a0 Depending on where you live, this will vary your d\u00e9cor.\u00a0 If you live in a tropical climate like me, free palm branches<\/strong> are abundant and there are seashell shops in every town.\u00a0 Or even free seashells<\/strong> from our beach adventures!\u00a0 If you live in the mountains, this might be more lake-related items or an abundance of wildflowers<\/strong>!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-6-scaled.jpg” alt=”chippy metal planter styled with coastal decor and greenery” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (6)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”natural elements amazon list of links” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The fun thing with d\u00e9cor is that you can make it what you wan<\/strong>t, so even if you live in the Midwest, feel free to break out a few natural elements found in a coastal region!\u00a0 This is your one chance in the year to get away with starfish in Oklahoma!\u00a0 You also don\u2019t have to create a full-on coastal theme!\u00a0 Just bringing in a bowl of shells on the coffee table or a fresh palm tree from your local nursery in the corner can add the perfect touch of \u201csummer\u201d to your space!<\/p>\n Other natural elements that I love to use are sea fans, sponges, and coral.\u00a0 Through the spring, I did a lot of coral hunting around antique shops, knowing I wanted to use these with my cloches and ironstone for summer!<\/p>\n Here are some great pieces you can find online to incorporate these natural elements:<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-4-scaled.jpg” alt=”summer mantel styled with old books, chippy white metal planter, and unique coral pieces” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (4)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Color” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I love that summer colors can range from bright and vibrant to very cool and soft to a monochromatic, neutral palette.\u00a0 This is another area when you can really make a statement and express your own creativity!\u00a0 There are no \u201csummer specific\u201d colors,<\/strong> as we think of color for the other seasons.\u00a0 It\u2019s truly a free-for-all!<\/p>\n Some summers, I bring in more earthy tones with some light rust and tans<\/strong>.\u00a0 (Think of the inside of a conch shell!).\u00a0 Even just a few touches of this color make a great statement and set the tone for my summer d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-7-scaled.jpg” alt=”old wooden sign hung behind coastal wooden salvage piece” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (7)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Color” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This summer, I\u2019ve been loving the light blue and gray tones<\/strong>, inspired from the combination of the sand and sea.\u00a0 So I kept some of those same elements around with throw pillows, vintage books, architectural salvage, and a little bit of vintage art.\u00a0 Even changing just a few pieces created an entirely different look for my summer d\u00e9cor!<\/p>\n You can find more details about some of my summer styling elements on THIS post<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n Here are a few easy ways you can add breezy summer color to your living rooml:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texture” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Besides the more obvious, seasonal elements, texture is one of my favorite ways to change my d\u00e9cor for the seasons.<\/strong>\u00a0 During summer, I like to think about elements that would be found in a coastal retreat or beach environment.\u00a0 Some of my favorite summer textures are:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-10-scaled.jpg” alt=”chippy white mantel styled for summer with a cozy white couch and coastal gallery wall” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (10)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”What Looks GOod?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This can vary a lot depending on the size of your fireplace or mantel.\u00a0 It also depends on whether you have a functioning fireplace that you will use in the summer months or if it is purely decorative.<\/p>\n While some Florida homes do have working fireplaces, this was not a priority for us.\u00a0 We had one at our previous home and I don\u2019t think we used it once!\u00a0 We literally run our air conditioning year-round and only added central heat within the last year and a half. \u00a0Haha!<\/strong><\/p>\n We maybe have a couple of days and\/or nights each winter where heat would be nice, but cozy layers are plenty for us!\u00a0 I know our situation is a far extreme, but necessary to explain why our mantelpiece is purely decorative!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-9-scaled.jpg” alt=”comfy white couch with summer throw pillows and blankets with a chippy white mantel styled for summer and a coastal theme gallery wall” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (9)” admin_label=”Looks Good Pic 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”What Looks GOod?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Even if you have a working fireplace, vintage mantels can be great decorative elements to include in other rooms of your home, such as a bedroom or dining room!<\/p>\n We picked up our chippy, vintage mantel on the World\u2019s Longest Yard Sale<\/u><\/a><\/strong> a couple of years ago.\u00a0 I love the substantial size and simple design of it, and of course, I love the great patina it has.<\/p>\n I brought it in behind our sofa, really as an architectural salvage element and love it here!\u00a0 Of course, it was great to decorate for fall and winter, but I had fun transitioning it for our warmer months of spring and summer too!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-8-scaled.jpg” alt=”tropical greenery, unique coral pieces, and vintage books styled on a white mantel” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (8)” admin_label=”Looks Good Pic 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”What Looks GOod? How can I make my mantle look nice?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Because my mantel is really part of a larger gallery wall, I take into account how I want to style the gallery wall as part of my mantel styling.\u00a0 I centered everything on my gallery wall and mantel styling around this vintage, French lavabo. \u00a0You can find a wonderful reproduction HERE!<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Again, the lavabo is something I\u2019d never styled for summer before, but I was picturing the sea fans, sponges, and palms and wanted to give it a try.\u00a0 I set a glass of water down in the lavabo and was able to arrange fresh palms, along with some realistic faux ferns<\/u><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and coastal elements.<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n With having larger art pieces<\/a><\/strong><\/u> and a vintage sign on the wall above the mantel, I kept the mantelpiece d\u00e9cor more simple and a lower profile.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-1-scaled.jpg” alt=”neutral colored books stacked underneath a vintage mortar and pestle with a pretty coral piece inside” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (1)” admin_label=”Looks Good Pic 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”What Looks GOod? What looks best on a fireplace mantel?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Vintage books are always one of my go-to items to decorate a summer mantel. \u00a0Actually, no matter the season, I love decorating with them. \u00a0In fact, over on THIS POST<\/u><\/a><\/strong>, I share over 27 ways to decorate with vintage thrifted books!<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I used vintage books in neutral and light blue tones<\/strong> (HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>) to bring in some additional texture and color.\u00a0 The books also provide some height variation for small plants.\u00a0 On one stack of books, I placed a vintage mortar and pestle from my collection with a piece of coral.\u00a0 I love how the white of the coral makes such a subtle coastal statement, while adding lots of organic texture.<\/p>\n The other statement piece on my summer mantel is an architectural salvage piece that I found at a vintage market.<\/strong>\u00a0 It has the perfect shade of light blue-gray with lots of chippy patina.\u00a0 I love how the curved style reminds me of something that could\u2019ve been on an old boat at some point! (I don\u2019t know that it ever was, more likely from a round window or arch, but I like the idea!)[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Summer-Mantel-Styling-2-scaled.jpg” alt=”coastal architectural piece with neutral vintage books and a vintage coastal black and white sign” title_text=”Summer Mantel Styling (2)” admin_label=”Looks Good Pic 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”What Looks GOod?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Architectural salvage is always a favorite way to add texture and character to any room and I use it all over our house!\u00a0 I rounded up a few pieces of smaller salvage that would make a wonderful addition to any fireplace mantel!\u00a0 The white and light blue colors work perfectly for summer d\u00e9cor,<\/strong> though they can be used year-round in lots of different spaces.\u00a0 I\u2019ve linked those up for you at the end of this post.\u00a0 You can find a couple of favorites HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n To recap, I kept my summer mantel styling simple and light, while still getting a full look with the use of texture.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Shop THis Post” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nThrifting With the Gals<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How do you decorate a plain mantel?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How to Decorate a Summer Mantel with Beautiful Style<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How do I decorate a summer mantel?<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Natural Elements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Color<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Texture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What looks good on a summer mantel?<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How can I make my mantle look nice?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n
What looks best on a fireplace mantel?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n
#1: Vintage Books<\/h3>\n
#2: Architectural Salvage<\/h3>\n
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