10.25.2011

Entryway Redo {or why I decided to make a mantel}


Moving to Texas has come with some upsides and some downsides. We are renting a three bedroom, 1,400 sq/ft house for less that then rent was on our two bedroom, 900 sq/ft apartment. However, this wonderful house has a very dark entry way and no fireplace.

My favorite thing about our last apartment was my fireplace and mantel. It was wonderful to light a fire and read a book on rainy days. Also, my mom was super jealous of the mantel so she helped me decorate it. She even bought me the GORGEOUS Lenox vase that was a pretty penny. It has to be one of my favorite things I own. 

Once we moved, the mantel decorations stayed in a box. I wasn't particularly thrilled with this, but I just couldn't think of anywhere else to put them. My mom passed away not long after we moved out here and I just really wanted to have a fond reminder of her in my house. So I decided I was going to deal with the dull entry way and my desire to have a mantel all at the same time.



I found this poor beaten up shelf at Thrift Town for free {well, it was $5 and I had a $5 off $10 coupon so let's just call it free}. A good coat of paint made it pretty again. I added the beautiful vase with hydrangeas, the compas like iron wall art, and three candles to it. It was missing something, so I decided to add the scalloped paint chip framed art to it. I'm really glad I did. I think it finishes up the look. Here's the tutorial on the art piece. It was easy and super cheap!




Come party with me!

6 comments:

  1. This is so cute! I just moved to the south too...and AMEN about the cheaper rent, it's almost half the price for twice the space!.... and I don't have a mantel anymore either! I'll have to do something like this:)

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  2. Very cute. A long mantel was a selling point for me in the purchase of our home. I love changing it out. Glad you found a solution.

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  3. I love it!! I adore when people make their own mantels. Who needs a fire, anyway??

    New follower! Emily @ 52mantels.com

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  4. I don't have a fireplace either {who needs one in Florida?}, so for a long time I used a long shelf for a "mantel" too! The vase is very lovely too by the way - what a special remembrance it holds.

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  5. Love it!! So glad you linked up with us and can't wait to see what you link up this week!

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  6. Very cute! Nice twist on an old classic. Your newest GFC follower. :)

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