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!