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Monday, January 31, 2011

Before & After Mantle

 Our mantle has looked just like this for almost two years.
Just. Like. This.

Before

Except for the occasional dusting (and a 3 week Christmas break) nothing has been moved an inch.  I'm bad to leave things in one spot way too long.

I will say I think I'm getting better about it.  For one thing, nosing around other people's houses via their blog can be very inspiring.  Staging pictures for my own blog forces me to try new things, too.

Finally, I made some changes to the mantle. 


After














 
Which do you like best?





Please, please, please don't say you like the "before" mantle best -- unless you really mean it.  I don't want to have to change it back!


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40 comments:

  1. SusanJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I really really love the new look on your mantle. In fact I like it so much , I just may borrow your style in our new house!!

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  2. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)January 31, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    I really like the new look. I love old books used in any vignette. Your pictures stacked look wonderful. hugs ~lynne~

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  3. Nita StacyJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Looks great. I like all the changes although I do like the brighter colors of the first painting. I just redid my mantel for Valentine's Day. I redo mine several times of year...no...more than that....I pretty much do it for every holiday. I already know what it going up as soon as the Valentine stuff comes down. Then I'll do Easter. Only in the summer do I not change it very much...but that might change this year.

    I went by Crafting with the Stars and of course recognized your work immediately. I'm sure you'll come out on top on this one...it was the very best by far.

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  4. morninglorycottageJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    I love the new look. Somehow the room seems lighter - more open. Did you change something else? I'm guilty of moving things too often. ;0)Though I would have incorporated the clock somehow because I have a huge affection for clocks, but that's just me.
    Hugs~ Amanda

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  5. Melanie BacomJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I definitely like after better.

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  6. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Lindy, I like the new look. That is some great artwork and I like it layered. Love the bird, too.

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  7. Vintage GalJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I love the new look ~ I love to "Play" with my mantle..it makes me smile ;-)

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  8. CrisG in CAJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I like the way both mantles look. I think mantles are so hard to decorate! To make it look balanced, coordinate with the room, not too skimpy and not too cluttered - always a challenge. I change mine seasonally, spring/summer, fall, holidays/christmas, and winter. I've been moving mine around since I took the Christmas stuff down. Still not happy with it - I think I need a clock like the one in your before photo. Thanks for the post, totally what's on my mind right now.

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  9. NanaDianaJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Lindy...well, I liked the old look but I really LOVE the new look. The layered pictures look wonderful and I love that bird...and the books..I like those too. Ding..ding...ding...I think you have a winner there! Hugs- Diana

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  10. Amy KinserJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I prefer the new look. I really like the layering of the pictures for one thing. Looks very nice, Lindy.

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  11. SusannahJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I love your house...I think it's beautiful! In fact, so much that I made our wall over the couch look a lot like yours! ;) I like the first picture over the mantle better, but like the accessories better now. Looks good!

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Hi Lindy! I love the way your mantle looks now! It's gawgous!! :) Love all your layering and that little bird is beautiful.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  13. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I love them both, but I have to say the after is my favorite! Beautiful!

    Lou Cinda

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  14. Pam @ Our Adventures in Home ImprovementJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I like the new mantel. :) I like the bird, the extra picture and the extra plant. Very nicely done!

    Pam

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  15. Allyson PecilunasJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    I love your new changes it looks gorgeous!! I just found your blog from tabletop tuesdays. I am now a new follower. Come check me out if you get a chance.

    noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com

    ~Allyson~

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  16. kim(nannykim)January 31, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    I like both--and I love the bird!

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  17. MelissaJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    I love the paintings on the new mantle and the pigeon makes my heart go pitter-pat.

    I definitely like the new mantle.

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  18. Honey at 2805January 31, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Very nice! I like the new look.

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  19. La Vie QuotidienneJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Very nice...it is always fun to change things around a little bit.(-:

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  20. FarahFebruary 1, 2011 at 3:52 AM

    The new look is welcomed Lindy... it looks more classy now...
    Hope you would like to spare a little bit of your time for me sure you will enjoy
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  21. LeslieFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    The mantle redo is just beautiful! I did the same just this past weekend. I never thought to redo my mantle either until reading so many other blogs who use their mantle as their showplaces. I just love my new mantle now just like you do yours I'm sure! Wonderful new look!
    Leslie
    Your Newest Follower
    Tranquil Acres of Alexandria

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  22. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Oh I love the changes. The art is fantastic and leaning together it is stunning. Beautiful bird, candlestick and plants. Gorgeous new arrangement. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  23. whateverFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    I really like your mantel like this. I need to change mine also. Thats just another project for me.

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  24. HeatherFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Love it! It's so refreshing to see more traditional decor.

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  25. Petie@inspirednesting.comFebruary 1, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    I love the new mantle! I think greenery goes a long way to soften a room. Your prints are awesome and I love how you layered them. I really like the chair in front of the fireplace too. Great job!

    I've been staring at my mantle for awhile now too, time for a change. Tks for the inspiration :)

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  26. ConnieFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    I love all your greenry. It adds freshness and brings the outside in. The layered pictures and that wonderful pigeon are so special. You did good!

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  27. Becca BertottiFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    This is beautiful. I love the layered look. The stacked books ... the bird ... the greenery. It's all fabulous. You must be so pleased. Thanks for the inspiration! *Becca* www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

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  28. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereFebruary 1, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Hi Lindy, I think your mantel is wonderful! I love how you layered the print. I just noticed your rug. We have this same rug in my husbands home office.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  29. Jess @ Frugal with a FlourishFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Love the new look!!! I think it just the perfect touch!

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  30. SueFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    I like the layered look. I haven't tried that before and may have to now!! I, too, don't change much, but you have inspired me to try something new. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings
    Sue

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  31. A Whole Lotta MagicFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    I love your new mantel! I love your whole house, lol!

    Sue @ Beach Bungalow
    xo

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  32. VickiFebruary 3, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Hey, Lindy. I love the new mantel. THat is one gorgeous room.

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  33. MartyFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Very nice, I love the after=)) I'm always changing my mantel and am never satisfied!

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  34. .February 3, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I love the new look!! Layering frames is such a great look to me. I love your details. :)

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  35. Nancy HoodFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    I like the mantel both ways, but understand when the need to do something different hits :)

    I also really like what you did with the chest. The birds look real!

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  36. abeachcottageFebruary 4, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    The new look is more lighter which is much better. Love you vintage looking candlestick!

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  37. My Dream CanvasFebruary 4, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    This is lovely. I am hosting a Giveaway on my blog. I would love for you to stop by. hugs Anu

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  38. A Perfect SettingFebruary 5, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Your new mantle looks great!! You have inspired me to move things around a bit on mine! Thanks~!

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  39. LynnFebruary 5, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Love your new look...my first visit!

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    I recently found your blog! I love EVERYTHING you've done! You're so TALENTED!!! I don't have a blog or website but just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed looking at your designs! Wonderful and so inspiring!

    Mary P.S Not really anonymous, just wasn't sure how to send this. Laugh

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I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.