When looking to create my fall mantlescape for this season, I wanted to stray from my typical fall orange-yellow-red color scheme, like I did for this display a couple of years ago. I craved a simple palette that would help me transition into the seasons yet to come.
It all started with this pile of scrap wood pieces that came from our master bedroom remodel that we revealed this past spring.
DIY FUN
When we took down our shelves in our bedroom, I didn't want to reuse the corbels that were there because they were bulky and took up too much space. So I replaced them with iron brackets instead. Since nothing goes to waste around here, we ended up using those wood corbels for building our window boxes we added this spring as well. When building the boxes, the original corbels had too large of a profile, so we trimmed them down and left us with that pile above. (Didn't my hubby do good?)
I have saved them in a box for over a year, because...well...they were cool looking and I knew I could come up with some good use for them other than our burn pile. There were several ideas that came to mind, but then inspiration struck and here's what I came up with...
I whipped out my favorite tool accessory, my Kreg Jig (I love that thing!), and joined those pieces together, then gave them a washed appearance with stain and paint. This would be my focal point of my mantel. I had hoped to achieve the look of a salvaged architectural piece.
THE REVEAL
What do you think of my fall mantel decor?
With a few gourds, dried botanicals, and some thrifted finds, it all came together in a simple, neutral palette.
If you're not familiar with that furry guy, that's my shadow (aka. Teddy). He appears along with our cat, Lily, on social media every now and then. ♥
The soft tones suit my decor and can be changed up with splash of color once Thanksgiving rolls around. My linen chair, a curbside barrel, and some fresh hydrangea all pair nicely for a welcoming spot.
While up above my DIY cotton branches stuffed into a flea market pitcher, and thrifted milk glass urn with a mossy orb create a nice juxtaposition.
METAL ACCENTS
The metal serving trays, I believe, are from a high-school shop class project, complete with hand carved names and dates, also found while thrifting. Then there's my Maybelle (heifer head). She is wearing a cow bell from my mother's childhood.
I have a thing for making my own beeswax candles and this tapered set was one of my first attempts at making this style. They're rustic (that's what we'll call them) and go well in that candelabra I scored for a buck.
Down below, white pumpkins, a gathering of grasses from my landscaping in an old vinegar jug, and a barn roof panel from a set I found on Craigslist that will soon be my family room ceiling. No need to hide them until then, right?
It all blends together, but in a mis-matched way... the way I like it.
Funny how it all started with a pile of scrap wood, isn't it? I shopped my home for most of these things and you can too. Take a walk through your space and look at your decor in a different light. You never know what will speak to you. And by all means, utilize nature. So many wonderful aspects of creation can be implemented to add texture and color without spending a dime. Have fun with it!
In addition, pin and share my fall mantel to inspire others too. ♥
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Also, more DIY like my fall mantel from yours truly:
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