Howdy! Jess, here, and I’m STOKED to be a part of this Spring into Summer blog tour with a fab group of talented bloggers. It’s, like, so cool! EEEE! A-hem, anyway. I’m here to share my summer mantel refresh and every year, I go through this intense compulsion to completely overhaul all my nooks and crannies with every seasonal change. I think it’s some sort of odd, instinctual urge for change and while it’s exciting, it drives me bonkers! It’s seriously like my brain goes through a reboot and I feel a *need* to switch up my space and I experience an immediate sense of relief once I do.
This isn’t a problem, really, BUT I often use it as an excuse to buy all the new “in” things for the season — somehow making myself believe that whatever was decking my halls was drab and in need of the boot. Let’s be real, though, and admit that refreshing your space between seasons shouldn’t cost much (if anything) and it can be as easy as swapping out a piece or two — a little shimmy and a shake, if you will. Let’s take a dive into my simple spring to summer mantel refresh!
Spring Greens to Summery Florals
I’m talking mantels today. Mostly because they are my favorite. I love a good mantel. It’s like a glorified, fancy shelf. It’s “extra” if you know what I mean (wink, wink). What I love most about mantels is that they *are* the focal point of their space. They reign supreme. This makes them one of the most important areas of your home. I enjoy two mantel areas in our pad — one in our bedroom (a faux mantel) and one in our main living room. Today, I’m sharing the faux mantel in our bedroom and I want to give you a glimpse into the quick changeover from spring greens to moody summer florals.
After the spring thaw, I jump straight into all things green! There is something so refreshing about big, fig leaves and ferns, guys, and I keep these greens going full force in my home throughout the summer. For this space, I used my killer antique jug and Fiona, my fantastic planter bust (yes, I name my busts – you should give it a try) to add that pop of green that I crave in the springtime. Mantels are a great space to play with lots of layers and I did that here — using an old pair of bead board cupboard doors, a vintage mirror, and a vintage-repro botanical. These layers add texture, interest, and balance to the space. I wanted my spring to summer swap to be as simple as possible — so I kept a lot of my foundation staples before swapping my florals and WOW, what a difference!
Simple Summer Mantel Refresh – Floral Swap
Again, I wanted to focus on simplicity. A seasonal refresh should be sweet and simple — and there’s no doubt about it — even when it is, the effect can be absolutely dramatic! I swapped out the fig leaves and replaced them with gorgeous drooping florals and luscious blush rose stems. Roses have quickly become one of my favorite summer blooms. I fell in love with them after moving to the midwest. I can’t stand the humidity but the beauty of a blooming rose garden makes it worth the butt sweat (…erm…sorry). Even though roses are so cliche and predictable, their variety and dramatic blooms make them top notch, in my book.
Before adding my rose stems, I wanted to piece together extra long green and white stems with a lot of extra droop. Honestly, I have no idea what they are – I just let my eyes be my guide. But I always try to balance my florals, ensuring that I have a mixture of large to small blooms. Balance, balance, balance! Gosh, Fiona is looking GOOD, am I right?! It’s like she’s wearing a fancy hat from the Victorian era and I am here for it!
Moody Summer Vibes Welcome!
I tend to lean heavily on the moody side (I can hear my mother laughing right now – like, “yep, yep you do”). Jokes aside, my moody soul definitely pours out into my style. I love to incorporate pieces that bring out the temperamental, edgy side of life. It’s a reminder that the world is a combination of the light and airy with the broody and dramatic and the result is this beautiful mess of living. I am a big fan of vintage portraits and nab them whenever I can. While some find them macabre and dreary, I delight in their vibe – always curious as to the stories they could tell. I found this gal from Heirloom Print Shop and knew she would make the perfect addition to my summer mantel.
I mean, look at that side-eye #savage! She was meant for an antique gold, ornate frame. I didn’t have any on hand that fit, so I painted and aged this little beauty — see how I created this antique gold frame, here. The frame is the perfect pop of antique gold that pulls in the warmth of our vintage crystal chandelier. Yummy!
Spring into Summer – Do What You Love!
Beyond keeping things simple – do what you love anytime you’re refreshing your space – and have fun with your summer mantel refresh. It’s easy to fall into keeping up with what’s “on trend” or questioning if your style is the *right* style. But there’s no need because the answer to that question will always be a resounding, YES! Let me give you a little example, here. I want you to meet Yin and Yang: my Yoga bunnies. They’re cute, they’re on point, and they’re oh-so-Zen!
So take it from me (and Yin & Yang), spring into summer with everything you’ve got to make your space feel like a sanctuary away from a world that can at times be hectic and feel a bit drab. A seasonal refresh can be as easy as swapping out a few floral stems and painting a frame. Do what you love and you’ll always be on trend! Peace, love, & light, peeps! See you soon!
Niky says
I’m so glad I found your blog through the Spring Into Summer blog hop! It’s so fun making new friends! I love the way you styled your mantle! It makes my vintage-loving heart flutter a bit.
I’d love to invite you to share at my Sundays on Silverado link party too, if you’d like. 💕
Niky @ The House on Silverado
CoCo says
So much fun to hear all about your decorating process from one season to the next Jess! I love the pink in spring and how you layered all the greenery for summer too. It’s all fabulous! Hugs, CoCo
Wendy Zock says
Your mantle is so pretty I just adore it and all of your decor.
French Creek Farmhouse says
I know I’ve said this before, but if people aren’t taking the time to actually READ your posts here or on social media, they are seriously missing out! You are one of the funniest people I know, on top of being amazingly talented at decorating your home. Love all of your tips, Jess, and soooo appreciate the giggles from this great tour! xo, Kristi
Kim | Shiplap and Shells says
I’m so glad to have found your log through this amazing hop Jess. First of all, I am thoroughly entertained by your wit. And to have a talent for home decor on top of that? Wow! You have it ALL going on. Beautiful mantel and love the transformation from spring to summer decor.
Jennifer Drummond says
Oh how stunning everything is. I love your tips and tricks. So gorgeous.
Katy says
I love that distressed mantel and how you decorated it!
Lynn says
Hi Jess –
So funny that I switch out everything in my house for every season but I only touch my master mantel for Christmas. You’ve inspired me to be more creative, even in a room that no one but my husband and me sees. I love what you did and that picture is very moody. I love it! So much inspiration on this fun “hop”
Julie @ Restyle Relove says
Wow Jess, your mantel is so pretty! Love those sweet bunnies and beautiful flowers! So happy to be joining you on this tour! x Julie
Melaine Thompson says
Such beautiful florals. Love the faded hues! xoxo
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge says
Jess, I don’t know what I love more – your gorgeous mantel or your sense of humor! So happy to meet you on this home tour!
Jess says
Ahhh Michelle – thank YOU for making my day! This has been such a great tour!
Calypso in the Country says
Gorgeous mantel – and I love how you transitioned from spring to summer. Also, I agree that it’s important to do what you love! Great meeting you on this tour!
Shelley
Jess says
Right back at ya lady! I’ve loved all the fresh inspiration on this tour!
Tanya Derrey says
Your mantel is SO perfect for summer Jess! I love mixing light and bright with a little moody vibe. So beautiful ❤️
Jess says
Thank you Tanya! That means the world!
Hannah Schlachter says
That is a beautiful faux fireplace! Love the decor that you chose as well.
Jess says
Thank you Hannah! It was a fun refresh!
Christin says
This is perfect!! Great job!
Jess says
Thank you Christin!
Jennifer Fancher says
Be still my vintage-loving heart! I just adore your mantel! It’s a gorgeous faux fireplace!
Jess says
Thank you Jennifer! It was a fun flea market find from a local craftsman. We love it!