Monday, May 12, 2008


The More is More Mantle and My Favorite $3.00 Thrift Store Find

Texture is the word of the day. The more the better I say. I go through phases in my decorating style and I'm definitely in a more is more kind of phase right now. To facilitate this multi-decorating personality of mine I do a lot of bargain shopping. Thrift stores are a fav right now. Funny thing is 6 months ago you couldn't pay me to go to a Junk shop or thrift store. Now I find myself doing just that 2 or 3 times a week.


A little red pot stuffed with greens, feathers and a tiny rusty watering can. A stack of old books with peely edges and worn pages.


A chunky obelisk with chippy plaster and a weather worn vintage bird cage.


A shiny obelisk for a bit of bling, 100 year old books for texture and height and a chunky ceramic rooster.


I have been searching for some antique ceiling tin to cover the "builders choice" tile surround that I don't like. Of course it needs to be cheap and chippy, and I will probably install it with Velcro. You know so I can change it in about 3 months. As I type this I am feeling the need to switch out the round mirror for something else. But my neck still hurts so that will have to wait.


My favorite $3.00 thrift store find are these sconces.

They are chippy, rusty and romantic.

Normally I would have passed on these being a little too on the foofy side for me. But with the texture and age they blend in very well and don't seem overdone.















18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your mantle looks great. The tin would look fabulous, I hope you find some soon.

Great thrifty finds.

Blanca

Valarie Lea said...

That looks awesome! I wish I could make things come together better.

Darla said...

I love your plan for your fireplace.

Wish we all lived closer - wouldn't it be fun to have a group of women over and let them use your stuff and decorate your house - or swap out stuff so you would always have fun and "new".

Kimba said...

Your mantle looks wonderful. I love all of the texture. And was a great idea to cover the surround with tin attached with velcro. Beautiful and flexible!

Jill -Forever and Ever House said...

Oh! Love your mantel. The sconces really help to frame it!! I am working on my mantel right now. I all I have on it is this "iron work" thingy and a measly candle stick! Of to the thrift store I go!!

Marie said...

Your mantle is so pretty!! I laughed at your description of your builder tile. I have the same problem. Except my tile is even worse. LOVED your idea how to cover it up! I want to do something that isn't permanant too- what a great idea to use velcro!

Jo said...

Wow, I think your mantle display is just perfect. I should use some of my old books on mine! Great idea, thanks for the inspiration!

Mrs. B said...

I love your mantle! Love all those things you've gathered together!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Aimee, well check out your latest finds. Looks great, I love your mantel and all the things you've added.

AND, I love your new background & banner. Looks great!

Rhoda

Kimba said...

Thanks for the comment on my goofy bird. Did you find any for yourself? I'm thinking about going back and buying a few more and painting them red for Christmas. My grandmother always decorated with red cardinals at Christmas and I loved them. I wonder if the little birdie would look weird in red. I'm not going to blog about that one for fear people will think I've lost my mind. ;-) Which may or may not be true.
Kim

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Your mantle looks wonderful! Your blog is great, I think this is my first visit...I will come over again!

Melissa

kari and kijsa said...

Perfect!! SO glad you linked this post!!! It has great inspiration and ideas!! Fabulous!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Oliver's said...

Your mantel is stunning. I love your old books they have so much character. Smiles, Paula

Unknown said...

I love your mantel and your thrift store finds. Since I've started blogging (very recently), I've started going again to thrift stores. It's fun!

Anonymous said...

Great placement of interesting objects and great design presentation.

I love it.

Mary said...

Totally wonderful! You are a girl after my own heart with all your thrift store treasures. Hope you find the tin soon -- happy hunting!
xoxo,
Mary

mommyholly said...

I love you mantel- more is more does look great here!!!! :) xo!

Amy Jo said...

hey.. I've been looking through all the links trying to get some inspiration from someone who has a similar mantle as mine. I also have a round thing as the center of my mantle, but it needs something on the sides! I like your scones on each side, so I'll have to look for something like that. My tiles around the mantle are BLACK, and I don't like them much... Just not sure exactly how to make that better. Velcro is very interesting idea. I'd have to do that without telling my husband though, b/c he'd flip out!