Bright and Cheerful Candle Display

That's it, I'm done!! Done with winter anyway, done with cold white and brown. So while I always decorate with color, I am ready to add even more bright and cheery colors to my home.

So, I have been on the thrifting hunt for all things colorful. When I spied this rainbow striped, hand painted, ceramic tray at the thrift store, I knew it had to come home with me. The fact that it was only $3 made it even better.

The blue on it isn't really "my blue", but I don't care. When you use neutrals for your major decor  spaces--walls, cupboards, sofas, etc., you can use all of the other colors as you please. I mostly decorate with dark greens, navy blue, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. 

I decided this piece would be a great candle holder for my upper, eat-in kitchen counter where I keep a seasonal centerpiece or display. This is what I had there post Christmas for the winter months:

Now, This cheerful and bright candle display sits here.

I replaced the neutral colored rattan runner with two thrifted, colorful, matchstick placemats.

I simply set the next to each other and placed the rainbow striped dish on top of them.

I placed modern style wood candlesticks on the tray. I made these a couple years ago and you can read about how and why I made them HERE.

The wood candlesticks adds some of that natural, organic texture that I love and tones down the bright colors. The wood also matches the wood tones in the placemat. The shape of the candlesticks help the display to look clean and modern.

I found a candle snuffer on the same day as I bought the colorful tray. It is brass and has a little bird on it. The style is a bit more cottage than the ret of the display, but it is springy and I like using opposing style elements in one display as it creates interest and tension in the visual components.

And, it works well! Today's thrift tips are: have fun with your decor, add some springy colors that make you happy, and if it catches your eye at the thrift store, you typically can find a way to use the item in your home.