Christmas is on it's way and although we still have Thanksgiving to celebrate tomorrow, I started decorating for Christmas. My front entryway was the first area in my home that I worked on.
I decided to change up my decor or theme a bit from last year--I am sty0ling with more natural and organic textures, incorporating a touch of a greenish blue and using fewer gold and red touches.
I treat this pallet wood shelf in my entryway like a mantel. I made this shelf, and show you how in my second book, Wood Pallet Wonders, that you can get HERE. It is so fun to decorate and style through the seasons. The shelf also adds so much function with the hooks for hanging coats and purses and bags.
There are some elements that stay here throughout the year--the round, flat basic and mirror, the leather, camera and binocular cases, the foot massager, wood bead garland. And, then, other objects that are added and removed seasonally. I started with adding the faux garland.
When using a garland on a mantel or across a table, don't simply just place it in front in a straight line. Give the garland sone movement, place objects behind it and in front of it, and in it--think layers!
The basket and mirror and the Swedish star or snowflake sit behind the garland while the thrifted, white, pinecone candleholders are in front. I used a brown, dripware, strawberry jug to hold pine branches and curly willow branches rather than the gold jug that typically sits here.
I placed pinecones throughout the garland. The smaller ones I foraged and the large, sugar, pinecones are thrifted.
I chose to incorporate more white and snow in my decor this year as well, so I found these crystal, snowy branches at the thrift store to include in the garland. I cut apart the branches into smaller pieces (boy, was that messy!) and tucked them in here and there.
I made sure that some of the snowy branches were in this part of the garland that hangs down off of the shelf or mantel. I replaced the gold bells that have been here with these thrifted, rattan ones, tied with jute and velvet ribbon. Think about different textures when decorating.
On the other end of the shelf or "mantel" sits a painting of a snowy pine branch that I painted (see it above). In front of it sits on of my leather cases and a thrift store, green blue creamer with a candle and a bit of greenery and a velvet ribbon. Another tip to great a cohesive display--repeat elements. There is a floral foam block i the creamer to hold the candle in place. A pet peave of mine is displaying candles that look like they are never used, Burn the wick for a few minutes and remember to NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
On the wall opposite of the front doors sits a small bamboo stool with a brown basket holding a tree with lights and snowflake ornaments.
Chalkboard art was all the rage five years ago, and while it is no longer hot, I do still enjoy changing out this chalkboard scene seasonally.
Next to the chalkboard art on the small angled wall by the door that leads into the main room, hangs a mercury glass candle sconce (that is always here) and I added a thrifted, vintage watercolor of a snowy cabin scene.
Make sure your entry space is functional as well. A bench or chair for people to sit on to remove shoes or boots, a place to set things, and something that coats can be hung on all add purpose to the space. I headed to the thrift store to find a new pillow and blanket for the space. The pillow has elk on the other side, nit my style. But, the plaid side is perfect, it introduces pattern and some of the soft greenish-blue color I am using. I typically don't use linen blankets in the winter, but this one was the perfect color, thick with lots of texture. It washed up beautifully. I looked up the brand, POM POM at Home and these linen blankets sell for hundreds. I paid $5.
You can also see in the photo above the open binocular case. I change out the books in this seasonally. I also tucked a little greenery in there. I may still open a few of the other cases and add items. I strung the rosehips four years ago and while they are typically included in more primitive decor, I liked the reddish brown color and their organic nature.
1. Layers create interest and coziness
2. Natural elements connect the indoors to the outdoors
3. Textures and Patterns--mix them up and use a variety
4. Repeat elements--colors, objects, textures
5. Function matters too!
6. Use what you love, what speaks to you, what makes you feel warm and joyful. For me, the woods restore me and always feel right.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!