Styling Your Fireplace
From the Desk of KLM Studio. . .
Your fireplace and mantle is a great place to show off your personal style. A fireplace serves as a focal point of a home, and can make quit a statement. But a statement-worthy one almost always has thoughtfully placed items that tell a story — for example, maybe a mix of ornate candleholders with colorful tapers, a ceramic vase, stacked art or a mirror, and various trinkets to tie it all together.
If you’re looking to take your fireplace style to the next step, consider adding some live (or nice faux) greens to that plan. Plants are one of the more versatile decorative elements of a home, and as long as you have the proper setting (lighting being the key here), they can go just about anywhere, the fireplace and mantel included. As a home stager, I use an abundance of beautiful faux plants in all of my stages. Something about plants give a home a feeling of comfort and life.
#1 – Consider the size up your surfaces.
Pay attention to the actual surface area available to you. Is your mantel deep enough to accommodate a plant? Think about the size that you have to work with by measuring the length and depth of your mantel. Typically a mantel is about 10 inches deep, so anything less than 9.5 inches is best. Use the rule of “three” or odd numbers when planning to arrange plant pots. Groups of three or even five or seven make the display feel balanced and more pleasing to the eye.
If your mantel is on the smaller side, it’s okay – there is always the hearth (or floor)! And if you have a faux fireplace or the fireplace is not functioning, the fire box (inner opening) can make for the perfect display nook for greens as well.
#2: Consider the light.
If choosing to use live plants, make sure to think about the light source in relation to the fireplace. Ask your local nursery about plants that do best in direct light, indirect light, or low light. This is a very important step when deciding on the best plants.
#3: Start with an accent plant, then add a variety of greenery.
After you have done the research and figured out the best type of plants that will fit and thrive in your place, there are some other elements that you should consider. The design secret to styling with plants is diversification. This means that you want a variety of plants that have a mixture of sizes and shapes. Varying the heights of the plants and different shaped leaves adds drama and dimension to a room.
Here is my suggestion: Start with one plant that will be the focal point. Next, think about other plants that might compliment the focal plant. Be sure to choose a variety of plant sizes and shapes – this is how you will create balance. The trick here is not to let it feel busy. Also consider the color of your mantel. Use containers or pots that stand out or compliment the mantel color. The containers or pots should also coordinate. For example, all neutral tones or all monochromic hues can really make a statement!
#4: Fill in the gaps.
After all your plants are in place, it’s time to add the other decorative accents that will take your fireplace mantel the talk of the town. Think about composition and colors with the added pieces on your mantel. For example, if place a mirror or art in the middle of the mantel (or both), position your plants so that they flank the frame and add a few smaller pieces in front to tie it all together. Candles always add a touch of warmth and dimension to a mantel.
I hope these steps will be helpful when you style your mantel with greenery!
