Memorial Day is this weekend, friends! I am shocked. Mainly shocked because my kids are almost finished with school and I’m getting a little nervous about how we’re all going to handle so much “together time!” (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about!)
Well anyway, because Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, I thought it would be fun to join in on a Summer Mantel Decorating Ideas Blog Hop hosted by my friend Amy at My Life From Home.
For my summer mantel, I went with an understated approach.
Instead of using decor pieces that scream summer, I chose to use elements inspired by summertime nature – summery plants, galvanized buckets you find in the garden, and a collection of mismatched glass vases – with my new-to-you $24 clearance mirror as a backdrop.
I’ll keep this post light on the narration and let the pictures speak for themselves. (“But pictures can’t speak, Bre.”)
I found this framed print at Hobby Lobby and fell in love the second I saw it.
It has a nice vintage look to it, and it set the tone for the whole mantel theme. This was the only thing that I bought for my summer mantel; everything else I already had!
The galvanized buckets were Goodwill finds from a couple of years ago. Total scores!
You might remember this wooden box from my Spring Mantel Decorating Ideas post. I kept it up for the summer but swapped out its contents for my collection of small glass vases.
I may add some fresh flowers throughout the season, but for now I like them empty. They’re interesting but understated and don’t add a lot of weight to the vignette.
Everything came together so quickly for my summertime mantel, which never happens for me!
I’m really pleased with how it is updated for the season, but blends with the rest of my living room decor.
I hope you enjoyed seeing how I transitioned from my spring mantel to summer! By using some of the same basic pieces and updating a few other key items, I have a whole new look!
Kendra Bower says
I love the crate with the plant inside your fireplace! Where did you find both of those items? And is the plant fake or real?
Bre says
Hi, Kendra – thank you! I actually customized the crate myself (you can get the tutorial in this post: https://averageinspired.com/2014/08/great-crate-challenge-rolling-firewood-caddy.html ), and I purchased the plant at Lowe’s. It is real! It’s amazing that it’s still alive – ha!
Calypso in the Country says
So pretty! The green gives such a spring/summer feel!
Shelley
Bre says
Thank you, Shelley! ๐ Hope you’re having a great summer!
Offrs says
Everything looks amazing, BRE!! just beautiful.
Bre says
Thank you!
Samantha says
Your summer mantel is stunning! I love the print and all the greens! Pinning!
Bre says
Thank you, Samantha!! ๐
Meg @ Green With Decor says
I love that framed print!! And your arches on either side of the fireplace always get me, such cool architecture!
Bre says
Thanks so much, Meg! xo
Emily says
Your mantel looks so pretty, Bre! I really like the combination of that vintage style print with your galvanized buckets – they’re perfect together!
Bre says
Thank you, Emily! Happy Summer!
Kim Carter-Young says
Bre, that mantel is amazing and your home is beautiful! I love the casual feel of all of the natural elements, especially the fern in the firebox. I’m so excited for summer! Great score on the reproduction print – you’d never know it was anything other than vintage!
Bre says
Thank you, Kim! I appreciate it!!
Amy @ mylifefromhome says
I just love your fireplace without even anything on it, but your summer mantel is beautiful! I love all the greenery. It reminds me of summer gardening. Thanks for being a part of this hop!
Bre says
Thank you so much, Amy! And thanks for including me in your blog hop. I love it!!
Tara @ Lehman lane says
Your summer mantel looks so pretty Bre! I love the floral print you found at Hobby Lobby!!!
Bre says
Thank you, Tara! ๐
morgan says
love love all that greenery! very summery
Bre says
Thank you so much, Morgan!
Tee at Beauteeful Living says
I love that mirror on your mantel, Bre! That vintage looking print is lovely. Having those lanterns at the bottom rounds out this cozy mantel. Thanks for sharing!
Bre says
Thank you, Tee! I was pumped that the mirror worked above the mantel. $24 cannot be beat! ๐
Seana Turner says
Such a beautiful craftsman mantel! I love the soft green.. it isn’t all sunshine and bright colors, but oh so soothing!
Bre says
Thank you, Seana!! I appreciate it!
Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod says
Hey Bre – We love the vintage inspired print…definite score! And that clearance mirror – you know how to shop! Thanks for sharing!
Bre says
Hahaha that mirror was SO lucky!! I was so excited to find it! ๐ Thanks for your sweet comment, ladies!