Styling your fireplace is a great decorative area to flex your creative muscles, as the fireplace is a relatively easy element to change whenever the mood is up or down. Think of this space as a place where you can display any mementos, artwork, and jewelry that are special to you. I like both encapsulated, maximalism, and super-minimum layers — in the end it’s up to you which way you go.
Today, I share some tips for styling your hair all year round. If you don’t have a fireplace at home, fear not, as the suggestions below can also apply to any open shelf!
My tips for styling
1. Start with a large piece of art that will act as your focal point.
This focal point will fit the scale of your space and can be anything from a rug to a mirror to a framed print. It can be hung on the wall or against the wall — whichever you prefer. If possible, consider using a slightly unexpected dialogue or setting the tone of the room.
Both fireplaces on the main floor of our house have a large focal piece; Yes an antique green mirror family’s room and a piece of art in the dugout room, above Insert the exhaust heater from Heat & Glo.
2. Stack your focal piece with some smaller artwork.
While I don’t currently use this styling tip on our overlays, I do like the look of the overlapping pieces for visual depth. If going this route, I recommend starting with two or more items in different sizes. I like to think of the focal point as the size of the papa bear, and the overlaps as the size of mother and cubs — they automatically work well as a set of correlations.
With the largest focal piece at the back, stack the medium piece on one side and the smaller piece on the other. (Towards This video for an example of how I stack artwork of various sizes.)
3. Add decorative accents using different textures and mediums, like wicker, stone or brass, and at different heights.
When it comes to accent pieces, choose pieces in textures (or materials) to add something different to your space. If the room has a lot of wood, choose something shiny. If it already feels slick and bright, choose something natural and earthy. I also like to bring in objects of different heights to add visual interest. Mix and match until you get a result you’re happy with.
4. Add plant life element.
Plants instantly bring vibrancy to a space. Choose something with mass – light and hairy like a fern or structured like an aloe vera plant. And don’t skip the pot! It can bring a wide range of colors or patterns to the mix.
5. Exchange seasonal art and objects (or whenever you’re particularly fond of).
The fireplace is a living example of your tastes and preferences. While many of us decorate for the holiday season, there’s no reason we can’t give it a little love the rest of the year. As we approach Valentine’s Day, consider styling your hair in a more romantic way with a combination of vases and flowers. When fall arrives, you may want to bring in more rustic textures like reclaimed wood and a yellow leaf from the outside. Get creative and have fun with the process!
Kate is currently learning to play the ukulele, leaving her husband, children and dogs desperate. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
