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A Simple Fall Mantel Display in Neutral Tones

There is so much inspiration for creating a lovely fall vignette in your home by just looking at nature. Achieving that look doesn’t have to break the bank. Your fall mantel can be a budget-friendly display by utilizing natural elements, metals, and reclaimed or found items.

Join me and a fantastic group of bloggers as we take you on a Fall Ideas Tour beginning today with mantels, and lasting all week long. Get ready to be inspired! (Links to tour for each day of the week below)
2015 Fall Ideas Tour from September 21-24 - Come join the fun at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

When looking to create my fall mantlescape for this season, I wanted to stray from my typical fall orange-yellow-red color scheme, like I did for this display a couple of years ago. I craved a simple palette that would help me transition into the seasons yet to come.

It all started with this pile of scrap wood pieces that came from our master bedroom remodel that we revealed this past spring.

Scrap Corbel Wood for Architectural Salvage Art by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

DIY FUN

When we took down our shelves in our bedroom, I didn’t want to reuse the corbels that were there because they were bulky and took up too much space. So I replaced them with iron brackets instead. Since nothing goes to waste around here, we ended up using those wood corbels for building our window boxes we added this spring as well.  When building the boxes, the original corbels had too large of a profile, so we trimmed them down and left us with that pile above. (Didn’t my hubby do good?)

DIY Window Boxes for Curb Appeal by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I have saved them in a box for over a year, because…well…they were cool looking and I knew I could come up with some good use for them other than our burn pile. There were several ideas that came to mind, but then inspiration struck and here’s what I came up with…

Salvaged Art Assembled | prodigalpieces.com

I whipped out my favorite tool accessory, my Kreg Jig (I love that thing!), and joined those pieces together, then gave them a washed appearance with stain and paint. This would be my focal point of my mantel. I had hoped to achieve the look of a salvaged architectural piece.

THE REVEAL

What do you think of my fall mantel decor?

Fall Mantel with Natural and Antique finds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

With a few gourds, dried botanicals, and some thrifted finds, it all came together in a simple, neutral palette.

Fall Mantel Decor for Farmhouse Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you’re not familiar with that furry guy, that’s my shadow (aka. Teddy). He appears along with our cat, Lily, on social media every now and then. ♥

Natural Style Fall Mantel for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The soft tones suit my decor and can be changed up with splash of color once Thanksgiving rolls around. My linen chair, a curbside barrel, and some fresh hydrangea all pair nicely for a welcoming spot.

Simple Farmhouse Fall Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hydrangeas in Fall Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While up above my DIY cotton branches stuffed into a flea market pitcher, and thrifted milk glass urn with a mossy orb create a nice juxtaposition.

Reclaimed Barn Beam Mantel for Fall Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

METAL ACCENTS

The metal serving trays, I believe, are from a high-school shop class project, complete with hand carved names and dates, also found while thrifting. Then there’s my Maybelle (heifer head). She is wearing a cow bell from my mother’s childhood.

Natural Beeswax Candles by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I have a thing for making my own beeswax candles and this tapered set was one of my first attempts at making this style. They’re rustic (that’s what we’ll call them) and go well in that candelabra I scored for a buck.

Down below, white pumpkins, a gathering of grasses from my landscaping in an old vinegar jug, and a barn roof panel from a set I found on Craigslist that will soon be my family room ceiling. No need to hide them until then, right?

Fall Fireplace Hearth by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It all blends together, but in a mis-matched way… the way I like it.

Architectural Salvage for Fall Mantel Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Funny how it all started with a pile of scrap wood, isn’t it? I shopped my home for most of these things and you can too. Take a walk through your space and look at your decor in a different light. You never know what will speak to you. And by all means, utilize nature. So many wonderful aspects of creation can be implemented to add texture and color without spending a dime. Have fun with it!

In addition, pin and share my fall mantel to inspire others too. ♥

Create a simple, neutral fall mantelscape with natural elements, metals, and reclaimed items by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
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Also, more DIY like my fall mantel from yours truly:

Want to create rustic decor for the fall season? You can create this DIY harvest sign with only one power tool and this tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesGetting junky with it an kickin' off the fall season with some repurposed pumpkins. They'll make you ready to dig into your stash! by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

Postcards from the Ridge | All Things Heart and Home

Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer | Domestically Speaking

Prodigal Pieces | Housepitality Designs

Mad In Crafts | My Creative Days

Tuesday

Refresh Restyle | 2 Bees in a Pod

Fox Hollow Cottage | Artsy Chicks Rule

Our Southern Home | Restoration Redoux

Savvy Southern Style | Atta Girl Says

Wednesday

H2OBungalow | Cottage at the Crossroads

Today’s Creative Life | Dukes and Duchesses

Hunt & Host | The Interior Frugalista

Sweet Pea | Petticoat Junktion

Thursday

At the Picket Fence |Town and Country Living

Cupcakes and Crinoline

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia | So Much Better With Age

Art is Beauty | AKA Design

Comments

  1. Robin says

    I’m in love with every detail! You have a way with design that makes me happy my friend xo

  2. Lindsay Eidahl says

    I love your mantel so much! And, I love that you keep cool pieces lying around too. They always come in handy for some project.

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes, just have to find a purpose for them, right? Thank you for the love, Lindsay!

  3. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    Crushing on your mantel today!….I love that you so beautifully incorporated so many amazing pieces to create that amazing neutral toned mantelscape and hearth. The wood mantel itself it stunning! Great to party with you today!

    • Larissa says

      Yes, fun to be a part of such a talented group! That mantel was a dream come true for me and am so happy to call it mine. Thank you for coming by!

  4. Ida says

    Everything is simply gorgeous!! Love your wood wreath, and all things fall. Your creativity is inspiring !!

    • Larissa says

      That’s awesome to hear, Ida! Thank you so much. I had fun and my family enjoys it too. 😀

  5. Kim says

    Love the rustic nature and layers of your mantel. I truly love the old beam!

    • Larissa says

      I just had to have one and finally got it a few months later than promised. 😉 Better late than never, right?

  6. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says

    …and she does it again, turning scraps into fabulous treasures! I love what you did with those corbel pieces Larissa and the rustic finish you gave them. I used to make beeswax candles, so much better than store bought ones, and the charm is how they don’t look all perfect. Love your Fall Mantle!

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes! I make candles all the time and pretty much anything else we use like lip balm, salves, herbal rubs, etc. I can’t get enough of beeswax and it’s glorious properties. Thank you for the love!

  7. Shannon says

    You and that Kreg Jig are just showing off now… lol!!
    It looks fantastic, and perfectly fall.
    Loving all the texture 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…I seriously don’t know what I ever did without that thing. The possibilites are endless! Now to have the time to use it. Thanks for stopping by!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Amy! Fall is a favorite of mine and I enjoy changing it up.

  8. Paula@SweetPea says

    I think that this is the first time that I’ve seen your fireplace and mantel. It looks so pretty decorated for fall. Did you make the mantel? We are in the process of making a similar mantel now using a beam from a demolished carriage house on the farm where my grandfather grew up. It’s been in my mom’s barn for 40 years just waiting to be used.

    • Larissa says

      Yes, we made the mantel from an old barn beam and have a DIY tutorial on a floating mantel if you should need one. 😉 I think the story that your beam will tell will last for generations…fun!

    • Larissa says

      Hello ladies! I had fun creating for this season and look forward to each time I can change it up. Thank you for stopping by!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Maryann! I just felt the need for a calm effect this year. 😉

  9. kathy@petticoatjunktion says

    You always amaze me Larissa. I love what you did with the leftover wood. I also love all the neutral colors. I haven’t done my mantel yet. I’m trying to decide between color or neutrals??

    • Larissa says

      I appreciate the comment so much, Kathy. Thank you! I am a color girl most of the time, but wanted a sort of peaceful feeling this year. Have fun!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Nancy! I was bound to find a use for those things and am so happy with the result.

  10. Mary says

    This is really you Larissa. The corbels look like an old gothic piece made many years ago. I love that you have placed so many treasures on your mantel.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary! That was the effect I was going for. I believe our decor should have a story, and something to generate conversation and memories. 🙂

  11. Sherry Fram says

    Love the mantel décor! Who knew corbels would make a cool architectural piece! Looks awesome!

  12. Kim Jone says

    I love everything you do and this mantel is no exception! It is such a great mix of wonderful things. Then there is the mantel itself…gorgeous!!! all the way down to the perfectly posed doggie 🙂

    • Larissa says

      That’s awesome to hear, Kim! Thank you. Yes, I don’t know if you can tell, but Teddy is ready to get up and come beside me. He’s my shadow. 🙂

  13. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    Larissa, I’m so impressed with what you did with those scraps of wood! Sooooo creative! All of the elements you used combine to make a unique, rustic fall mantel. Just goes to show that you don’t need to run out and purchase things to make something beautiful!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for noticing, Jane. I have a thing for making my space my own…something you can’t find in a store. It’s so much more fun that way!

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…yes, that chippy door is a score for me, but an eyesore for my hubby. He’s gotten used to it. Thanks for stopping by!

  14. Kimm at Reinvented says

    Beautiful! I love the layering you did with the platters and candles. Can’t wait to see the rest! 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Kimm! It’s a much used space and could use some updating…soon!

  15. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc. says

    OH, so pretty! As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of vignettes and mis-matching, you’ve done a wonderful job showing how to use your amazing finds in such a beautiful way! I could totally shop your house girl, LOVE!!!! Oh and that mantel, I feel a little heart flutter when I look at that, the texture and the patina = perfection!

    • Larissa says

      You are a girl after my own heart, Laurie! Including that pitchfork decor, girl….love! 😀

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Ursula! It’s our favorite room in the house. 🙂

  16. Wendi @ H2OBungalow says

    So pretty my friend! I love the rustic look and the items you layered are pure genius.. especially those too cool shapes you made for your mirror!

  17. Dilatasyon says

    This is lovely Larissa! All those touches come together to makeit so rustic and warm. love it!

  18. Scott Webb says

    Everything looks so inviting and warm, simply amazing – thanks for the inspiration! Me and my wife are looking for re-decorating our living room 🙂

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