Stephanie Kraus Designs

Let's take it inside shall we?

I've had several reader requests (okay, three people asked me after a few cocktails this weekend) to do a post on fireplace mantle styling.

Not always on my radar in May, but let's be honest a fireplace is usually THE focal point in a room so what goes above it ... well, it's gonna make a statement. 

I see it this way. There are two camps -- those who love ...

#1  Symmetrical design above a fireplace which is one large piece and maybe two objects flanking the piece on either side (objects can be sconces, vases, topiaries, hurricaines, etc.)

Houzz



splendid sass

house of turquoise

#2  And those of us who like asymmetrical design with lots of layering of art, accessories and collected objects.

So your first step is to look at the above images and decide which style appeals to you most, stick with it and go from there.

Now, let's tackle the symmetrical style first.

My one rule of thumb here is to make sure your statement piece is BIG. HUGE.  We definitely don't want any dinky pieces hanging up there looking all lost and lonely.

If you look at the below examples you can see the art or mirror is filling up most of the space above the fireplace.

cynthiaweber.com

Also, if you want to flank the main piece with flowers or accessories on either side remember scale is important. We must never use objects that are too puny or too small:). Remember, they have to hold their own weight with the piece they're standing next too:). 

Okay moving on to asymmetrical design. Here you start with one large piece, but there are no set rules. Just use objects you love of different sizes, shapes and textures and layer them. You may have to step back from your work a few times to make sure it looks cohesive.

I actually like the example above to demonstrate. I would start with one large piece and would layer two pieces of art of varying size and shapes (always work in odd numbers). Then I would layer working from the middle out --adding objects and vases from tallest to smallest like above. Or below where they placed the smallest objects in the middle and worked their way out placing the taller objects on either end. Either way looks fab.

Here's other fun ways to style your fireplace for summer since we won't be lighting any fires anytime soon:

These are just magazines and books turned with their pages out and layered on top of each other.

source

source

Coral and Shells

 And this ...  I'm not really sure what this is?  But it looks cool.

So, I hope I was able to resolve your decorating dilemma and give you a little help on styling your fireplace.

I also want to add a big thank you to everyone who has sent me emails, stopped me on the street, at yoga and in car line letting me know they read my blog. Words can not express how thankful I am to all of you and your kindness -- so keep these ideas coming and thanks for reading!! Hugs to everyone.

OK, back to Bizness...

Random Thoughts

JCREW gone and done it again. Love this.

www.jcrew.com
I think this line is all sold out -- all that's left is the sweater in this print. Such a tease.

Moving on, 

We're friends now, right?

I need to let you in on a little secret that has changed my life (well maybe not changed my life, but I feel a whole heck of a lot better about myself!)

I've been trying to change to a plant-based, real food only diet -- whaaaat???? Trust me it aint easy. And, I know its not revolutionary but I swear it's truly amazing!

After the holidays I was looking to do a cleanse not a Gwyneth Paltrow serious cleanse. Just a cleanse that little ole me could do and still eat real food. And I stumbled upon this book.

here

I'm not going to bore you to tears with the science behind this book and I am not a nutritionist I can only tell you that eating this way gives me way more energy, helps me think clearly, sleep better and has knocked off a few of those stubborn pounds too.

I use this book only as a guideline and try to eat as many fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains (basically anything that is grown from the ground) and stay away from anything that is processed.

Have any of you guys tried eating this way? Anyway, give it a try -- see what you think... curious to get your feedback.

Until next time!



oh, and don't forget to like me on facebook, follow me on twitter and sign up for my blog via email on the upper right hand side of my website. Thanks!! xoxo