While all things are pointing to the arrival of spring, I know we still have to get through some gray days of April Showers before we get the see the May Flowers!
Since I have a week off of my “day job” I decided to get a head start on freshening up the house with some spring cleaning, which of course means some spring styling!
First things first, I washed all my slip covers. Fresh, crisp and white again they immediately brighten up the room. I packed away the heavier winter throws and pulled out some lighter weight ones. The clutter has been cleared, floors washed and windows opened just a crack.
With the business of cleaning finished I was ready to switch out the mantel to something fresh and “springy”! Just like the basket of flowers I made to hang on the front door, I wanted to brighten things up and bring spring inside!
I have to say am forever grateful Tim took the time to build me this fireplace so I have a mantel to decorate!
I have to admit with a puppy in the house our mantel is often littered with odd socks, twigs and other tidbits that we have retrieved from Charlie’s mouth and tossed on the mantel to keep out of his reach. I really must find some other landing spot because I am enjoying this clean slate!
Since I like to change things out throughout the seasons, I don’t like to invest a lot of money into styling the mantel. This time I spent less than $10 in total.
The faux greenery balls I picked up at the dollar store and plunked them on top of pots I already had, sitting one pot into an old basket. They might just make their way out to the spring porch come summertime!
I also picked up a Shamrock plant at the market for $4. Everything else I already had, either from thrift stores, DIY projects or Ikea!
It’s always nice pulling out things that have been tucked away for the winter. Everything feels new again!
The Georgia Peach Candle is from Bath and Body Works and smells exactly like fresh peaches.
I am still loving my DIY Tobacco Basket! I think it works well with the outdoorsy style of the mantel.
I can assure you as the spring progresses I will have killed the Shamrock plant and switched it out for a bright pink Azalea and added a bit more colour here and there, but I am really pleased with the fresh feel of my early spring mantel.
How about you, are you ready to bring a bit spring into your decor?
Until next time….
Maureen
If you want to keep up with all the projects happening at the Red Cottage be sure to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. Or, leave your email address below and be among the first to know when a new post goes live!
Heather @ New House New Home says
Those dollar store greenery balls are also my “go to” item for spring decor – I think I have about a dozen of them now!! They also work really well when I switch things up for summer.
Anyhooo….I really like the fresh shamrock on the mantel – it adds so much life. I know it won’t be there for long but it’s worth it for the few weeks it’s there. I also kill indoor plants. Can grow just about anything outside, but give me an indoor plant and it’s gone in a week or so.
Maureen says
If I would only remember to water my houseplants they might actually have a fighting chance!
leilani says
It’s always fun to see your new mantles. Love the cake platter!
Maureen says
I love the cake platter too! This one is my daughters for whenever she finds herself a house. I should have bought one for myself!