As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder, there's no better time to infuse your living space with warmth and style. Autumn is the season of change, and what better way to embrace it than by creating a stylish autumn fireplace display that features the beauty of the season? This week, I have been having fun styling my mantelpiece, using whatever I can find around the home and in the garden and adding to the display with a few carefully chosen bought items (a little trip to Dunelm helped!). In this blog post, I'll guide you through the art of creating a captivating mantelpiece with simple branches and stems, quirky pumpkins, and an arrangement of items that will infuse warmth into your living space. Let's get going on a journey to transform your home into a cosy autumn haven.
Gathering Autumn Treasures
I started my creative journey by purchasing some dried flower stems from Dunelm, I just love the burnt, coppery orange of the Setaria Machrostachia and the earthiness of the Eucalyptus. I combined these with treasures from the garden and scented, dried fruit slices from John Lewis - I will use these again later in the year for my Christmas displays. These natural elements will serve as the foundation for my fireplace display, exuding a rustic and earthy charm.
Quirky Pumpkins in All Their Glory
This autumn, I am embracing the unique beauty of quirky, imperfect pumpkins. Beyond the classic orange, you'll find an array of colours and shapes, from pristine whites to elegant shades of green and grey - so gorgeous and unusual. I was able to purchase these from my local market and will turn them into a warming, Spiced Pumpkin Soup later in the month. Play with different sizes and colours to create an eye-catching focal point on your autumn fireplace. The diversity of pumpkins adds visual interest and really captures the essence of the season.
The Art of Arrangement
I have a secret to share... I'm not always a fan of symmetry, especially when it comes to styling my mantelpiece. I prefer to embrace asymmetry! I enjoy playing around until I discover the perfect arrangement that feels just right. At one end of the mantel, a carefully selected vase filled with stems in shades of orange and red sits gracefully, while at the other end, a pumpkin, a stack of books, and a Chinese Money plant find their own unique balance. An assortment of quirky pumpkins, of varying size and colour, placed on either side of the hearth gives a nod to symmetry, achieving a balance of colour and proportion.
Arrange a variety of pumpkins on the hearth, nestling candles in between, their warm glow in the evening will accentuate the textures and hues of the season. Scatter dried leaves, pinecones, or dried orange slices, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection. I promise, the magic happens when you let go of strict symmetry and allow your unique vision to shine through. Go for it!
Candlelight Ambience
Candles play a significant role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I gathered as many as I could find from around the house and arranged them on the mantelpiece and hearth. Where you can, choose a variety of candle sizes and shapes, but make sure they are safely placed away from flammable materials. You can also use candle holders to elevate their appearance. The flickering candlelight will add a cosy glow to your living space, making it perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
Decorative Accents
Don't forget to incorporate other decorative elements. I love using books on the mantelpiece, especially with the bare hardback cover on display. I'm not that keen on the bright glossy covers so I rip them off when no-ones looking, that way they don't detract from the rest of the display. They can be stacked horizontally or vertically, adding a literary touch to the display. Vases filled with dried eucalyptus, orange pampas grass and stems of berries create an elegant structural element. Their striking colours and subtle fragrances make them perfect for the season. You could always create a focal point by making an autumn-inspired wreath incorporating the deep reds, burnt oranges and yellow ochres of autumn. Maybe, I'll try that next year!
A Seasonal Art Gallery
To add a personal touch, you could place framed autumn-themed artwork above the mantel. Artwork featuring autumn foliage or scenic landscapes will enhance the overall appeal and celebrate the season's visual splendour.
Cosy Up and Enjoy
With my autumn fireplace decor complete, our living room has been transformed into a cosy retreat, just in time for the colder evenings ahead. A soft, warm throw draped over a nearby chair and plush cushions in autumnal hues adds extra comfort.
In this season of transition, your stylish fireplace display, adorned with natural elements, candles, quirky pumpkins, and warm tones, will not only warm your home but also infuse it with the captivating spirit of autumn. Let this display become the centrepiece of your autumn sanctuary, a place to cosy up and relish in the changing season.
So, gather your materials and creativity, and let your autumn fireplace showcase the wonder of the changing seasons within your home. Revel in the warmth and style it brings to your living space, and enjoy the cosy embrace of autumn.
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