We asked readers to send in design questions for Killingworth’s Rachel Schemmerling, Design Consultant, to answer.
QUESTION: ”My wife likes to change the fireplace mantle for every holiday but I prefer a permanent display. Who is right?” – Jason Hayward
ANSWER: You’re both right! When guiding clients on the best course of action as it pertains to home decorating, my motto is, “If you love it, then it is good, and it should stay. However, when it is something that really breaks all the rules of design, we might need to intervene just slightly.” And this does not mean building a second fireplace!
The elements and principles of interior design include space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern. Keeping those elements in balanced proportion is the key to creating a beautiful interior.
So when two people have differing opinions, then we have to compromise and bring them together in their decorating goals while still keeping them in line with those basic principles of design.
In the case of Jason Hayward, he and his wife disagree about whether to leave a permanent display vs. changing it often. My answer to this question is – YES…BOTH! It is possible to have the best of both options. The fireplace is naturally a focal point in the room and, therefore, you want it looks its best and appeal to every person that lives in that space.
To achieve this, they can create a permanent display, but change out certain elements of the season or with each holiday. For example, start with a grounding element like a large mirror or a statement piece of framed art. Add accessories on either side to create levels and/or symmetry. Then seasonally, they might add some decorative details that pertain to that holiday or time of year.
Here are some step-by-step tips to building a nice fireplace mantel display using some of the key principles of interior design listed above:
1. Space: The first step is clearing off the mantle entirely and giving it a good cleaning. It was time to dust off those cobwebs anyway!
2. Line, Form and Light: Select one large item to ground the space, such as a mirror of a piece of art.
3. Color, Texture and Pattern: Select display items of similar colors, such as books, vases or containers. Then create different heights within those items.
4. Lastly, incorporate those key elements by adding seasonal or holiday accents, such as greenery in December or pastel flower touches in the Spring.
To send in your design questions, please see the guidelines in this article.
Rachel Schemmerling is an Interior Design Consultant, located in Killingworth. She is known for her unique approach to design, with a keen eye for designing beautiful, comfortable surroundings while finding creative ways to work within a budget.
Photo of mantle from Shutterstock.
