Our Spring Mantle (Two Ways)

Hi all!  If you've been reading along for awhile, you know we don't have a fireplace or a mantle in our house, but the console table in our entryway has functioned as a little display area over the years.  Right now, we're showcasing some lime green in honor of Spring!  I've styled our table two ways, I'm curious if you prefer one over the other.

Our first vignette features family photos and things in our home which have a way of playing musical decor (like the Target runner and jar from Home Goods, which were previously on our breakfast table).  

I've got some faux blossoming branches in the jar next to my favorite, inexpensive green apples ($1 each) from WalMart.  We typically have fresh fruit on hand in the kitchen which always adds a nice splash of color to the room, but here in the entry, I like the pop of color the faux apples add. 

My favorite recent find is the ampersand I got at Target.  It's hollow and adds a cute bit of character.  I'm sure at a later date it will look great in one of our bookcases or in my office. 

Then, because I'm actually not crazy about all the dark wood (mirror and console), because I think it looks and feels too heavy, I traded out the framed photos for a propped up Made By Girl "LOVE" print, which obscures the chunky wood mirror some.  

I like the simplicity of the second table, but the family photos are a nice personal touch to come home to.  What do you think? 

The area is constantly in flux, so there's no right or wrong answer:) 

You might remember last Spring, we had a simple arrangement of huge sunflowers in our entryway. 

And last summer, our mantel was full of sand and shells.

Our Nativity Scene stayed here at Christmas.

Our you styling your mantle for Spring? 

baby james is too cool

This time last year I couldn't get the guy to wear a hat for more than two seconds, let alone shades.  

Look at him now!

(The hat is from Old Navy and the sunglasses are from Target).  He wants to wear the hat all.the.time!

We were headed to a block party in our neighborhood.  I had no idea how many young couples and little kids lived in our neighborhood.  We really had a good time meeting everyone, a great group of people.  Now, we just need to stay in touch!

******

Our house guests are here:) and thankfully, their new room is much improved!  Go HERE to see where we left off.  I'll have to share some photos next week!

Have a great weekend!

Decorating Under the Staircase

Thanks to my friend Stephanie (Cre8tive Designs, Inc.) and her Pinterest board, I found a lovely velvety grey-blue Target settee with nailhead detailing for under $300.  Although I originally thought it would be perfect in our entryway, for now it's made a home under the stairs, an area of our home that was previously barren.



Today, I wanted to show you the progression in this little area of our home with the Target settee.  I originally started with some pillows I already had on hand and the silver side table I got at Home Goods.

It was an improvement, but still lacking.  The colors were drab and weren't really showing off the settee like I'd hoped, so I made envelope pillows using the two fabrics from our dining room and living room drapes.  I think the two patterns mix nicely together. 

I also changed out the blue flowers for these two faux leaf branches from Hobby Lobby.  The woven basket is from West Elm (y'all know I love my baskets and trays!)  I'd been wanting to get an area rug for that space, but hadn't gotten around to it until now.  I found a 6-foot round rug at Pottery Barn and it was "free" because I had a gift certificate and rewards points:)  (I can feel my husband rolling his eyes at my use of the word "free" here!)  The rug is nice- very thick and soft.

I liked how it was looking, but wanted to add another layer, so I brought in this lime ombre throw from West Elm.  I like the contrasting color so much- it's fresh!  They also sell it in coral. 

I'm liking how this area is coming along, but wonder if I should put something on the wall?  Perhaps a round mirror?  Or is the blank space nice?  I get anxious if there's too much going on visually in one area and we do have a large framed family photo on the adjacent wall.  

* * * * * 

It finally hit me this weekend that our home is really coming along, feeling like home.  More spaces and rooms have been given the love and decorative touches.  When we moved in nearly two years ago (it will be two years in July 2012!), we literally started from scratch.  It's nice to finally look at all the progress we've made and feel a sense of satisfaction with all the little touches that make it ours.  I love being home.  

Have you taken the time to step back and admire the progress you've made in your home?  I hope so.