Flowers Aren’t Optional (Spring Mantel 2014)
Flowers, for me, are not optional. When I do my weekly shopping at Trader Joe’s I always pick up a bunch of pretty flowers. I usually grab pretty daffodils or delicate roses. I know some people think flowers are frivolous, but to me, well, I think they are as important as bread or milk.
It may be gray or cold or windy out. Spring hasn’t really come to our part of New England yet.
So looking at these flowers makes me so happy and lifts my spirits.
This is our spring mantel. I’ve used my “sea glass” bottles on here and also painted up a window frame I found on freecycle with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Luckett’s Green.
Here’s the before:
The green is so pretty and spring-like. I used bonding agent to paint it and then I distressed a little with a sanding block and put a little white wax on it.
The sweet bird’s nest was from Decor Steals a few years ago and the moss basket I found at Michaels. The rest of the stuff I had around the house.
Soft colors of pale green, blue and dusty pink play against the dark wood and white walls.
You can’t see them but I’ve been working on one of the french style chairs I fell in love with in the caning class that just started. When I get further along I’ll share the progress. I’ll warn you, it may be a while before you see them…
I’m thinking of painting these bricks gray What do you think? Luke doesn’t think it is a good idea. The color clash of the wood, bricks and tiles are bothering me a bit.
How are you decorating for spring?!? Can’t wait to hear!
If you get a chance, I’m chatting with Lauren over at Back to the Old House today as part of her “On The Couch Series”. Pour yourself a cuppa and join us over on the couch for a chat.
So much fun! Hope you can stop by.
Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
I buy fresh cut flowers every week too! I love walking into the ‘living’ areas of our home and seeing flowers.
They brighten up everything . . . and make me smile :0)
Thanks for sharing your beautiful Spring flowers.
Have a great weekend,
Suzanne
I agree about flowers. I have a weekly order from a local florist and pick up my flowers every week. It’s a must for me too!
Have a good weekend.
It’s appears that many of us are longing for spring as I’ve been buying flowers for several weeks now too. We will be having “high” temps in the 40’s with rain today…that would be considered a heat wave after all the single digits we’ve had recently.
I whitewashed my brick and it turned a greyish color. I was really nervous at first but now I really like it..so my advice is go for it! It will suit you and your style so much better.
I love fresh flowers in the house and try to have something blooming in the yard to cut from in the Spring, Summer and Fall, but in the winter, I am with you…buying flowers is part of the grocery list! Love your mantel!!
Love the flowers!!! I would paint the brick a white. Mine is white and it looks great!
Danielle! I’m SO with you on the flowers thing. I currently bought a big bunch of tulips at Costco for $10 and I LOOOVE them. Then of course I always have hydrangeas. Also, I think if you paint the bricks (which I think you SHOULD) paint it with watered down gray and maybe dry brush with white? that way you will still have some darker areas and it would look neutral, but visually interesting. Something similar to this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/62065301089156177/
Also I LOVE that pretty shade of green on the window! Your mantel is gorgeous!
I agree on the flowers front too, Danielle! I always have a bunch around the house, especially if I’m expecting visitors – it’s just so lovely to have a bunch or two dotted around.
At the moment, I have daffodils in the bedroom, tulips in the living room (they were the centre piece for our Mother’s Day meal), and beautifully-scented hyacinths in the bathroom – gorgeous!
Thanks so much for the lovely mention on here, loved interviewing you for my blog
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