Design Happens

Growing up, the only time my parents’ mantel received any love or attention was during the holidays when we would cover it in garland and glittery decor. From January to November, however, it displayed the same pictures and the same candles. Has your mantel been feeling neglected lately? We’re here to tell you that you can (and should) update your mantel decor all year long. Dress it up for summer with these warm-weather ideas:

Even if you can’t have your toes in the sand or hear the ocean waves crashing, you can still bring a summer-inspired, coastal feel into your home and onto your mantel. This beachy display features all the elements of a mantelpiece reminiscent of the sea: driftwood, seashells, starfish, a nautical knot ball and a neutral, monochromatic palette ideal for summer.

Don’t limit your holiday mantel decor to just Christmas and Thanksgiving. Create a stunning display for Easter, Valentine’s Day and Independence Day, too. I absolutely love this stars-and-stripes-themed mantelpiece by Layla Palmer. It pulls in all the sea-inspired elements of summer with subdued and accented pops of red and blue. And the wooden, weathered flag is A-MAZ-ING.

Check out other ways to keep your mantel and fireplace the focal point of the room during the hot seasons with top tips, ideas and inspiration from HGTV.com.

Is your mantel a key feature of your living room all year long or does it often get lost in the background?

Tell us in the comments below!