It's hard to believe that these 2 sets of photos were taken 35 years
apart.  Which examples do you think show the bigger difference?

#1 - Women at the beach

Victorian ladies at the beach, 1900

35 years later:

Cover of Harper's Bazaar, 1935

#2 Women Singers

Kate Bush, British singer, 1980

35 years later:

Lief Hall, German singer, 2015

Hmmmm. . . . . I vote for #1.  What do you think?

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

But, I do.  Decorating-wise.  It's the small stuff,

i.e., accessories, that gives me the most problems.

We all know someone who can take a monkey paper weight, rocks

and an old vase and create a beautiful tablescape.  I envy them.

The tops of armoires are the perfect areas to showcase

a few special pieces or a cherished collection.

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I think that a large percentage of decorating magazine readers get

more ideas from the accessories than from the large pieces of furniture.

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Accent Areas give you the opportunity

to add color and texture to any room.

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When the decor is sparse it's best to stick

with an uncluttered approach.

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And it's okay to use big pieces on small spaces.

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The distressed wood-base lamp compliments the shabby cabinet.

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An uncluttered approach seems so much more sophisticated.

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If you have a room that's really not coming together maybe

it's the small stuff that's the problem.  Just don't sweat it.

One of the most elegant and interesting architectural features of a home

is a fireplace mantel.  On this Repurposeful Monday we're going to

look at some ingenious ideas for upcycling beautiful antique mantels.

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I love this idea of making a book

case out of a fireplace mantel:

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I posted this photo a couple of years ago but it's

such a great idea that it deserves a re-post.

Here are before and after photos of

another mantel-turned-bookcase:

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An adorable shabby bookcase was

created out of this old mantel:

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It took me a moment to realize that the

bottom of this mantel holds a mirror:

This mantel was turned into a large magazine rack:

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Imagine how beautiful it would have been

if it were stained instead of painted.

Old mantels also make charming headboards:

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Think of other areas of your home that
could house an interesting mantel.

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What a clever idea!  A small mantle

is framing a bathroom mirror.

How about adding a mantel to the garden?

I logged onto Craigslist to check the types of mantels that are
available in my area.  The results were interesting and the prices
were even more surprising:

 A local antique shop is selling this Craftsman-style mantel for $250.

This mantel came out of an historic home that
dates to the late 1800's.  It's priced at $750.

 The price of this mantel is $250 but I don't think it's very old.

The owners are asking $650 for this oak mantel with a beveled mirror.

Consider adding a beautiful antique mantel to your home.  Check
Craigslist and antique shops to see what's available.