A fireplace is functional and the perfect focal point during the winter months, but come summer, it’s just an afterthought. Why not give your fireplace a summer makeover? It’s easy with a little inspiration, and the result will be simply stunning! Over and under, we’ll show you how.
Over
In the home, summer is all about open kitchen trends, natural décor, and cheerful pops of color throughout each room. But ignoring your fireplace mantle is a wasted opportunity! Mantles that were once decked out in evergreen garland and potted poinsettias could now be adorned with seasonal summer blooms, like succulents, peace lilies, and other tropical houseplants in pretty pastel pots.
Create a summery vignette by adding natural touches, such as large seashells, or hurricane vases filled with sand or river stones and a well-placed pillar candle. Other options can include tall springs of pussy willow or cattails in a pottery jug, boxwood topiaries, shimmery mirrors, galvanized metal lanterns, or family photos in weathered driftwood frames.
You can also scour Etsy and open-air flea markets for unique vintage finds, including jadeite candlesticks, summer-inspired paintings and metal signs, or a hobnailed milk glass vase for holding fresh flowers from the garden. Regardless of what you select to decorate your summer mantle, layer elements of varying height, and keep balance in mind.
Under
Summer is the time to put away those fireplace tools, heavy screens, and bulky firewood, and opt for something lighter and lovely. Think metal folk art sculptures, wooden crates filled with summer reading, or seagrass baskets to hold lightweight throw blankets. Other options include potted palms or ferns, hydrangeas and other large floral arrangements, layered antique window frames, ceramic crocks, stacked birch logs, and tall lanterns with pillar candles.
All Around
Look at the big picture. If your fireplace exterior looks dingy and dull, no amount of seasonal decorating will do. Give the exterior a good cleaning and a fresh coat of color if the brick is painted (or do a complete DIY overhaul if necessary), so you can enjoy your fireplace all year long — summer included!
At The RTA Store we help make your dream home a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) and Pre-Assembled cabinets and accessories. Whether it’s your kitchen bathroom, laundry room, home office, bar room or TV room, we offer the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store, but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let us make your dreams come true with the help of our free room design tool!
