I’ve been waiting anxiously to share my Scandinavian inspired mantel with you guys. It’s been up since the week before Thanksgiving. No apologies; I’m owning it. So what exactly defines a Scandinavian mantel? Honestly, I’m not really sure. In my mind, it has a simple color palette with lots of white, minimal decorations (perhaps some homemade), and an earthy vibe. If it looks like IKEA was involved, you’re in the neighborhood. So, I’m deeming mine a Scandinavian mantel. I hope I don’t offend anyone with a more sophisticated sense of Nordic style.
I rarely spend much on Christmas decorations, because I feel an unnatural need to change things up every year. For eleven months, my mantel is constantly being rearranged and rarely do I like the way it looks. December is the one month when I love it. This year I allowed myself to spend $20 for a new look.
Here’s how it all came together… I took a frame that was in the attic and used a gold paint pen on butcher paper to create the Noel art. I found the little cardboard box houses on sale at Michael’s for $1.50, painted them white, and decorated with some pom-poms and gold trim. (These were so much fun; I wish I would have bought more.) The little trees are from Wal Mart, .$75- $1.00 each. The paper stars took a while but cost me nothing since I had white card stock and string on hand. I used this tutorial and then added a little gold paint pen on the creases of each star.
…And then we just watch Elf.
Today is the first of our Holiday Cheer parties! I’m linking up over at Ten June and Our Fifth House today. Head on over and show off your mantel.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Ha! Sounds like my house too – no matter what christmas movie we start with, we always end with Elf. The mantel looks amazing my friend. I got some of those houses for the girls to decorate, I wish I had gotten one for myself as well. And your stars turned out fab!
Julia Konya says
This is one of my favorites now! It’s so pretty! Love everything from the art to the little houses and the hints of color! (coming over from Carmel’s)
Liz@ Infuse With Liz says
Wow you are very talented! I think you nailed the Scandinavian look! I love the big art picture you created and how you decorated the little houses! Those stars are awesome- you can’t toss those away!!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
I love it Heather. Those little houses are adorable! xo Kristin
Taylor Jeavons says
Uh this is like beyond beautiful! I absolutely adore it!!!!
Tatteredtotaylored.blogspot.com
natasha {schue love} says
This is darling! Love the Scandinavian touches! And especially like the NOEL! 😉
pam {simple details} says
So pretty, Heather ~ I love your Noel art and the simplicity of it! Beautiful job!
Anonymous says
I am new to your blog and came over from Our Fifth House. Love this mantle! I may have to recreate it in my home!
Clarissa
17 Perth says
That is hilarious about “white christmas”! Haha. Hope he liked it!! And your mantel is gorgeous! Love love love all you did!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it’s amazing! you really knocked it out of the park- love every detail!
Linda Primmer says
What a perfectly sweet mantel. Love the simplicity of it all.
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard} says
Thank you ladies so much for showing my mantel some love! (He’s going to get a big head:)
Megan {Willow Way Blog} says
can’t get enough of this! i love the logs and oversize print – so beautiful!
emily says
gorgeous! love the hanging stars. so beautiful. and yes, definitely scandinavian! so simple and beautiful.
Michelle @ Ten June says
Ok, those tiny houses are like my new favorite thing. I might have to run to Michael’s and snatch some up for next year! Your whole mantel is beautiful, friend!
Becky says
I pretty much love everything about this – still in disbelief that you made the framed “Noel” – it’s amazing!
xo
Becky
http://cuphalffull-sf.blogspot.com/
Ceci Bean says
I like how all of the elements came together. Very pretty!
anu says
Love your mantel. The stars are great and you already know I love the black and white. 🙂
Jennifer Lippi says
Absolutely love your mantle!! I think my favorite part is your faux log fireplace. I am your newest subscriber! You had me at “faux!”
Jennifer@ decoratingdelirium.com
Carmel - Our Fifth House says
love it – so pretty – the little houses are too cute!
Sandra says
I am arriving late to the party, but I adore these little white houses!
Heather says
Thanks so much, Sandra! They were super easy to make. I think next year I’m going to let my daughter make a set for her room:)