Page 6 - Van Wig & Associates Newsletter, Alamitos Heights - JUly 2019 Issue

decorative ideas
IN THE HOME

by Kathryn Weber

nce used as a way
to hold up heavy
O counters or display
antique plates on a wall, corbels
can be used in a variety of ways
and will add a new look to
your decorative accessories.
Look for corbels in salvage
yards, secondhand furniture
stores and thrift shops, and
you’ll likely snap up some
decorative bargains. Or,
employ some new distressed
corbels (www.kirklands.com)
to add dimension to your
decor. Either way, corbels are
a terrific decorative element
that deserve a second look.
REVAMPED
Whether new or antique,
corbels make a unique
accessory simply by turning
them upside down and using
them as bookends or as a USEFUL AND CREATIVE
coffee table accent.
next to the bed, try adding DECORATING IDEAS FOR CORBELS
If you’re short on space
a corbel topped with a piece
of wood or stone. Give it a metal shelf brackets hanging behind the candle for more keys and mail in the foyer. standard sizes; they are
coat of paint, and you’ve got around? Swap those out sparkle. In the kitchen, this kind interesting for their use of
a nightstand with flair and with some antique corbels Give your walls some of table would make a fun an architectural element cum
that’s space friendly. to make your simple shelf variation by adding a pair spot for your coffee maker; decorative accessory.
These space savers could into a standout shelf. Or, of corbels to hold up a large or add in stools and create The next time you’re in a
also stand in for a side table to make an entrance to a painting, or use as a bracket to a corbel own coffee bar. If salvage shop, thrift or antiques
in the living room. Add a pair room grander, add a pair of hold small paintings and tuck you’re clever, try making a store, look around for corbels
of corbels on either side of a corbels in the corners of your into a nook or small corner. corbel into a table top lamp that have been cast aside.
picture or piece of furniture entryway. or sconce. If wiring and DIY With some paint or left in
for some interest on the wall A unique twist on corbels UNIQUE USES aren’t for you, look for wall their rustic look, they’ll fit in
that adds texture. On gallery is to run them up a stairway If you have some oversized sconces like the Payton wall anywhere in your home and be
style walls, hang a corbel or a long hall and top with corbels, these make excellent sconce (www.houzz.com) for a creative, textural accessory;
topped with ivy or a candle electric pillar candles to add tables. For entryways, hang a some charm. and a conversation starter. n
for extra style and depth. a romantic glow at night and pair of corbels on a wall and Table lamps from Guild
break up the monotony of place a piece of glass, wood or Master (www.comstrom. ©2019 Kathryn Weber
BRACKETS a long hallway. Add extra stone on top to create a slim com) feature corbel bases Distributed by Tribune Content
Have some shelves with light by adding a small mirror console perfect for holding and come in both tall and Agency, LLC.

by Kathryn Weber one key statement piece in the center of
the mantel.
fireplace is a commanding For a fresh take on that, try adding
presence in a room, and it is two key centerpieces, such as two pieces
A most often the focal point. Yet, of artwork that are stacked vertically or
the fireplace mantel can sometimes be horizontally. Another version of that is
uninspiring and lackluster. Give your a gallery wall as your centerpiece. Add a
mantel a makeover with some new ideas grouping of four, six, or nine wall objects
that will put all eyes on your fireplace?. or pieces of art in the center of the wall
over the mantel.
SHAPE AND POSITION If asymmetry is more your style, look
There are some customary ways of for a striking, key piece to add to one
decorating a fireplace. The first is with a side of the mantel. These can be candle
mirror flanked with candlesticks or a pair lanterns, bird cages, a large vase or a
of vases on the mantel. While the look piece of sculpture. Then select something
is classic, take it up a notch by adding a of a different shape of your key piece
mirror in an unusual shape, a grouping to add interest. Keep items in an odd
of mirrors, such as the starburst mirrors, number so that it maintains a decorative
a hexagonal mirror or one with a crown and asymmetrical look. Lean a mirror or
shaped top to give it some freshness. Or, painting on the wall behind the mantel to
place a long rectangular mirror on its keep the relaxed style going.
side for a new twist. Think, too, about
symmetry and asymmetry. LAYERED LOOK
Symmetry is when you have two sides When shopping for items to decorate
that match, such as a picture in the middle your mantel, use whatever you have
of the mantel with two vases on either side at hand. Look at using stacked books,
of it. While this classic, balanced look is sculptural items and accessories with
always attractive, why not try swapping texture and details. One of the most
GIVE THAT out the vases with some brightly colored common mantel mistakes is to add too
ceramic candlesticks?
many little things. This just becomes
Asymmetry is style that basically takes visually messy. But if it’s variety you’re
FIREPLACE MANTEL to create mirror images. A good example look. These could be metal wall decor
a more casual approach and doesn’t try after, go with a layered approach.
The key to this style is to find one large
would be a vase on one side of the fireplace anchor piece that works with the colors in
mantel with a large stem of leaves and then your room; next, add in smaller paintings
a small bowl or framed picture on the or pictures that coordinate for a relaxed
other side to create a more relaxed style.
A MAKEOVER if you prefer a balanced, symmetrical look, more vibrant design. n
objects or even empty picture frames, a
DECORATING STYLES
single candlestick or an interesting footed
When decorating your mantel, decide vase. Or, choose items with contrast for a
or an asymmetrical look. If you like a
balanced look, buying pairs of items will
Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
make shopping easier. You’ll also want ©2019 Kathryn Weber. Distributed by
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