1
Layer Vintage Mirrors
Sarah Joy Blog
2
Turn Art Into a Focal Point
Sara Shields Photo
3
Settle for a Neutral Color Palette
Almost Makes Perfect
Stick with minimalist decor and bright neutrals. A framed abstract print, potted plant and trio of bud vases add a little personality to this modern living room.
See more at Almost Makes Perfect »
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4
Use Mirrors to Hide the TV
Photo: John McDavid; Design: Dara Haung
Here’s a genius way to mount a TV above the fireplace without sacrificing elegance. Interior designer Dara Haung had a handyman glue mirrors onto MDF wood boards and used closet hardware to create a foldable mirror display. Just open it when you’d like to watch TV!
See more from Dara Haung »
5
Introduce Eclectic Elements
Sara Liggoria-Tramp
If you’ve got neutral walls, infuse color and personality with accents. Here, homeowner Sara Ligorria-Tramp frames a piece of embroidered textile from her mother for over the fireplace mantel. She also uses a vintage grate that came from a family member.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
6
Whitewash a Brick Fireplace
Carina Skrobecki
Whitewashing involved painting with watered-down paint, which allows the original texture and color of the bricks to shine through. Here, designer Jessica Nelson brightens the fireplace with white paint but leaves some bricks uncovered for dimension.
Photo by: Carina Skrobecki
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7
Weave in Vintage Artwork
Sara Shields Photo
8
Cozy Up the Space
Sara Liggoria-Tramp
From the wood paneling and dark bricks to moody decor, this basement living room begs you to snuggle up and stay a while. There’s also a plush rug, so you can sit on the floor in front of the working fireplace for extra warmth.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
9
Swap Decor for the Season
The Home I Create
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10
DIY a Concrete Fireplace
Cherished Bliss
If you don’t love your brick fireplace, no problem. Frame out the fireplace, adding shiplap up top and cement board and drywall down below.
See more at Cherished Bliss »
11
Hang a Floating Shelf
Sara Shields Photo
12
Decorate With Natural Textures
Boxwood Avenue
Top a cement fireplace with a natural wood mantel to create an earthy aesthetic. Layer the mantel with organic decor and greenery to add warmth and texture to the space.
See more at Boxwood Avenue »
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13
Play With Scale and Height
Andreas von Einsiedel//Getty Images
Style the mantel with vases, picture frames and mirrors of various shapes and sizes to create dimension. Here, a large mirror is the standout accent and small decor elevates the look.
14
Build a Faux Fireplace
Pretty in the Pines
15
Paint the Mantel a Matching Hue
nicolamargaret//Getty Images
For a monochromatic moment, paint the fireplace mantel the same color as the walls. Here, a dark teal paint color makes the living space feel warm and moody.
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16
Surround Your Space With Wallpaper
Virtually Here Studios
17
Stack Gold Mirrors
Erin Feinblatt
Whether you go for a modern or vintage style, mirrors on the mantel add depth and dimension to a living space. Mix different shapes, sizes and styles to create a striking focal point.
Photo by: Erin Feinblatt
18
Go for Blues
Virginia Macdonald
Paint your entire fireplace a cozy shade, like this deep blue. Then paint the walls a complementary shade and pick up a matching armchair. To serve as a focal point, fill a nearby closet with firewood and add a dried citrus garland.
Photo by: Virginia Macdonald
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19
Layer in Textures
Ellie Lindstrom
20
Find Where Vintage Meets Modern
Marisa Vitale
Breathe new life into a dated brick fireplace by adding a white wood surround over top. Fill it with fresh flowers and greenery, then layer in an antique-style painting — like interior designer Francesca Grace does here.
Photo by: Marisa Vitale
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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