In the same way that I finally realized that our house is really a cottage, I have owned up to fact that the fireplace mantel is merely a ledge. As much as I might want to deck it out in every direction, its territory is pretty limited. No matter what I have tried in the past, I have to admit that I've never been fully satisfied.
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| Photo from the film Howard's End |
One of my favorite looks is one found in the little drawing room of the Schlegel's London townhouse in the film Howard's End. Room for a clock, a few candles, the latest social invitations, and not much else. (Nowadays we use the fridge for invites!) But I love the whole house and each fleeting glimpse of its gorgeous rooms. It's the epitome of elegant small room living.
We have something far more rustic, but lately even have a small table for tea in front of the hearth. I have propped a few casual things here that I felt like looking at for a bit.
A magazine tear sheet in an empty vintage frame instead of engraved invitations. A sprig of this week's weeds.
My new mercury Pottery Barn candle pots for tea lights at each end. So romantic in the evening.
A fancy bottle with tattered books.
Plenty of room for tucking things in until I start all over again. . . . Or not.
(The view out of the window to the left of the fireplace.)
We've already had some cozy rainy day fires. Poking things around on the ledge and a lot of naps is about all I've been up to lately. My cold is the flu, but not too bad I'm sure. Thanks so much for all your good wishes. They are the best remedy!
I hope you're off to a fantastic week!
Jacqueline
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Jacqueline, I'm so sorry to hear you are under the weather. Is it a bad flu this year? I got a shot so hope it works. I love your little pile of weekly weeds and everything else. I am following you by e-mail now so I don't miss a thing. You know how I hate to do that..Happy Sunday and feel better..Judy
ReplyDeleteThe room from the film Howard's End is lovely isn't it? I'd forgotten about this film, may treat myself to the DVD I think. I've got a cold too though not flu thank goodness. Not a great way to start to autumn is it? :)
ReplyDeleteLedge or mantle, it looks lovely. it's amazing how just changing a few things here & there in a room can change the whole mood. maybe while your not feeling well, put something bright on your ledge like a single flower in a little vintage cup to cheer you up. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteI love your mantel! Yes it is more rustic, but very, very charming. Love all the treasures you have placed there too. The painted brick and mix of textures is perfect. By the way, what is the covering in front of the fireplace? Do you remove it when you want to burn a fire? Just curious. Thanks for the inspirational post. Feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope this finds you feeling better and yet I would have to say you certainly have a lovely place to recuperate. It is charming.
ReplyDeletewell i've never seen a more lovely "ledge." truly. you've created such a sweet vignette there. i hope spending time in that petite space is making you feel better. be well. ;)
ReplyDeleteGet well soon! You are always an inspiration. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love coming to your blog when you post. So beautiful and soothing. A great way to start the day. I do hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI love how you decorated your 'ledge' over the fireplace. You made a small (narrow) space look large. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour ledge/ mantel looks charming. You make the most of your surroundings and do so with such flair.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon
Bummer on the flu. Not a good way to start the fall and winter season. On the other hand, maybe this is it and you've got the crud out of the way.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain on the mantle being a ledge! Although you've made yours look great. One of my mantles was the width of a brick for 30 years. Hated it. Finally got hubby to build a deep mantle over it and have really enjoyed it, but honestly, sometimes, occasionally, I miss that old brick mantle.
Your ledge is fabulous. I love it, and I love all the vintage touches . I would love for you to link up to Inspire Me this afternoon. The party goes live at 2:30 PT. http://www.astrollthrulife.net Hope to see you there. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteLovely. I havent seen Howards End in many years. I shall have to Remedy that!
ReplyDeleteSmall spaces make the loveliest spaces as you have proven once again. Hope you feel better quickly. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks great. I love all the vintage touches. Hope you start to feel better.
Kris
Sending get well wishes your way Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteYour mantel might be a ledge, but has big impact with the way you have displayed on it. Gorgeous.
Hugs
Your ledge is beautiful - I love your mercury glass votives. They must be beautiful in the evening reflecting your calm and lovely room. I hope you are feeling better soon. The flu is no fun. :( xo
ReplyDeleteEverything always looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy weeds never look that pretty.
Hope you are feeling better.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Wow so lovely beautiuful photos I love them all,
ReplyDeleteand ÄI wonder?
this lovely flowers?
so nice,
Whish you a nice week
Kathrine
Beautiful way of decorating! The Shabby Chic look is so lovely to behold!
ReplyDeletePlease check out my blog which has articles on a variety of topics including: "Women", "The Importance of Family", "Pretty Scenery", "Our Need for God", "Is Jesus the Only Way?", "Self Esteem", and "Purity".
http://www.babypinkroses.blogspot.com/
Glad you are getting lots of naps.Best remedy for flu. Your mantle is very calming,love it.x
ReplyDeleteWarmest wishes for a quick recovery and take care Jacqueline!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always fabulous and atmospheric!
I love your cottage, your ledge and your style.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, I love old things.
ReplyDeleteNice autumn day
Jana
Hope you are feeling better, you really have a beautiful space to rest in!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful vignette you've created on your "ledge";-) I'm loving the frame and vintage books.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon. Blessings.
Lisa
Your little ledge is perfect. I love the way you treat frames, so unorthodox, so artistic, and so pretty. You have such a great eye...
ReplyDeleteCindy
No matter what you call it, how you decorate it is always beautiful, my friend. Love the books!
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better soon.
xoxo
Kathleen
Ledge or not, it is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon.
Sending you get well hugs xx
Everything looks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove it all especially the pretty bottle sitting by the tattered books and the empty frame
ReplyDeleteit all is pretty cozy looking
your pictures are always special
Beautiful vignette! I always love an empty frame! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Jacqueline, sorry to hear you've had the flu. I've been out of town of late, and haven't had much computer time. Rainy days here this past week and cool temps. We are enjoying sitting by a cozy fire tonight.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I hope you're feeling much better, Jacqueline. Make sure you rest enough and stay warm. Howards End is one of my favorite books and I loved the Merchant Ivory film. My favorite scene, and one I identify with greatly, is at the start of story when the wife wanders through her garden after dinner, gazing at her flowers and peering through the windows so she can enjoy the way her home looks in the lamplight. Sending along the good health faeries to make you well again.
ReplyDelete