I began putting together a new vignette for the hearth room fireplace, Monday afternoon and completed it, this morning.
I tried a couple of different ideas, before deciding on this one, inspired by the iron gates of Charleston, South Carolina.
During April 2005, we took a little road trip south and east. Our journey began in Saint Louis and took us to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, for a few days of exploring.
Our destination was Charleston, South Carolina. As we all know, it isn’t always about the destination, but rather the journey.
After our stay in Williamsburg we drove down through North Carolina, via the Outer Banks. Absolutely wonderful drive.
We spent several days in Charleston, where we walked all around the historic streets, took tours, had wonderful meals and visited the Market, where we purchased several prints of iron gates, seen around town.
The prints are from the work of artist Mayfield Williams. Williams’ mother, an absolutely delightful southern lady, was selling the work from a booth at the Market. We enjoyed talking with her; spending quite a bit of time with her, that morning.
I added two iron pieces, from the basement storage. What I really want, above the mantel, is a gate, instead of the “scrollie”. I think I know where I can find one. I’ll be looking on our way to the lake tomorrow.
The piece on the hearth is made of three separate iron pieces, strapped together. I bought the pieces at Welcome Home, a store that is now closed.
Bear with me on the faux ferns. As soon as Lowe’s has living ferns, in stock, I’ll be buying one to replace the silk, which is fine for now.
Besides the Williams prints of gates and Rainbow Row (Charleston), I used white ironstone and chicken wire cloches.
I used felt adhesive dots to secure the frames. The mantel is fairly high from floor level, so the dots aren’t visible.
As I mentioned, above, we are driving down to the lake. A short trip, this time, to pick up something we purchased, last week, for one corner of the hearth room. When we have it in place, I’ll post photos.
49 comments:
Oh, I love your mantel, the prints, the ironwork, and the story of your trip! I loved our drive from NY to Charleston, and all the beautiful places we stopped in between. I was hoping to get back to Charleston this April, but I need to juggle the schedule a little. You brought back some great memories!
Dear Pat,
The combination of white ironstone and the fireplace brick is awesome!
All of the pieces work so well together. I love the ironstone and the prints. We so enjoyed Charleston and Savannah, which we visited just a year ago...seems longer. My husband had a lovely time chatting with everyone in the market. I think he was trying to wrangle a recipe for She~crab soup, his big gastronomic discovery! ;-)
Can't wait to see what ideas you have for the gates.
xoxo
Jane
Pat. I love your mantel display. I have been changing mine up, too. It's that time of year isn't it?
Pat, your mantel looks lovely. Your 2005 trip sounds wonderful...I love the prints, a perfect remberance from your trip....hugs, Linda
White pitchers are a favorite of mine ... and thanks for the tip on securing the frames ... what a great idea
such a beautiful fireplace!
kathi
Pat, your style is the epitome of simple elegance- I love it
xoxo Pattie
Pat-I am still looking to spruce up my mantel and rushed right over to see yours! I love the thought you put into and the inspiration idea. The contrast between the white and iron is perfect! I will be looking for those live ferns myself! Right now I still have wood in my fireplace! Good luck on finding the gate piece you are looking for! Hope you have a happy St. Patrick's Day :)
Hi Pat...
My friend, your Spring mantelscape is just gorgeous! I love your "iron gate" prints...really beautiful! I love the pretty black frames and the decorative scrolly (as you called it...hehe!) with the contrast of all the white ironstone! So striking...I love it! Thank you for sharing your beautiful fireplace and mantel with us!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Pat, love what you did with the mantel. You always create such pertty vignettes. Linda
You not only have the gift for decorating cozy rooms. But you also know just how to photograph them to perfection, Pat! Have fun at the lake. Can't wait to see what you're bringing home.
Brenda
Hi Pat!
I love your spring mantel! That iron piece in the center is really pretty with the ironstone.
Manuela
I love your mantle! We didn't have time to shop when we stopped in Charleston and now I know we HAVE to go back! I love the prints and the iron work in that city captured my heart. Can't wait to see what your "gate" looks like.
Carolyn
That iron work is beautiful Pat! Have a good time at the lake :)
Love it, Pat ... but then, I love everything you do.
I'd love to make that trip sometime. I enjoyed hearing about yours.
I'll look forward to seeing your new purchase for your hearth room.
Pat....I am getting ready to do my mantle for Spring/Easter. It always seems to brighten up the room! Your mantle looks great! Just got back from Orlando via Savannah, Ga. Love the drive down through the Carolinas. I want to go to Charleston the next time we are down that way!~Patti
Oh how pretty -- and your trip was to some of my favorite places. We went to Williamsburg for our honeymoon, spent many an wonderful summer vacation with the children at the outer banks and Charleston is where we would retire....if only we would win the lottery!~
Your mantle looks so lovely decorated for Spring! Love all the white ironstone!
Love it all!! I have always loved the "Old Charleston" and "Savannah" look. Guess that is the Southern in me. :-)
Pat, that white ironstone looks so fresh and ready for spring. it's beautiful. Those prints are wonderful, and I'm sure the memories of your trip make them even more special for you. I can't wait to see what you bought for the room! Have a safe trip. laurie
We spent last week in Savannah and Charleston. I love both of those cities! Your mantle is beautiful, as always!
I always love to hear stories of your trips, Pat. Our trips are mostly local, but we do enjoy them. I hope to visit some of the places you mention, in time.
I love your fireplace and the combination of the white ironstone and black iron is striking. The story behind the prints must make you smile when you pass by.
Your mantel is very nicely decorated, Pat. Love it!...Christine
Pat, That is just beautiful!!! Happy Spring to you!! Nancy
So beautiful!
It's gorgeous. Different and tastelfully done. You read my mind on that fern. How does it look with nothing there? I think the mantle should carry the whole show.
I love your play of white ironstone and ironwork against the brick. I know your gate will be charming, as well.
Have fun at the lake.
Don't you just love Charleston? We've done Savannah and Charleston several times and we are always "called" back after a year or two. They are such beautiful cities...and the food:)
The mantel looks wonderful, I love how it has a theme.
It's all beautiful, Pat!!
Very nice and spring like. I have one of my set of the very same white birds somewhere here; the other broken long ago. We have Charleston SC on our list of places to get to; maybe this year if family matters do not consume us again. I love how your display of the prints and ironstone on the mantel. Totally sympathetic to faux ferns; I used to disdain the faux, but they serve a need at times and look so good, why not!Interesting arrangement.
gOOD MORNING PAT! Oh how I love your mantel! It is so beautiful. I love how you put things together...it is always beautiful. Love the black, and how everything has a bit of black in it!
Have a beautiful and blessed day!
Debbie
Beautiful fireplace and Mantel. Love the ironwork too. It's a beautiful day out isn't it?
My dh is looking forward to planting veggies soon. Happy St. Pat's Day!
Pat your mantle looks gorgeous, I love the use of the iron and your ispiration being gates, another thing I love. Thank you for leaving such a nice comment on my entry hall post. It is always such a pleasure to see you there. Happy Patty's Day! Kathysue
Pat this is really breathtaking! Truly the prettiest iron topper I have seen. Sigh....:)
I can't wait to stock up on my ferns too. I just love them!
Your mantel looks wonderful! I don't blame you for wanting a gate to use there. I'd love one, too, and can think of many places I could put it to use! Can't wait to see what you are picking up. Don't keep us waiting too long. P-l-e-a-s-e!!!
~Adrienne~
Pat, your mantel is lovely....so classic and elegant!
Barb ♥
This is beautiful!! LOVE the iron especially, of course. You always accessorize so perfectly. I searched forever trying to find iron gate or fence pieces for my dining table then ended up having some made because I couldn't find enough of anything, but I did see lots of individual pieces. I can't wait to see what you get, but I love the piece there now. I am with you on the ferns! I used silk this week on the table because there is nothing alive within miles of here, lol!!
Oh, Pat I love this vignette! I too went to Charleston, SC with my sister-in-laws and had a wonderful time. I love your scroll above your mantel! It goes nicely with your iron work in front of the fire box. It reminds me right off of those great walks you're writing of about the gates and gardens beyond. I find it so amusing that I am having my rainbow bow water color framed at Hobby Lobby at the moment. I also loved the gas lights that everyone has there. So beautiful. Thanks for a really great post today and a little walk down memory lane for me as well. :) Kris
P.S. I only wish we could have gone down a little further to Savannah, GA. I would love to have gone to the Lady and Sons Restaurant!
The mantle is so warm and inviting. I never know what to do with mine. I have a Molly too! Mine thinks she is the princess! Have a fun filled day! http://lafeshiddentreasures.blogspot.com/
I want to thank you foremost for the lovely wedding wishes, you expressed on the wedding blog post. That means a great deal :)
There are so many MORE photos! LOL
My beloved put his camera to the test... :)
For the bride, we are having a custom photo book made and will have all the images/pics placed in for her. I hope she will like it.
I spending time looking at your mantle...I am drawn to the mixture of color and textures. Certainly mixing items appeals to the senses. And makes us yearn to linger :) Your images of your home have always given me a sense of balance, order, and a style of modern traditionalism :) Truly a vision worthy of your artistic eye!
I totally love the white. So pretty with the iron.
I wanted to let you know that Treats Unleashed is opening a new store in Ladue at the Ladue Crossing mall this Saturday (20th) at 10.
See you soon!
Your mantle is beautiful, Pat. Sounds like you had an enjoyable trip!
Your mantel looks beautiful Pat.
Hugs!
Kat
I love your mantel. Mine is so high that smaller things can look lost. Yours are right in proportion. Love your blog!
Good morning my friend...Girl I just love your home...but will tell you that Dough bowl just made my heart sing...OMG Pat I just love that prim piece...I think the reason I also love antiques is because it so reminds me of a simpler time in my life..many summers as a kid spend on my Grandma farm in Iowa sighs....all the wonderful smells that came out of her kitchen and the smell of the clothes hanging on the line and watching her can...she use to say " Eat what you can and what you can't you can" ha ha!! Hope you have a GREAT weekend my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
This is pretty. I like the black accents, and even though you'd like a gate, the scrolly art is pretty.
Loving the cluster of white vases in different shapes and the punches of green in the plants! It looks beautiful!
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