#1. Painted portrait c. 1800-1860
#2. Round magnifying glass held by ribbon
#3. Topiary
#4. Postcard- artwork by Degas 1876
#5. Antique initialed wood box
#6. Polka dot sugar & creamer from Hobby Lobby
#7. Vintage 8″ artist model
#8. Old books
#9. Silhouette of shipbuilder c. 1790
#10. Italian alabaster stone peach
(Photo- Martha Browne)
To kick off a new year here on Nibs, I decided to do an online magazine called ‘Country Mouse.’ This is to be the first of four seasonal issues. Curious about what’s inside? Here’s a peek.
(Cover, leaves and design photos – Martha Browne)
One of the most enjoyable projects I’ve ever done for Nibs was a series of fireplace mantels. The mantel was in the master bedroom of an old house that I got to borrow for several weeks. I indulged myself with all kinds of ideas that I’d always wanted to try out in my own home but couldn’t. And now I’m toying with the fun idea of doing a small, self-published book using them.
I know I could never afford a real piece of artwork by Cy Twombly but I thought it might be fun to try and copy one of my favorites…his blackboard covered in scribbles.
All you need is a piece of black foam core (32″ x 40″), chalk and a rag. Before doing the design take a piece of chalk, lay it on its side and lightly rub it over the entire surface of the foam core. Then use a rag and remove some of the chalk. You should be left with a coating of white dust. Now go ahead and mimick Towmbly’s strokes or create your own.
(Photo- Martha Browne)
As readers know, I have an ongoing love affair for fireplace mantels. This one is in our dining room/library/guest room. A portrait, tied up as a gift, looks out over fresh pine & magnolia branches, antique brass holders with red candles, old books and a pineapple. Simple but effective.
(Photo- Martha Browne)
When decorating a room, I love starting with a fireplace mantel. It seems that if I get that right (colors, accessories) then the rest of the design decisions (furniture, lighting, etc.) fall into place. And if by chance there isn’t an existing mantel, well…I find a blank wall and put one there. :)
The images (above) are all from my series of ideas based on a single fireplace mantel.
Top row- Colorful Colonial, A Botany Lesson, Fall’s Bounty
Bottom row- A Swedish Holiday, Mister Moore, Going Dark
Others- A Novelty, Juxtaposition
(Photos & Styling- Martha Browne)
What’s a novelty fabric/wallpaper print? In a nut shell, novelty prints use familiar objects in a cool, repeating pattern. Of course, from a distance it’s hard to tell what the objects are. But then you take a closer look and…surprise!
Fireplace Mantel #26- A Novelty
Process-
1. Cover the walls in a novelty fabric (or wallpaper). I chose a print with scissors…that’s right, scissors. :) This one is from Joann’s.
2. Prime and paint the mantel ‘China White’ by Benjamin Moore.
3. On the mantel- I didn’t want a scissor theme display. Too predictable. Instead I played off the print colors- gray (tarnished antique tea set, photographs and mats) & yellow (textured vase, flowers and lemons). Also, note how the model’s hand complements the natural wood frames.
4. Other- If I were to keep going with this design I’d love to use this DWR chair or a set of them for…say a breakfast nook.
(Photos & Styling- Martha Browne)
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Christmas has come and gone…so why am I posting a holiday mantel display? As I was going through things in our basement (initial packing for our move) I came across these ornaments. And I just had to do a quick arrangement for my series before putting them in a box.
Fireplace Mantel #25- Christmas Village
Process-
1. Use Ikea fabrics- wood plank (for the walls) and logs (for the firebox). The mantel remains Benjamin Moore’s China White.
2. On the mantel- Collection of handmade small scale homes and barns, HO scale figures/deer, diorama trees, folk art wooden hearts/stars garland, and natural wreath with craft store burlap ribbon.
(Photos & Styling- Martha Browne)
Related Nibs post-
Fireplace Mantel #23- A Swedish Holiday
Fireplace Mantel #14- Retro Christmas
Fireplace Mantel #10- Christmas Portrait
The design term ‘juxtaposition’ has been used for years. But in all honesty what exactly does it mean? Juxtaposition is defined as putting things together (purposely placing them side by side) in order to create an interesting (and fun) contrast.
Fireplace Mantel #24- Juxtaposition
Process-
1. This display starts with leaf patterned walls that complements the classic fireplace mantel painted Benjamin Moore China White.
2. On the mantel- Three framed prints done in felt-tip markers by photographer William Eggleston 2009, assorted small scale chairs, Ikea black clip-on lights, craft paints, solar powdered bulb/toy and a book.
(Photos & Styling- Martha Browne)
Related Nibs post-
Fireplace Mantel #23- A Swedish Holiday
Other countries can provide such wonderful inspiration for interiors. I loved the idea of doing a mantel design with a nod towards Sweden. My immediate thought was of Carl Larsson and the home he and his wife Karin created. Of course, I always like to mix in things to make it my own. And I encourage you to do the same. :)
Fireplace Mantel #23- A Swedish Holiday
Process-
1. Prime/paint walls Benjamin Moore Fresh Peach #060.
2. Prime/paint baseboard and fireplace mantel Benjamin Moore China White.
3. Prime/paint detail molding Benjamin Moore green #434.
4. On the mantel- Framed print c. 1700s, old photo, brass candlesticks with candles, fresh tulips in a glass vase and lots of garden bulbs.
5. Other- Antique candle holders, framed botanical prints, Steiff teddy bear, wooden shoes (from Margot), family heirloom table, vintage cross stitch tablecloth, D.I.Y. chair cover, gingerbread cookies with checked ribbon, rug and log print fabric (check Ikea for availability).
(Photos & Styling- © 2014 Martha Browne)
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