Over the years, I’ve collected quite a few painted portraits with no idea who the subjects are. They ended up with imaginary names. A few months ago, some friends and I went to a local estate sale. I came home with a wooden chair, two brass candle stick holders and yes… another portrait. This dapper fellow was promptly named Mr. Moore.
Fireplace Mantel #21- Mister Moore
Process-
1. Cover walls with old drop cloths (detail below right). I suggest using a heavy-duty stapler for this job. Start at the ceiling and work down to the baseboard. Cut any extra fabric off. Side note- You could try stapling the drop cloths at the ceiling and just let them hang loose to the floor.
2. Prime and paint base molding Benjamin Moore Jackson Tan HC-46 (detail above left).
3. Prime and paint mantel Benjamin Moore English Ochre CW-290 (detail above center).
4. Mantel Accessories- My portrait of Mister Moore takes center stage. To make it even more interesting, I flipped him upside down. Stacks of old books, cigar box, dried bittersweet, glass vase with daylilies, deer antlers and antique nails are with it.
5. Other- Old cloth-covered cord pendant light, wire glove dryer, vintage folding carpenter’s ruler, oak chair with leather seat c. 1900 and kilm loom pillow.
(Photos & Styling- © 2014 Martha Browne)
NIBS 
Good Morning, Martha B.! This is one of my favorite mantels thus far…I like them all but….the colors and the way you chose to display the items are great!
Thanks, Anonymous. This is one of my favorites, too. I’d love to use the colors, textures, etc. in a future home. And that might happen sooner than I think. :)