Fall Mantel Decor: Collecting Votes …

This is our third Fall in our current location.

Fall mantle decor is central to our tiny house. It’s in the middle of everything! It’s noticed!

I’ve had mantels at every prior house, so you’d think it would be easy to choose decor. I’ve struggled with this one. I want it to be full; I want it minimal; I want it modern to fit a cozy cottage. I feel like I’ve been all over the map.

The ultimate fall scheme, in my head, contains a large modern black thin framed mirror, but I haven’t found one in my price range yet. So, I have done something different each year.

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I take seasonal pictures of my decor to refer to the next year. When I open the buckets 12 months later, I can’t remember what I did!! It’s a hinderance but I’ve learned to cope. I search in my photos for last years’ pics. That I can remember to do! Take notes, you youngsters, it’s coming for you too. Age necessitates developing assistance tools😉.

Funny thing is … each year I look at last year’s mantle pictures … I don’t like them anymore!

Then, I search for any household possibilities to join the collection. I dig in the buckets for any extra decor hiding there. Then, I do the shuffle. I place pieces looking for height, textures, colors, material variety and attempt to get happy determining the players in the game. I configure, reconfigure, unconfigure and shuffle decor like cards in a deck.

When I think I like it, I take pictures and see if I still like it. Somehow, pictures make it clearer. Then, I refine. I even call in expert advice for the areas that stump me … my daughter. She was an art major in college and has a creative brilliant eye. She’s my “go to” and always seems to make me happy in the end.

Let’s compare my last three mantels and vote on which one you like best!!!

Believe me, you will not offend me. I liked and unliked all of them at one point or another! Let’s have some fun!

1. 2021 Mantel

2. 2022 Mantel

3. 2023 Mantel

Which is your favorite #1, #2, or #3? Tell me why.

If you have suggestions for a cozy cottage contemporary/ urban cottage vibe, I’d love to hear it!

Do you like decorating the same way every year or mixing it up?

Try, try again,