Frugal Mantel Using Pantone Colors of the Year

8:24:00 PM



A lot of times, we want to make a change in our homes, and we hit a road block: money.

As the new year begins, we are paying off holiday debt, or just have a resolution to save more money. But once the Christmas decorations come down, the house looks a little…bare.

But I am here to tell you that you can decorate areas of your home for cheap or free. You can even follow the trends like Pantone’s Color of the Year for less than you think. Frugal decorating is easy, if you just keep your eyes open!

Frugal Mantel using Pantone Emerald

This mantel uses two principles that I try to follow to decorate my home:

Shop your  house:
I went around my house looking for items in the emerald green and royal blue families. I found all kinds of books that were mixed into the “library" that we have. Be sure to look at book with their dust jackets off—you may be surprised what you find.


And that little photographic print? It came from an Ansel Adams calendar…at least 3 years ago. One of these days, I’m going to frame it! The mirror moved to its home on the mantel from elsewhere in the house in one of my previous mantel redos…and I liked it, so it stayed.

The hurricane-type candle holders are at least 6 years old, and shoved into the bookshelves in the library/office.


That room is actually on my list for an overhaul. It’s kind of the catchall for the house. The emerald green faux plant (remember, real plants have a low life expectancy in my house) was actually in that little wire basket and up on top of my kitchen was actually something my husband had at his place before we even met. I believe that it was an effort of a (female) family member to help him with décor. It was filthy, but nothing a dunk in some soapy water couldn’t hurt. The white “vase” is actually an old target find—it started its life as a olive oil dispenser, and the blue vase came from a florist's arrangement. 


Thrifting

Buy stuff that has good lines. You can always paint them, like I did these tassels. With paint and all, I spent around $7, and I have most of a can of spray paint left for other projects. You don’t have to use the items as they were originally intended, either. These beauties started their lives as candle holders, and I have no intention of using them as such…for now, at least.

All in all, I think I spent $7 on the whole mantel, and much of that is saved for other projects down the road. I could probably done this mantel for free, if I wanted to.



Enjoy!



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13 comments

  1. It looks great! I love your ideas. Thanks for the push.

    Stopping by from SITS.

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  2. Nicely done. Love the colors and the ideas.
    Liz

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  3. I love this, really I do. My mantel is soooo sad looking right now, after Christmas but I haven't decided on what I want to do with it yet :). Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.

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  4. I really like this, especially that mirror!

    I'm having a TWITTER Social hop. I'd love for you to hop on over, grab a button and link up your Twitter. If you don't have Twitter it's ok, come link up your blog or favorite post.

    http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2013/01/twitter-social-hop.html

    I'm also looking for Pinterest Pinners to feature every week. If you are on Pinterest and are interested in being featured come link up! Who knows you might meet some other great pinners and gain a few great ideas.

    http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/12/looking-for-pinners.html

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  5. So pretty and bright. Love the books. When thrifting I always look in the book section and peek under the dust covers for the right color combos. Nice job! Found you at Classy Clutter.

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  6. Love frugal findings, and your mantel looks lovely!
    www.stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.com

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  7. I love the term you coined: Shop your house. I have more stuff than I realize and I know I can use/re-purpose a lot of it. Thanks for linking to Frugal Crafty Home!

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  8. I am a big "home shopper". I recycle things up to the attic and around from room to room. It works because my house is small so I have the same color palette throughout.

    Great mantel redo.

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  9. Very nice! You had me at Emerald :-) I like the bright colors you have up there. They are perfect for this time of year.

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  10. Looks great & some fabulous tips.
    Ruth

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  11. Great advice to "shop your house" & I love the idea of using books for decor - I'll have to check under some dust jackets. :)

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  12. Thanks for the suggestions ... I need to brighten my mantel now that it seems to be getting a little warmer ... at least the sun is out.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.
    Timeless Treasures

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  13. That's e really pretty! Love it! Thanks for visiting me at the red headed princess!

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