Mantle Makeover

\My cousin, Katie, is an incredible decorator. She is always blogging about a current home project. Last week she posted her mantle makeover and it inspired me, although mine is not as beautiful and elaborate as hers.

Here's the mantle before:

The globe was discovered in my basement and left by our landlord...maybe there's a reason why it was left behind to collect dust! I acquired the window from an old friend. The flowers were from my college days and will now find a new home at Goodwill!

And the reveal:
Thanks to a trip to Goodwill and Arc on 50% off Saturday, I now have an Anthropologie-style mantle! The large "crystal" candlesticks were $7.50 ea., glass bottles $1.00 ea., and "Nest" sign $2.50! So this project totaled just over $20! With a little elbow grease, I removed the flowers from the window, giving it more of an antique feel.

I want to find flowers to go in the vase, but not quite sure what to go with yet. Any suggestions? I really like daisies, but don't know if they'll go with the look.

In case you were wondering about the history of this beautiful fireplace, the house a.k.a. Club Curtis (funny story behind the nickname!) was built in the late 1890s. The fireplace, tiling, and mantle are original to the house! It's a coal-burning fireplace....which is not able to be used...legally. I LOVE the exposed brick walls. When I came to look at the house for the first time, it was the first thing I noticed.

Now I need another project...thanks for the inspiration, Katie!