Mantel Madness: A Masculine Mantel Makeover with a Dash of Whimsy!
Welcome friends, to the Mantel Madness Makeover Extravaganza! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of masculine mantel decor, where antique wood shoe forms, my great-grandmother's dog paintings, vintage books, a Baby Ben clock, WWII photos, and a small world globe reign supreme. Get ready for a wild ride of whimsy, nostalgia, and a touch of manly charm.
First up, let's talk antique wood shoe forms. Forget about those dainty trinkets and delicate ceramics, we're going full-on rustic with these bad boys. Who needs delicate porcelain figurines when I can proudly display these sturdy, weathered remnants of a bygone era?
These shoe forms have seen some action, the shoes made from them have walked the paths of time, and now they're ready to take center stage on our mantel. Embrace their rugged charm, their untold stories, while we let them become a conversation starter at our next gathering. Just imagine the look of bewilderment on guests' face as they try to figure out why we're displaying wooden feet like it's the most normal thing in the world.
Now on to my great-grandmother's dog paintings. Nothing says "manly mantel" like Fido's furry face staring back at you. These antique treasures add a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of personality to our mantel.
We set them out proudly, watching as our mantel transforms into a gallery of canine artistry. Guess I am not the only dog lover in the family, so happy I was able to snag these since they have been in my childhood home all of my life! I like to think she would be proud they are displayed in our home.
Vintage books, my dear, are the key to a well-read and refined mantel. Stack them up, mix them with old leather-bound classics, and let them whisper stories of adventures long past. Not only will they add a distinguished air to your mantel decor, but they'll provide excellent conversation starters for those intellectuals who enter your home.
Let's turn our attention to a true masculine relic - the vintage postal scale. No delicate trinkets will be found on this masculine mantel, it's time to introduce a touch of practicality. This piece of machinery not only adds a rustic charm but also serves as a reminder of yesteryear when mail was weighed meticulously. It sits proudly on our mantel, evoking thoughts of adventure, correspondence, and the weight of the world (or at least the weight of a letter), as letters from the war made their way home to loved ones. Do you see our letter perched on this vintage scale?
Hop over to the middle of our mantel and let's introduce the small world globe to our mantel perfection. This pint-sized planet symbolizes the explorer within us all, reminding us that there's a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. A nod to the wanderlust that is in all of us, urging us to dream big and set our sights on new horizons. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication and a dash of whimsy to our mantel decorations.
As I gaze upon this snapshot, I feel the weight of history and the pride that comes from carrying on my family's legacy. It's a celebration of personal heroism, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom. Let this photo be a symbol of gratitude, a testament to the strength passed down through generations, and a source of inspiration for all.
Our masculine mantel decor is not just a display of objects, it's a reflection of history, family heritage, and the spirit of those who have come before us. We hope you have enjoyed visiting with us today, and our take on how to create a masculine setting in the living room.
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Ciao,
Cara
This is SO LOVELY, Cara! From the old shoe molds to the flower frogs to the dog paintings..I adore it all. It's unique, full of texture, character, and old world charm. Thanks so much for sharing at Home Imagined this week!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rachel, this was so much fun to create using items we already had around our home. I am enjoying myself here lately stepping out of my normal decor. So much fun!
DeleteLove your masculine mantel Cara. And the history of the amazing photos in the flower frogs. You really did an amazing job pulling this together with all of the decor.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy. I had in the back of my mind I wanted to share something a bit more masculine, and the mantel just came together with items we already had around our home. I am in love with the pup paintings, and of course my grandfather is always on my mind! I love the photos he took during WWII.
DeleteCara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartfelt display of family history on your mantel....I love it...The paintings of the dogs are spectacular and what a treasure to have.... And I simply adore that you honored your grandfather....My Dad and all of his brothers served in WWII and thankfully, all made it safely back home...Thanks so much for sharing these precious family memories...And thanks so much for all your visits and for your sweet words especially on my weight loss which has not been easy but so worth it as I feel so much better.....I hope you are having a good week!!
Hugs,
Deb
I feel fortunate to receive the paintings, I do not have anything from that side of the family so we are proudly displaying them in our home. I was a grandpa's girl so I love sharing his photos. I was always right there listening to his stories and trying to be the sponge I could be in learning.
DeleteYou are very fortunate they all made it home in your family. Your weight loss journey is quite inspiring, you are rocking it! Have a wonderful rest of your week!
I'm really loving this, something meaningful to adorn a mantle. Quite refreshing and full of nostalgia! From WLparty, Sandi
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DeleteThank you Sandi, I love sharing my grandparents here on the blog. They have been such an inspiration to me over the years in so many ways.
DeleteThis is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Susan, I love vintage decor and using items in unusual ways around our home.
DeleteOhmygosh Cara! I absolutely love this in so many ways. First of all the styling is impeccable, but the sentiments throughout your post are so good! From making me laugh about the shoe forms (which are pretty awesome btw) to the nostalgia inspired thoughts to the pride of your family for serving this country. God Bless you and yours!!! Those photos are fantastic and you should display them proudly. Thank you for sharing over at the Home Imagined party. Have a fantastic weekend and happy Fathers' Day. XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you so much MaryJo! I was always a grandpa's girl, and still am even though he is no longer with us. My grandparents were a big part of me growing up. We knew we could always depend on them if we needed them, and their way of life has really inspired me here lately. I have more to come on that soon. Thank you again, your kind words mean a lot to me.
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