Why create a beach themed mantle?
It embraces the beauty of slow summer days– A nice refresh before cool Autumn breezes sneak in.
Ignites feelings of nostalgia- Fun to reflect on past and present memories of trips to the beach.
A classic look that never goes out of style – Fun and whimsical accents that can be used year after year.
Super easy to put the look together – This mantle comes together in 3 easy steps.
While some people are over the heat and dreaming and planning for fall, I’m in full on summer mode. Living in Northern Minnesota doesn’t provide many hot days each summer. We typically only experience temperatures above 80 degrees for 3 to 4 weeks each summer, if we are lucky. So, when mid-July hits and the temperatures rise for a brief time I relish it!
These dog days of summer as it is called are the perfect time to take a drive to the beach. We are fortunate to live within a short-day drive to Park Point on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. It has been an annual tradition since I was in high school to head to this location.
Feelings of nostalgia flood over me as I remember jumping into the icy waves at the beginning of each summer with my girlfriends throughout high school. A few years later, at this very beach on our third date, I realized I had feelings for my now husband of nearly 30 years. Once children came along annual trips with our boys to play in the sand and dip in the cool waters became a yearly tradition. Cleaning our sand-soaked feet in a tub of water outside our minivan was part of the fun.
Not surprisingly, creating a beach themed mantle space is personal. It reflects years of memories at this very popular tourist destination. Pulling together fun and whimsical decorative pieces, both new and old, creates a classic look that never grows old or outdated.
Assembling the beach themed mantle comes together in four easy steps. First of all, start with a clean slate. Removing all previous items and wiping it down clean is a great place to start. Next, place a painting or picture of a beach scene in the center as a focal point. This photo came from a gift shop up the North Shore of Lake Superior. My husband and I had just eaten at the Rustic Inn for our 25th wedding anniversary when I spotted this picture in the adjacent gift shop. It ended up in our bedroom closet for the last 5 years. With our 30th anniversary just around the corner I decided to finally frame and display it. Thankfully Hobby Lobby was having a 40% discount on their frames the day I went shopping. Newly framed and ready to display, it became the inspiration for the mantle.
After centering the picture, setting out decorative elements such as a sailboat and a plant on each side softens and rounds out the print. I have had this sailboat for at least twenty years, mostly stored away in our backyard shed. It is always so satisfying “shopping” around our property for new old items to decorate with.
Lastly, on each end of the mantle are some rustic wood whitewashed lanterns, also stored for years, and some thrifted bronze candlesticks. Adding different heights and textures add more interest to the overall look.
Similarly, on each side of the mantle the bookshelves also got a slight beach themed makeover. Two old lighthouse framed pictures, some seashells, a treasure chest and some sailboat candle holders finish the look.
Decorating can be deeply personal, as this mantle is for me. The picture of the sandy trail leading to the blue crisp waters of Lake Superior represent dozens of walks along the very path depicted. At the entrance, gazing at the blue backdrop, always comes great anticipation for what lies ahead. The sailboats in the distance, seagulls fluttering about, and children’s laughter enter my mind while joyfully viewing this scene.
This beach themed mantle is much more relevant than previously thought. Initially, I thought this post was just about a print I bought several years ago that needed to come out of hiding. Oftentimes, there are deeper meanings behind what we choose to display in our homes, reflecting a lifetime of memories and traditions. When you examine your home, what do you notice? What do you choose to surround yourself with that brings a smile to your face? What pictures or displays are prominently displayed on your wall and shelves and why? It is worthwhile to reflect upon such things…