Today I’m sharing a spring mantel refresh that includes some delightful secondhand finds. On a sunny weekend getaway my husband and I stopped in a charming seaside town and popped into a thrift shop where we discovered a pair of brass pheasants. Their fine detail and long feathers immediately appealed to us, so they came home as a small souvenir of the day.
At the end of this post you’ll find a “get the look” roundup of items from this room and similar pieces, along with some vintage pheasants I found while searching online.
Because we loved the detailing on the birds, we wanted them to have a place where their long tails could be shown off. The fireplace mantel felt like the perfect spot for their first nest. I often style the mantel with vintage books and brass candlesticks; for this refresh I swapped the candles for a mix of blue and green hues and added fresh faux plants in my blue-and-white pots to give the display an early-spring feel. The birds fit right in and brought a touch of whimsy to the arrangement.
We’re fortunate to live near many coastal towns and small seaside escapes, so day trips like this are an easy staycation. I enjoy bringing home small, unique pieces that tell a story instead of tucking them away in a suitcase. The wicker ship basket in our window sill is another vintage find that adds character; these objects make our home feel collected and personal.
One memorable discovery from years ago was an original vintage painting we found while buying a 1935 English Tudor from an estate sale. It wasn’t originally for sale but was tucked away in a safe room; we loved it so much we asked to purchase it. Finds like that are part of the thrill—keeping your eyes open often leads to unexpected treasures.
I’m currently thinking about furniture and how to arrange pieces in our small home. After downsizing years ago, it’s fun to enjoy seeking items we truly love again. Space is limited, so balancing what stays and what goes is a slow experiment. That process—trying things out, moving them around, and deciding with purpose—is part of creating a home that feels right.
Later this spring I’ll be picking up a rattan cart that belonged to my mom; it’s currently in storage and might become a plant nook near the fireplace. I also recently found a vintage marble-topped table on a local marketplace that’s waiting to be photographed and shared. Small discoveries like these change a room slowly and intentionally.
A collected style often looks like things were gathered over time, but it’s not random. There’s careful consideration behind what remains and what’s paired together. When I teach design lessons to my community, I emphasize that a collected room needs rules and thoughtful editing to avoid becoming a hodgepodge. The method gives the display cohesion while allowing each object to tell its own story.
Even when a room evolves organically, each choice can be intentional. Decorating over time means you’re creating a narrative—each piece contributes a chapter. That unpredictability is part of the joy: discovering where a new object will fit and how it will change the energy of a space.
Just as I found the right spot for the pheasants, you can make room for pieces that make you smile. A collected home reflects memories and moments—small treasures that bring warmth and personality.
Why not surround yourself with things that make you smile or remind you of happy memories?
Click the thumbnails below for details