Spring mantel decor
I love to putter around the house and refresh my mantel to suit my mood or the season. My Valentine’s mantel was sweet, but after removing the hearts and Xs and Os I wanted to make a few simple adjustments. With gray skies and chilly weather lingering, I’m in that “in between” decorating phase — not quite full spring, but readying for sunnier days ahead.
I find my spirits lift when I anticipate the change of season and begin to decorate with that shift in mind. A little forward thinking helps me feel like spring and summer will arrive, even if the weather hasn’t caught up yet.
In spring I often add fresh flowers or a few green plants to the mantel. Those touches are timeless for the season. As Easter approaches, simple bunnies or decorative eggs can be cute, but I wasn’t ready to go that route yet. Sometimes my mantel changes more than once as the season unfolds — I enjoy letting my decor evolve with my mood.
This week I was in the mood for a cozy, travel-inspired look — dreaming of adventure while staying comfortable at home.
Books are a constant joy for me year-round, and especially comforting by the fireplace in cooler spring evenings. I love thumbing through favorite design books with a warm drink, letting my imagination wander to new rooms and places. Stacks of books are both beautiful and flexible; the colors and textures can be rearranged to suit that “in between” feeling.
Beyond their looks, books are useful — not just decorative objects. I avoid meaningless clutter, so I prefer items that are both attractive and functional. Using things you love and will actually interact with makes a space feel more authentic and satisfying.
I’ve traveled quite a bit, and as spring approaches I start daydreaming about faraway places — the south of France, Venice, or even Australia, which I’ve yet to visit. Since a real trip might not be possible right now, my globe on the mantel becomes a tiny portal for imagination.
Globes and small nautical details like sailboats evoke the sense of exploration and a life filled with experiences — not only the comforts of home but the joy of travel and discovery.
As a child, my family had a sailboat and I remember sailing Puget Sound with sun on my face and wind in my hair. Those memories of carefree days on the water inspire the relaxed, adventurous mood I wanted to bring to my mantel: books piled high, a touch of nautical charm, and the feeling of fresh air even when staying cozy indoors.
That mix of nesting and yearning to get out reflects this transitional time of year — wanting comfort and dreaming of new places at the same time. I’m looking forward to sharing more spring decorating ideas soon.
Are you starting to prepare for spring? What’s inspiring you this week?
PS. There’s also a fun spring-themed Twitter party tonight at 8PM ET. If you join, use the event hashtag to follow along and share ideas.