Hearth of the Home

One Mantel: Three Designer Christmas Looks “

Designer Chris Allums’ and design assistant Caroline Allums’ inspiration for this mantel design originated with the original abstract painting sourced from Material Things, emphasizing the simplicity of the mantel. The foundational garland of the mantel decoration was found in Chris’ mother-in-law’s attic to which he added several strands of white lights, pine cones and pine garland intertwined.. Says Chris, “We have used it on her mantel for years, it always looks so festive when it’s decked out to her liking!” The white berries were sourced from Carlstedt’s and added the perfect finishing touch to the natural look. “The brass candlesticks with the black tapers have been in Chris’ family for years, too. When we light them on Christmas Eve, with all the family around, we are reminded of the Light brought into the world on a dark night with the birth of Christ.

Let the merriment begin! Local designer Brandi Brownlee Howard pulls out all the stops with her vision of Christmas viewed through the eyes of a child. Brandi chose a myriad of items from Material Things designed to spark wonder and whimsey. Adding to the mix, Brandi incorporated vintage nutcrackers, needlepoint Christmas stockings, heirloom B.Viz mini stockings, wooden Santas, musical soldiers of painted metal, reindeer candlesticks and a sleigh from Dr. Jan Bagwell’s personal collection of Christmas decor.

When designer Jan Hales Strickland was tasked with designing a Christmas-themed mantel, she decided on a monochromatic, wintry color scheme. With “Winter Wonderland” as her mantra, Jan set to work creating an icy, cool woodland scene. A stunning deer head enveloped in an feathery textured white wreath creates a focal point. Delicate icicle-inspired branches are interspersed with glittered, feathered and crystal covered trees along the mantel’s ledge. All decor was graciously on loan from Paul Michael & Co.