Mirror vs art over the mantle, which is best? 5 pros and cons.

Mirror vs art. Let’s discuss the pros and cons To decide between mirror vs art over the mantle, there’s one important question to ask yourself: What is the view when I place the mirror over the mantle? In this room, the reflection of the mirror over the mantle is of a beautiful coffered ceiling!! Notice […]

Ideas for rustic reclaimed wood beams at entrance ways, mantles, or columns.

If you have rustic wood beams, they can be used in a variety of ways to accent your home. One thing for sure, they can blend with just about any style design, from industrial modern…. to country french… to Scandinavian… to an eclectic style. The wood from beams adds a wonderful texture that homeowners love, […]

How to make a large TV over the mantle look better, 4 designer tricks to detract from the TV.

For design tricks to detract from a large TV, here’s a few fun options! 1) Remove some shelves in the built in cabinets, so you can use larger accessories. The hurricane lantern (bottom left) is 34″ tall, and the round tray is 32″ in diameter. These accessories are much larger than most you see in […]

Should I paint my wood stained bookcases & mantle?

Are you wondering if you should paint over the wood stained bookcases & mantle? Well you might want to consider the quality of the wood. Is it solid cherry or mahogany? Or is it a lower grade wood that you do not like? Is the room dark? Are you interested in a brighter room? Keep […]

Stained wood mantle versus white? Stacked stone versus polished stone?

When the builder asked a recent client to select their preferred stacked stone for their fireplace, I reminded them that their favoite fireplaces (in their wish list file) were all white, not stacked stone.It’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re making hundreds of decisions during new construction or remodeling. A wish list or favorite photo […]

Pros and cons of a TV over the fireplace, should my Television be above the mantle?

Clients often think they should definitely put the TV above the fireplace. There are alternatives you can consider.  In the top photo, their mantle was 5 1/2′ tall (due to code requirements), so the top of the TV would have been almost 9′ tall. According to ergonomic professionals & Physical Therapists, looking up to watch […]

How to decorate above the mantle

Above the mantle, make sure your art is large enough, and unique. It’s fine to use a mirror above the mantle as long as the reflection is something attractive (like the reflection of outdoor trees). The antique glass mirror shown below is nice, because you aren’t fixated on the reflection.  Or, If you don’t have […]

How to make a traditional fireplace more contemporary, 7 unique ideas with stone, marble, and mantles!

To update a traditional fireplace, we’ve featured 7 amazing photographs for inspiration.  1) It might be a simple upgrade, such as covering the brick with a lighter marble on the surround – as featured in this photo. Some people say they love the look of a stacked stone fireplaceOne way to mimic this look is […]

How to accessorize over a hutch, mantle, or bookshelves, 5 must read tips for what to put over your mantle.

To accessorize over a mantle, think “less is more”If it has too many items it will feel like clutter.  To accessorize over the mantle or hutch, make sure the accessories….. are large enough for the area (most important, especially if you have tall ceilings) are unique – after all, it’s the focal point! Do they […]

At Transforming Rooms Interior Design, Greensboro, NC, we make visualizing easy, with in home viewing of furniture, rugs, lighting, art, and window treatment fabrics. Our interior design services range from one room makeovers to remodeling or new construction projects. Our interior design firm has excellent reviews! For our portfolio, click here: interior design services.  For design ideas, […]