Mantle scaping

I love looking around houses because I love getting ideas from other people who are, well, super talented when it comes to all things decor. Over here you can see some great examples...as well as here, where Amanda has shown us around her lovely home.

...and Tina here is also an inspiration. I love her place and checking out her projects!


Me? I tend to paint everything white or off-white and then add some bits and pieces for interest. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Like the time I though black cushions would look FAB and add contrast and "interest" on the stone coloured sofa and chairs. Unfortunately, I failed to realise that the dog and cat hair would make them look like mohair after just a couple of days, so they were removed, pretty quickly.

Anyway, I digress.... Today I begin a very limited tour of Number 10. Limited because not all of it is worthy of public viewing...I begin with the mantle in the living/lounge room....and yes, we are without a heater at the moment.

The black hole here used to house a gas log fire, and my job over the next few weeks is to get a new one. The hearth was covered in charcoal slate, but MONT removed it and will re-do the hearth in sandstone, because we have some left over from the outdoor paving.

The clock was a bargain from Oswald Sealy in Johnston St.Fitzroy, which is well worth a visit.

These birds were a Christmas gift a couple of years ago... and the two "vases" were a bargain from a place called Albi Imports. If you're looking for home wares, then a trip to the Albi Imports outlet store in Chifley Drive, Preston will duly impress you.

...and the pears...well, I love their fluid shape. I can't remember where or when I purchased them, but whenever I see fruit shaped items like these, I have to have them.