If you’re fortunate enough to have a beautiful fireplace in your Portland home, then you must have the right mantel to go along with it. A mantel can serve as the centerpiece of a room. Now that spring cleaning and house project season is upon us, it’s time to take a look at your mantel and decide whether it needs an update.

Flip through interior design ideas and figure out whether you want a whole new mantel to showcase your fireplace or if your existing mantel simply needs some attention. New paint colors are our most efficient tool for home decorating. Painting brick around the fireplace completely changes the look of your mantel and can really make it pop.

Whether you want a mantel overhaul or just some cosmetic updates, here are our tips for a fresh, new design:

Choose the right style
Your fireplace and mantel should complement the style of your home. For example, if your living room is modern and decorated in a contemporary style, your mantel should reflect that. A slim and sleek mantel goes well with modern decor. On the other hand, if your home is more traditional, a large wooden mantel with an antique finish will help define the space.

Choose your material
Once you’ve determined the style of mantel that will work best in your space, you must choose the best material for the mantel. If you see that most of your home is modern, but your mantel is a large, ornate, wooden piece, it’s time to select something that will better suit your decor. The material choices are endless. Painted brick is beautiful in a cottage style home, and tile or stone can be very versatile materials as well. Wood is timeless and can be stained to match any look.

Decorate
You may choose to decorate your mantel for each season, but there are probably some staple pieces that live on your mantel year round. If your mantel is low, a mirror is your best choice to open up your space. For higher mantels, art is the number one choice by designers. After you have your biggest piece in place, layer decorative objects around it for a balanced look. You can choose a monochromatic design scheme or mix it up a little.

Lighting
Overhead lighting can really play up the importance of your mantel. Especially if art is on display, lighting is key for desired results. Sconces on either side of a mirror hanging above a mantel add even more visual interest. Make sure your new paint color works well with the lighting that you choose before painting.

When you’re ready for your mantel to be upgraded with beautiful paint colors, Bluenote Painting has professional paint contractors to bring it to life.