![]() Your fireplace mantel serves as a focal point in your den, family room or outdoor porch. Since you undoubtedly spend a lot of time there, you want to decorate it so you can enjoy it year-round. A successful design can inspire guests just as it keeps you grounded in your home. Rustic mantel décor is one way to ensure you get as many “ooh’s” as “aah’s.” Fireplace hearth decor also provides an exceptional platform for integrating the look of the entire room. You can mix your favorite rustic pieces, newest modern art and most comfortable recliner in a space with rustic mantel décor that brings it all together.
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![]() “Rustic elegance” is a phrase that’s gaining traction in interior designing circles around the country. The term refers to a style that’s homey yet chic, heart-centered and sophisticated, comfortable yet fashionable. It’s a year-round design choice that makes you proud to show off your house while also letting you relax in it. What Is Rustic Elegance? When you hear the word “rustic,” visions of log cabins may spring to mind. After all, in the past, the word “rustic” often was used as an upscale term for “dilapidated.” And certainly, standing alone, log cabins rarely are elegant and actual dilapidated spaces can in no way be considered elegant. In reality, rustic elegance combines all-natural elements to create a look that’s warm and inviting even as it’s imperfect and distressed in its old-world elegance. The design blends the high style and classic aesthetic of quality antiques with the modern desire for comfort, convenience and beauty. It employs intricate detail work, earthy colors and natural materials. Using Rustic Design in a Luxury Home You can design a room or your whole house in rustic elegance, as fits your personal style. You can use rustic pieces to accent your luxury home or make it the centerpiece of your family space. It’s up to you. Here are several examples of elegant rustic interior design in a luxury home:
![]() Contrast Provides Interest Interior design in a luxury home has room to play. Place elements that tie the room design together or add continuity throughout the house. Each room needs a central focus, but if the accent pieces don’t add visual interest, then they aren’t complementing the overall ambiance. Contrast — in color, style and/or material — provides visual interest to support the central focus. Rustic elegance is not shabby chic. It is an upscale arrangement of repurposed antiques, tasteful color combinations and an abundance of natural materials. It’s the contrast inherent in mixing a natural material like wood with an artificial material like metal or crystal that provides visual interest to an individual piece or the room as a whole. Just as a large-screen television set can sit next to a potted plant, an antique mirror on a stark white wall makes the entire wall more interesting. Embrace Rustic Design in Your Luxury Home By planning ahead and seeking out rustic accents that complement your own style, you can make your home a more comfortable, more interesting place to spend time. Look for original art and high-quality antiques. Bring in the beloved antiques your family has passed down. Find ways to combine the modern with the rustic with the elegant aged pieces, and you’ll create a personalized look of rustic elegance that will never go out of style. Find out more about how to incorporate Matt Tommey's sculptural art baskets in your home. ![]() I love repeat clients. Not just because of the obvious reasons but because it signifies a connection with a client and my creative expression. Clients who invest in my work again and again enjoy the nature-inspired aesthetic I create and the fresh designs that keep me pushing the boundaries of sculptural basketry. Those type of clients are how this story starts. Recently I was honored to create a large wall hanging for an outdoor fireplace on a beautiful covered porch in one of the most fabulous mountain estates I've ever had the privilege to visit. The long drive to the top of the mountain was just the warm-up for the crushed pebble driveway, Olmsted-like gardens and stately mountain manor clad in stacked stone and poplar bark. An extensive collection of native perennials and a flowing stream welcomed me onto this beautiful estate. Once inside visiting with my clients, the home's interior is equally impressive but what caught my eye was the fine craft collection. Artists who I've admired for years and who's work inspire me fill the walls, shelves, pedestals and niches of this elegant mountain home. Artists like the famed Atlanta woodturning family, the Moulthroups, internationally-known Asheville sculptor Michael Sherrill and Kentucky-based woodcarver Jim Sams just to name a few. It was truly a feast for the senses. ![]() As we moved through the home, we made our way to the outdoor porch which overlooked Lake Fairfield and the incredible cliffs that call Cashiers, NC home. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the gardens before we settled in to talk about creating a special piece of art for their home. As if the natural environment was not inspiring and beautiful enough, now it was my turn to create something to echo the beauty of the natural world and while not overpowering the rustic elegance of the space. After talking for a while, taking some reference pictures and making a few note-filled sketches, I gathered my things and went back to the studio to design something truly special. For me, every sculptural piece like this begins with the branches. Once I have some branches that inspire me, then I can transcribe that shape onto paper and start the imagining process. After sketching and adding some simple watercolor, I sent the rendering to my clients for approval. They loved it and so I began work. 3 branches, 14 baskets and a whole lot of work. Over the nest 2 weeks, I worked to create this special piece. Now that it's installed, my prayer is for it to continue to inspire, reflect the simple beauty of nature and enhance the elegant environment that is now my sculpture's 'forever home'. ![]() Recently, a client of mine came into the studio here in Asheville's River Arts District and realized that I not only created individual sculptural baskets, but also did one-of-a-kind mantel sculptures. We talked briefly about the project and they invited me to come on out to their home up at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. The day I arrived, their grandchildren happen to be there, which was a special surprise! I talked to the clients about what they envisioned for their fireplace mantel and then we all promptly headed for the forest. The grandkids led the way as I kept a close eye out for special treasures that could be used in the fireplace mantel sculpture. Once we had filled the back of my van with mountain laurel, I headed back to the studio to start the creative process. Usually for me, the process begins with sorting through tons of raw material and then sketching some ideas based on what I find. The branches we harvested from their property were so striking that it didn't take long to create a design that I felt was beautiful and my clients loved! Once I had the design approved, the real work began - cleaning, preparing, weaving, attaching and finishing all these fabulous materials into the finished product. When the time came to install the piece in my clients home at the Lake Toxaway Country Club, I was so excited to see their reaction! For me, that's the payoff... when my clients love what I've created. Plus I love the fact that their grandkids were involved in the process. Just think, for years to come they can look up and say "I was a part of that!". Here's what my clients had to say: "We have known, and purchased, pieces of Matt's work for several years. As a result, we have had the ability to observe and appreciate the evolution of his craftsmanship and design skills. We recently commissioned Matt to create a " focal point" mantelpiece work for our North Carolina mountain home and have been amazed and thrilled with his extraordinary rendering. Not only do we feel as if we have a unique and beautiful piece of art, but one that also captures the spirit and essence of its environment.......plus, Matt's fun to work with!" What an honor to create these wonderful nature-inspired sculptures for clients who really appreciate them! For more information on my fireplace mantel sculptures, visit Your Personal Design. ![]() The fireplace is a cozy spot in the house. Whenever you light a fire, everyone naturally gravitates toward it, either to spend the evening with a good book, to sit for a time of quiet reflection or to gather around for a visit with guests and family members. So of course you want to decorate your fireplace to show off your style and taste. And yet you don’t want to disturb the cozy feeling a fireplace radiates with its heat. Finding the right fireplace mantel décor can become a dilemma. What can you do with the space above the fireplace that pleases the eye and warms the heart at the same time? Setting the Stage Your fireplace mantel décor has to fit the style of the room it sits in. You can’t throw an Egyptian relief above the fireplace if the rest of the room is modern chic. It would stick out like a worn tunic. On the other hand, the fireplace takes up a central spot in the room and deserves a spotlight. Getting the fireplace mantel décor just right can make or break the room’s interior decoration. In addition, you have to find something you love. It’s your house, after all. You want to enjoy your fireplace mantel décor every time you pass by. The decoration should light up the room the same way it lights up your imagination. This may seem like a tall order to fill, but you’ll be heartened to learn that there are common sense ideas that can help you narrow your search for that perfect something. Here are 10 top suggestions for fireplace mantel décor: 1. Complement the Space If your mantel is painted off-white, choose art that’s a bolder color. If your fireplace is exposed brick, something with curved lines creates a nice accent. Again, your fireplace mantel décor has to fit your room to maintain the style and comfort level you’ve established with your furniture and other decorations. Framed paintings are common above the fireplace. Find something you like in colors that complement the mantel and fireplace. Don’t forget to match the frame, too. Sculptures definitely make a statement. But don’t get one so large that it won’t fit or so small that it’s dwarfed by the space. 2. Decide Between Balanced and Asymmetrical Balanced designs are relatively easy to complete, and they add a sense of stability to your room. A balanced look might have a centered painting surrounded by traditional candleholders on either side. If the painting is calming — a landscape, for instance — it creates a calming effect just to look at it. On the other hand, asymmetrical designs add life and interest to your room. If you want your fireplace mantel décor to command attention, an asymmetrical look can accomplish that. An asymmetrical design might include an unusual sculpture or an arrangement of woven baskets. ![]() 3. Keep It Local Local artwork establishes a connection to the land and the community around you, according to Southern Living magazine. If your home is in Florida, for example, a seascape watercolor painting could work, given the right color palette. If you live in the mountains, a wooden or stone sculpture might be appropriate. But don’t make the most obvious choice; find something that fits you and your home. If you’re located near Asheville, North Carolina, basket artist Matt Tommey offers a unique service: he’ll collect material from your own property and fashion it into fireplace mantel décor that’s specifically for you. You can’t get more local than that! 4. Reflect Your Home’s Beauty A classic standard of fireplace mantel décor that works in nearly any room is a large mirror. You can have it hung above the mantel, tilted slightly downward so that it reflects the room’s furnishings. Alternatively, you can place it directly on the mantel so that it tilts up, reflecting the room’s light. No matter how you position the mirror, spend a little time and expense on the best frame you can find. A wooden frame can look great against exposed brick, while a sculpted metal frame can draw the eye. Make sure that the frame matches your room’s interior decorating style. 5. Share the Love While an elegant mansion might display the oil painting of the family patriarch or matriarch above the fireplace mantel, your house can use your fireplace mantel to show off the best of your family photos. A tastefully arranged selection of framed photographs can reflect the love you feel toward your family. And it gives everyone an excuse to cozy up to the fire. If you opt for this fireplace mantel décor, you should vary the frames and picture sizes to add visual interest. You may want to insert other objects among the photos, like a family heirloom pitcher or vase. Using photos this way makes it simple to change the mantel for each season. 6. Go Back in Time Antiques can add charm to your home, as long as your tastes and interior decorating support your choice. The best advice regarding using antiques as fireplace mantel décor include paying particular attention to the first three items in this list. Find an antique that not only fits your home, but also fits the space above your fireplace. If it’s too big, it will look awkward, no matter how much you love it. If it’s too small, it won’t be strong enough to maintain the attention that your fireplace mantel needs. ![]() 7. Welcome the New Century As we move deeper into the 21st Century, it’s becoming more and more acceptable to integrate technology into your home. While traditionalists may scream and shout about this choice, modernists merely shake their heads in acceptance. So if your room’s décor supports your choice, place a large-screen television set above your mantel. Even a TV set can work well as fireplace mantel décor if you attend to the details. A proper frame adds to the stylistic choice and can accent the room. Also, consider turning your TV into a digital picture frame while it’s not in use. 8. Try Modern Rustic Décor A style that straddles the line between the past and the present is modern rustic décor. If the style of your room allows it, try a modern rustic décor idea. It can warm the room almost as much as the fireplace itself. Examples of modern rustic décor include stylistically woven baskets and abstract wooden sculptures. If your locale fosters art, you likely can find artists who create works of art that qualify as modern rustic. Find something you like, something that fits your home’s style. 9. Create Some Elegance Elegance doesn’t always mean expensive, but if you want your fireplace mantel décor to stand out and attract deserved attention, you can’t skimp on quality. If your room has an Asian influence, a set of Raku vases of varying sizes will look striking. If you opt for a painting, only an authentic oil painting or original watercolor will do. Everyone defines elegance in a slightly different way. Here, it’s meant as a work of art that commands respect and draws compliments. Your fireplace mantel is a focal point of the room; take advantage of it by adding a touch of class. 10. Combine the Best If none of these ideas inspire you, experiment with combinations until you find something that speaks to you. There are many decorating ideas that complement each other. Try a woven basket sculpture with a vertical brass candleholder on each end -- or just on one end. Place small family photos beneath the large-screen TV. Surround a mirror with natural art. The options are as endless as your imagination. And if you get stuck, contact Matt Tommey. As one of his satisfied clients wrote: “We wanted some art to adorn the mantle of our stone fireplace. Matt created a personalized sculpture that is sophisticated, warm and perfectly finishes our room.” ![]() The terms “modern” and “rustic” may seem contradictory, but in the parlance of design, they are perfectly matched. Modern rustic décor takes the best of historic and contemporary designs and blends them with an eye to create harmony. Just like the woman who honors her ancestors with touches of her heritage on a geometric white shelf, balance is born from both respect and innovation. Modern rustic décor is not shabby chic or country. It’s not just for a hunting lodge or man-cave. Modern rustic décor honors the earth, brings nature inside and relies on the resources at hand to beautify and enhance an interior environment. Modern rustic décor exists in open spaces, rooms fitted with the latest technology and among the latest industrial-influenced architecture. Art, furnishings and accents are both modern and rustic when they are made from natural materials in new, exciting ways. Define Your Space Independently In design, rustic represents all things natural. A rustic room doesn’t need to be filled with heavy wood paneling and busts of dead animals. Elements that lend themselves to a rustic inclination include:
The modern touch changes from season to season, leaving you with extensive leeway to design your space according to your own preferences and tastes. Today’s modern rustic décor gives a nod to elements such as:
![]() You Can Have It All While you may be an extravagant entertainer, you still must be comfortable in your home and workplace. Choose those designs that speak to your soul and grab your attention. Mix the old and the new, and you can achieve the esthetic known as modern rustic décor. Take the man-made and the best of Mother Nature’s bounty to create a space that is both peaceful and energizing. Modern rustic décor takes on different aspects to different people. At its core is the idea that man and nature live in unity. Natural honesty isn’t replaced by new design, but enhanced by it. Turn any space into a masterpiece of modern rustic décor with a few of the following ideas. Accessorize in Style Little cutesy trinkets have no place in modern rustic décor. Instead, art takes center place. Bring in a large piece made by a local artist such as Matt Tommey, who works with natural materials. Set one of his large fireplace mantel creations on top of your hearth. Place a one-of-a-kind basket made from kudzu and bark on a steel pedestal in the open foyer between your front hall and living space to emphasize the new and the natural complementary materials. Surround original art that depicts new angles of flowers, sunsets and beaches in sterling silver frames. Look for outstanding photography that makes use of new lighting techniques. Give it a place of its own in a hallway that connects two open spaces. Hang bold, colorful nature paintings to highlight the drastic contrasts of the white walls and pale furnishings. It’s the striking contrast after all that makes modern rustic décor so enticingly popular. ![]() Bold Statement Options Bold and unexpected juxtapositions are hallmarks of modern design. When complemented by rustic choices, the results are breathtaking. A room with high beamed ceiling of logs and timber, dark wood floors and earth-toned walls are enhanced when you place a stark white sofa with sharp, clean lines at center stage. Add a red rug and a vase of dried roses and your modern rustic décor look is complete. A wall hanging of vines and ropes, studded with copper, stands out sharply on a white wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in the natural surroundings of your yard. Inside on a glass table sits a fanciful basket made of materials from the yard. It picks up the changing light as the day passes into evening. Rain makes for even more interesting contrasts when modern glass pieces serve as prisms of alternating colors and the copper twine on your basket glints sparkling in the mirrors that hang on opposite walls. Contrasts for Comfort Modern rustic décor is not meant to startle the uninitiated. Instead, the first glance evokes nods of approval at such amazingly complementary styles. Contrasts can be comfortable too. Place Swedish-style chairs made of linen and velvet beside a natural stone fireplace. Hang bamboo curtains in front of a wall of windows. Surround your big-screen electronics with vines and twisting leaves of copper. It can all mix and match for a calm, yet fresh appeal. Keep the big lounge chair that you love to sink into at the end of the day. The long, angled floor lamp and cubist side tables modernize your relaxation station, while the natural art on the wall behind the chair pulls it all together — nature and nurture reside as one. Eco Elegance Entries Modern rustic décor is an ideal choice for those who hold an avid interest in sustainable methods of creating home décor. Do you value elegant features like chandeliers, weighty silverware and heavily brocaded high-back dining chairs? Simply take the influence of classic rustic, change a few of the furnishings and you have eco elegance as modern rustic décor at its finest. The natural look of wood, copper, seagrass, bamboo and jute provide exceptional accents to cut glass, bronze busts and marble columns and countertops. Nature at its finest is elegant. Old-world elegance at its peak is closely aligned with nature and the fruits of sustainable art and home furnishings. Modern Rustic Décor Is Easily Attainable Whether you have endless resources to purchase the finest home décor or design your interiors on a tight budget, you can implement modern rustic décor in your plans. Remember to stick with the contrast and the complements. Dark and light, streamlined and naturally entwined, smooth and rough, open and filled, earth-toned and colorful, the central theme of modern rustic décor is unequivocally — opposites do attract. |
AuthorMatt Tommey is a sculptural basketry artist and basketry teacher working in East Texas. His work is commissioned and collected around the country. Archives
March 2024
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