Dark and moody vintage mantel

I’m so excited to be part of the 5th Annual Fall Ideas Tours!! Thanks so much to Angie at Postcards From the Ridge for putting all this together!! Today is all about mantels and fireplaces, so If you are coming over from her lovely, home welcome!! 

I’m super excited to share my diy mantel made from an old door.

This is one of my favorite diys and the amount of cozy it brings to our bedroom is wonderful.

I have to say how much I am still loving the dark gray walls I painted in here last winter, and the black mantel against the gray walls is super cozy for fall.

As always, I love to use inherited and vintage antique finds in my decor, and for this mantel, my great grandmother’s photo is the star and inspiration for everything.

Taken in 1921 when she was 45, it was a gift to my grandmother on her 13th birthday. It’s a painted photo, and something I truly treasure.

I used old books and a pin cushion that belonged to my grandmother as well. It reminds me of the china shepherdess Caroline Ingalls had on her mantel.

I placed limelight and vanilla-strawberry hydrangeas in an old jar from here on the property along with dogwood branches. I love the burgundy/merlot colors along with the dark colors and the pinks.

A few white pumpkins and pine cones complete the natural elements.

I also used a wooden candlestick that sat on the mantel in the old houseas well. It seems an appropriate addition here.

A Cherokee cornbead necklace always drapes underneath the mantel as a reminder of my mother’s Cherokee heritage.

The little chair belonged to another great grandmother who lived near here, and has the most wonderful patina. I love it with the dark walls.

It’s amazing how a diy mantel can up the cozy factor in a room! This really made such a difference, and the little quartz heater is a nice touch on especially cold days.

Thank you so much for stopping by!! 

Make sure to visit all the other links today and throughout the rest o the week. There is so much inspiration to be found for your fall home😊

Please come by for more and visit my fall tour!!

Also join me oninstagram at Whispering Pines Homestead for daily updates and videos!!

Next up is Patti at Hearth and Vine so go by and see her beautifully, rich fall mantel!!


Monday – Mantels

Postcards from the Ridge / Anita Diaz / Hearth and Vine

Virginia Sweet Pea / 2 Bees in a Pod / Atta Girl Says



Tuesday – Tablescapes

Sand Dollar Lane / Aratari at Home / Nourish and Nestle
Salvaged Living / Our Southern Home


Wednesday – Wreaths (will be live on Wednesday)

Petticoat Junktion / Lora Bloomquist / Exquisitely Unremarkable
Bliss Ranch / The Interior Frugalista / Chatfield Court


Thursday – Crafts & DIY (Will be live on Thursday)

Domestically Speaking / DIY Beautify
Homeroad / Christina Faye Repurposed
not pictured Weekend Craft


Friday – Porches (Will be live on Friday)

The Chelsea Project / Vinyet etc / Worthing Court
Cottage at the Crossroads / House of Hawthornes / Hymns and Verses

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33 Comments

  1. Angie at Postcards from the Ridge
    September 16, 2019 / 4:54 pm

    Anita, your DIY mantel is gorgeous! I would have never guessed that it was made from a door. I love all of the family pieces that you have and the stories behind them. The painting is so nice, and I especially love your hydrangeas and dogwood branches. It's all so warm and cozy. Glad you joined us on the tour again this year!

    • Anita Diaz
      September 16, 2019 / 5:42 pm

      Thank you so much Angie for including me!! So sorry my link was not working first thing!!

  2. Paula@SweetPea
    September 16, 2019 / 5:34 pm

    Your bedroom mantel is so pretty and I love that it's a DIY made using an old door. The family pieces that you used for styling it make it all the more special. The dogwood and hydrangea look so pretty in the clear jug. I was expecting to see the possum grapes that you shared on your Instastory along with the dogwood. In my neck of the woods they are called fox grapes and some make wine using them.

    • Anita Diaz
      September 16, 2019 / 5:41 pm

      I should have included them!! These are different from fox grapes, but similar. These are smaller and don't grow near water. Can't wait until after frost to really taste one — they're pretty sour now!

  3. Patti Estep @ Hearth and Vine
    September 16, 2019 / 5:53 pm

    What a pretty and unique way to decorate your mantel for fall. My limelight bush is just bursting with blossoms. I definitely need to bring some inside. Moody looks can be so beautiful. THanks for sharing yours.

    • Anita Diaz
      September 16, 2019 / 7:20 pm

      Thanks so much Patti!

  4. Anonymous
    September 16, 2019 / 7:55 pm

    Oh my goodness this is gorgeous, and it's a door, wow! How special it is to have your grandmother's heirloom and that you are able to display it!

    • Anita Diaz
      September 20, 2019 / 1:53 am

      Thank you Christina!! I'm so thankful to have that!!

  5. Lora Bloomquist
    September 16, 2019 / 8:21 pm

    Anita, What a beautifully dramatic room! Against the black, all the beautiful colors just radiate. Think I'd want to head to bed early every night if this pretty scene was waiting for me! You did a beautiful job styling it all!

    • Anita Diaz
      September 20, 2019 / 1:54 am

      Thanks Lora!! We really do feel that way! It's so relaxing and cozy, I cannot wait for bedtime:-)

  6. Julie Marie
    September 17, 2019 / 12:46 am

    So very beautiful dear Anita, and as always, I love the tales that go with each treasure… love the painted photograph of your great grandmother… love the Cherokee beads and also that your mama (and you) are of Cherokee heritage… so much inspiration here… a cozy, warm and welcoming bedroom… thank you for sharing all of this beauty, xo Julie

  7. Sandi Magle
    September 17, 2019 / 12:58 am

    What a trick of the eye, with that cute fireplace—makes you think everything is in a real hearth. Very smart to paint it all black to blend in. Love all the personal items you are using …! Happy Fall and cozy, too.

  8. Homeroad
    September 17, 2019 / 1:13 am

    Very pretty Anita, so classic and warm!

  9. Kim
    September 17, 2019 / 1:19 am

    I'm a huge fan of dramatic rich colors and sentimental treasures. Your mantle is just perfect for fall!

  10. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking
    September 17, 2019 / 3:54 am

    So dreamy – love the vintage feel and the simple touches… gorgeous!

  11. Eileen Curinga
    September 17, 2019 / 12:04 pm

    I'm so impressed that you made your mantel from a door! It's amazing! I love all the family treasures you incorporate into your decor too!

  12. Lindsay Aratari
    September 17, 2019 / 12:14 pm

    Love your DIY mantel! Makes me want one in my home!

  13. genie steger
    September 17, 2019 / 12:39 pm

    Oh how beautiful your grandmother was! Love the coziness of your beautiful home!

  14. Lynn at Nourish and Nestle
    September 17, 2019 / 1:06 pm

    Oh Anita, you are so lucky to have such lovely pieces of your history that you can tuck in here and there. Your DIY Mantle is just stunning…and I had never heard of a Cherokee Corn Beads so just looked them up! I love learning new things. I LOVE that portrait of your great grandma too…what a beautiful woman and a true treasure.

    Thanks for opening your home.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    So happy to join you on this fantastic blog tour!

    Hugs, Lynn

  15. Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog
    September 17, 2019 / 2:03 pm

    Nobody in the world makes moody photos using candles better than you! I just love your clever use of the door and precious treasures. And the candle is, as always, total perfection! So happy to have you up and running today!! Happy Fall …

  16. Christine Irvine
    September 17, 2019 / 3:08 pm

    That is a beautiful mantel. You did a great job, as always. Your photography is gorgeous!
    Christine
    New Hampshire

  17. Jen @ Jenron Designs
    September 17, 2019 / 3:53 pm

    Wow this is a stunning mantle and I love the dark and mood vibe!

  18. Cindy DIY beautify
    September 17, 2019 / 4:26 pm

    Beautiful! I love the mood you've created!

  19. Bliss
    September 17, 2019 / 4:37 pm

    Beautiful. Moody, fall'y, warm and inviting!

  20. Marie-Interior Frugalista
    September 17, 2019 / 5:36 pm

    Wow, this is simply stunning, Anita! I love the way you layered the elements on the mantel and your hydrangeas are HUGE! Wish mine would grow that big. Love the touches of history sprinkled in the vignette. I arrived to your blog after a stressful start to the day and I must say, the photos gave me a sense of calm.

  21. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses
    September 17, 2019 / 6:38 pm

    I love your fall mantel, Anita! And, how special is that photo of your grandmother!!!

  22. Salvaged living
    September 18, 2019 / 8:57 pm

    Just told Angie that I love the hydrangeas on her mantel and I love them on yours!!!! They are just beautiful. I am all about family and love your grandmother's painting! It is truly a treasure! Kim

  23. Kathy Owen, Petticoat Junktion
    September 19, 2019 / 3:10 am

    Anita I love how you used the white pumpkins with the dark colors. Perfect!

  24. Christy @ Our Southern Home
    September 19, 2019 / 1:57 pm

    Anita,
    Your home is always a treat to tour, but this mantel is fall perfection. It feels so romantic. Think it's my favorite this season!!

  25. Laurie @ Vinyet Etc
    September 23, 2019 / 7:16 pm

    I am madly in love with this, it's warm, welcoming and so so gorgeous! You make me want to paint my home dark! <3 That painting of your grandmother, what a precious treasure!

  26. Weekend Craft
    September 26, 2019 / 1:42 pm

    I cannot get over this dark paint color. It is fantastic. Really gives a moodiness to your decor in the best possible way. I just want to come over and eat by candle light.

  27. Anonymous
    November 4, 2019 / 11:39 pm

    What is the brand of the stove/heater? And do you recommend it? Thanks.

    • Anita Diaz
      November 5, 2019 / 3:33 pm

      Yes, I love it! It's an infrared quartz heater, which is more energy efficient as well. I can't find the brand, but have had two and I think this one is Duraflame.