Transitional Late Summer Mantel

Time to bring out the wreath for this small sliver of time known as Late Summer. Nature doesn't just wake up one morning and say, "OK everyone, it's Fall!" Trees, weather, the light, and all the growing things are reaching that extended moment where they begin to wane. Summer is winding down. All you have to do is look at my yard, scattered with green walnuts and yellow leaves to know it's that time of year. (I was going to take a pic, but it's so dry and looks too sad)

It's easy for me to overdo decorating, but especially so on the mantel.

 I've styled this spot several different ways this week, 

and finally come up with this hopefully subtle nod
 to this special time of year. 

Not Fall.

Not Summer. 

In between.

For me, it's a little early for a bunch of overly colorful leaves,

although I can see that happening soon. 

Just give me a few weeks, they'll be here.

So the dried sunflower and zinnia twiggy wreath is perfect for late August.

That's all the nod that was needed.

I wanted to use this small oil painting 

that brings to life a field just before harvest.

The trees are not changing,

 but it appears to be late in the growing season.

(on a slightly crazy note...

This painting has me baffled.

I found it at an Antique Market

and it's beautifully painted.

But is that an outhouse????

At first I thought it was just a tool shed.

No half-moon vent.

I prefer the tool shed option.

but... not sure...???)

To balance out the opposite side I used a Majolica pitcher in harvest colors.

I tried other prints, but they just didn't look right.

Here's a peek at what's happening in the rest of the Hearth Room.

Harvest colors of golds, browns, and rust.

Warmer Fall color and more texture.
...just one of the reasons I love a neutral room.
It's so much easier to move with the seasons.

The chalk painted candlesticks and chalk artichokes 

stacked on old books

are my usual pieces here...

Botanicals on either side of the Garden Room entry

echo the deeper seasonal color.

Hope you'll come by Monday evening.

joining in here:

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Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home,  

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

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