mantel display

The mantel is often the focal point of the living room, so it’s worth being intentional in arranging what goes there. Start by including items of varying heights. Here this is achieved not only with the items resting atop the mantel—slender taper candles, two different-size vases (one cylindrical, the other more organic), and a spherical match holder—but also with hung mirrors, which meld into the arrangement. There’s also nothing inherently wrong with a symmetrical arrangement, but grouping items together to one side (as shown) or having each side be different, can look more natural, less rigid.

ottoman plus

Not all living rooms can accommodate a coffee table, bookshelf, and extra seating. That’s what inspired this multipurpose ottoman, made of three basic elements: a quartet of unfinished wood boxes (sold at crafts stores or online), screwed together in the configuration shown; a cushion on top (this tufted marigold version is held in place with Velcro fasteners), and casters underneath for easy maneuverability. Leave the cubbies unpainted for a Scandinavian look, or paint them—here with a base coat of white and a stenciled geometric design.