This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams ®

This white wood mantle needs an upgrade! The worn olive-green tiles lining the inside frame of the mantle are old and cracked.

Remember this mantel?

We’ve been friends almost my entire life.

The mantel used to be on the wall of this bedroom.  When we remodeled the space, we took it out to make room for the bed and brought it downstairs to the family room.  It’s a little sad and pitiful right now.

The original tiles fell off the front.

The edges are scuffed.

There’s a giant hole in the top.

But I know that I know that I know that I know…

…it’s destined for greatness.

So I thought it might be fun to style the mantel with three different paint colors.  Kind of like this post I did last year where I took a table and painted it three different colors.  This post is just like that.

Except better.

This time I took this mantel and re-tiled it and painted it up with Extra White SW 7006.

And then?

I painted the wall three different colors and accessorized it with three COMPLETELY different looks.

Are you ready?

Buckle up buttercup.

Here’s how a little paint can change the world…

…one mantel at a time.

A beautiful, rich blue with hints of purple. This color is Sherwin-Williams Indigo SW 6531

Number one

Hello blue.

Nice to meet you.

This brilliant color is called Indigo SW 6531.

The color has hints of purple with the prettiest blue undertones.

Before the makeover: an old white wooden mantle

Here’s the mantel before.

And now?

After the makeover: the white wood mantle is retiled with small ceramic and glass tiles. The wall is painted a stunning Indigo Blue from Sherwin-Williams

Here’s the mantel with the help of a little Indigo SW 6531.

It’s a mixture of old and new.

The blue undertones made the mantel look so fresh.

The beautiful Indigo blue wall in the background compliments the red, green, and yellows in this woven throw blanketUpgraded wooden mantle with artwork, including a map of Paris, a wooden collectables box and a small vintage storage box and vintage yard sticksThese vintage decorations look great styled on the new white wood mantle, complimenting the rich indigo blue wall color

I added a colorful plaid blanket stacked on a vintage stool.

I styled the mantel with a giant three-dimensional map of Paris with a stack of vintage cash boxes on one side paired with metal spheres.  On the other side of the mantel, I placed an oversized piece with dozens of drawers next to a vintage artists caddy.  Next, I filled a basket with fresh magnolia and tucked it next to the mantel.

Lastly, I stacked these vintage river gauges against the mantel to complete the look.

A light, pale yellow paint color from Sherwin-Williams called Overjoy SW 6689

Number two

I started by painting the wall this brilliant yellow.

If I could be any yellow in the world—this would be my choice.

Hello beautiful.

It’s called Overjoy SW 6689.

(total decorating aside:  it had me at the name).

Drab old white wooden mantle that's worn down and in desperate need of an update

Here’s the mantel before.

And now?

A bright, vibrant yellow wall - paint color is  Overjoy SW 6689. The mantle is decorated with blue and white striped vases filled with red flowers and framed pastel floral paintings

Here it is all prettied up with Overjoy SW 6689.

Doesn’t it live up to its name?

Over the moon with joy.

Gorgeous detailed vase sitting atop a stack of encyclopedias, and yellow painted wall in the background

Woven basket with full greenery against a yellow wall

Wood framed pastel floral artwork

I added a little vintage and a little blue and white.

One one side of the mantel, I layered in red and white books with blue and white striped vases.  On the other side, I found this wooden bird and brilliant gold sphere to reflect the yellow.  Next, I pulled up a chair and stacked a few books on it with a brilliant blue and white vase.

Then I filled a basket with greenery and placed it on the wood floor next to the mantel.

A rusty burnt red-orange paint from Sherwin-Williams called Rojo Dust SW 9006

Number Three

This beautiful dusty red is called Rojo Dust SW 9006.

It goes with almost anything.  When I was styling this look—I went with turquoise and a lighter coral and then I tried it with a slate gray.

But in the end I went a little reclaimed.

Wood that is.

Old white wood mantel before transformation

Here’s the mantel before.

And now?

White wood mantle in front of a rusty red-orange wood wall. The mantle is decorated with candle sticks and vintage wooden spheres. A map of the world hangs on the wall

Same mantel.

Same white paint color.

But now?

Thanks to Rojo Dust SW 9006?

It looks completely different.

Wooden decorations, candle sticks, a thread of beads and a woven planer with greenery

Artwork of a map of the world with a wooden bowl filled with balled twine sitting on top of a book

Wooden collectables box sitting on a bench with a blue and yellow patterned pillow

Mantle decorations of a trio of wood candlesticks, wood beads and a small potted plant in a basket

This mantel styling started with the metal and wood world map.

On one end of the mantel, I added a trio of wood candlesticks, wood beads and a small potted plant in a basket.  At the other end of the mantel, I filled a wood bowl with different textured spheres created from wood and twine and grass.  Next, I brought in a little color with a blue and white and yellow bench.

Then I added a potted tree in a basket to one side of the mantel.

White wooden mantle against a indigo blue wall

Refurbished white wood mantle against a bright yellow wall with floral decorations

Rusty red-orange painted wall with a white wood decorated mantle with a wooden map of the world and carved wood accessories

One mantel with three different looks.

Isn’t it amazing how you can change the entire look of a space with a little paint?

I have a favorite.

But I’m curious what you think.

Which one do you like best?

Here’s to mantel decorating and the power of paint.

disclosure:  This post was written in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

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Comments

  1. Image for Rose Rose

    I love all blues, but my eye goes right to the dusty red. It’s a beautiful color. Can’t wait to see which one you chose. Have a wonderful weekend. Much love, Rose

  2. Image for Eileen Eileen

    The power of paint....and your imagination, I might add. Well, I must say that each one is a winner. I love the yellow, so happy. The blue really does something to me. It's just so rich looking. Those would be my favorites, with the blue JUST edging out the yellow, because yellow is my favorite color, but blue has been sneaking up on me lately. Beautiful job.

  3. Image for Babette Babette

    Oh goodness! I love all three! However, I’m going to say #1 goes the best with what you’ve been doing around the house!! Although and let me say, I don’t like yellow. But here? I love it! And the dusty red? So divine! Oh decisions! Great job! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  4. Image for Kim Kim

    Amazing how paint color can transform a room. The blue is my favorite. Have to ask: where did you find the map of Paris? Thanks.

  5. Image for Karen Karen

    I'm thinking you're probably leaning towards the blue since that seems to be your jam as of late... Which is quite nice. But I have to say...I do love Overjoy, the yellow!

  6. Image for Ann Newton Ann Newton

    They all look great but the dusty red just blows my socks off!!! It’s beyond beautiful!!! Can’t wait to hear your pic!

  7. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    As much as I love Indigo Blue..........in this room I prefer the Dusty Rojo......something very warm and inviting about it.......

  8. Image for Louise M Adkins Louise M Adkins

    I'm always the odd man out but I don't think any of those make me think of you! But I'm certain whatever you go with will make you happy and that is what is important.

  9. Image for Gwen Gwen

    First choice Indigo, 2nd would be Rojo. Just not a yellow fan. It's just to jarring. But that's just me. Great styling in all three!

    1. Image for Sharon Huling Sharon Huling

      Give me a sunny day or let it rain & I’ll have my own personal 🌞. Happy, happy yellow! The other colors are lovely...tough decision.

  10. Image for Randy Randy

    The ROJO DUST! Girl that hits my eye like a moon-pie!!!! I know that blue has smacked you square in the face But the Rojo Dust Adds so much warmth to the mantle and wall plus what you have used decorate it!!!

  11. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    First blush I want to say the blue color. For a couple of reasons. If this is your living room and if it gets a lot better f light it can take the blue. Also, if you will be used ng it as a sitting room and not tv watching this bold color will be like a warm hug . Absolutely no on the yellow as yellow gets dingy looking over time. As me how I know? Yep, I have painted a wall yellow before. Years ago. The dusty Rojo is nice; however, I don’t think it speaks to the house. My two cents. You always bring a room together and make it beautiful. So, I have no doubt what you pick that it will be lovely.

    1. Image for Sue Sue

      I had that color before and it was called brick. Pretty! But I choose the yellow. If the paint isn't right or the paint color isn't, yes, yellow can get washed out. Not always, though. I've had the same yellow for 30 years and continue to love it, get compliments and have others use it in their homes.

  12. Image for Janette Deans Janette Deans

    I love the indigo and as long as the room is big enough to take it, it'll be brilliant, but I do love the Rojo too...yellow for me personally, not a favourite, but hey it takes all sorts doesn't it..enjoy your new look whatever you choose..x

  13. Image for MICHELLE WINDHAM MICHELLE WINDHAM

    Karianne, as usual, all three options are beautiful. But I must say, I would choose the yellow and consider it a blessing on the room - OVERJOY! As a very sentimental mother myself, and also a person of faith that considers names very important, I would have no question after I learned the name of the yellow paint. And, I look forward to reading your blog everyday! In a world where anger and negativity is often shouted from the rooftops, you spread cheer and joy!

  14. Image for Kathleen of Woodstock, ga Kathleen of Woodstock, ga

    Oh my!!!! You have messed me up...I have always been a BLUE person...But when I saw the Dusty Red...I was smitten...What a fresh new twist...It made me smile

  15. Image for Shelley Shelley

    What a wonderful post! Your three colors and your inventive Mantle vignettes were all so well done and interesting. I differ from some other readers, in that I did not get the impression that you were actually going to use any of these three in your home right now...I took it just as an exercise in seeing what a change of color can do. If that is the case, it would have been fun to have a one color that was not so very strong. Maybe a pale celery green? I can see decorating the mantle in that case with blue and white porcelain, green plants and wood. The choices are endless! thank you again for a wonderful post. It just shows how dramatically color can change things.

  16. Image for Margaret Margaret

    I have to say I LOVE #3 especially if it is offset with a lot of blue and wood - love the contrast of warm and cool. Great job!!

  17. Image for Justine Justine

    Rojo dust speaks to me! Not as bold as the other two maybe, but I could see that color in my house. Looking forward to seeing your mantel's new life!

  18. Image for Barbara Barbara

    Rojo Dust is beautiful AND will compliment the blues in the rest of the house. It will pop!:) Great styling too.

  19. Image for Meda BRANWELL Meda BRANWELL

    Where did u get that awesome map? I’d love to get one for a gift. 😊 Thx for this fun post & all the neat things u share on your blog!

  20. Image for Vickie Vickie

    Really love & appreciate them all! However, Indigo wins for me. The vignette as a whole, and the color of the Paris art against the indigo color really speaks to me.

  21. Image for Shirley Shirley

    What to choose, what to choose....They are all winners, but to pick one I would go with the Rojo Dust (which blew my socks off and surprised me more than anything because blue and yellow are my favorite colors). An absolutely marvelous post!

  22. Image for Darlene Darlene

    Love the yellow. I have actually been thinking of doing my front door yellow and now I know that this will be the one.

  23. Image for Claudia A Claudia A

    Hmm 🤔. This ones totally up to you. Not a fan of any of them. If I had to choose for you I’d go with the yellow. It goes better with the blues you have. The other blue looks more toward purple and the other looks like the SW colors of awhile back. Your call

  24. Image for Michelle Michelle

    I'm back! And here to get my Thistlewood Farms Fix, finally!! Wow, Karianne, they're all so beautiful, its difficult to choose. The blue is so dramatic with understated elegance that makes me want to curl up with a book in a comfy chair with that colorful blanket across my lap. The terracotta is spicy, sort of earthy, and makes me want to whip up a batch of Tex-Mex nachos. But, if I had to pick, I'd choose the Overjoy yellow. I have a thing for birds and flowers and blue and white porcelain and, well, I just love the name 'Overjoy.' Plus, after an epic family reunion, I'm feeling overjoyed. That room makes me want to whistle and sing and dance. Yes, I pick the yellow!

  25. Image for Cindy Vojanec Cindy Vojanec

    Love, love the yellow! How "joyful" to see that brightness! In fact, I am going to save that color if I repaint my already yellow walls in my home. Still miss those KY postings but am enjoying watching your new/old home evolve! Cindy Vojanec (formerly Cindy Brown)

  26. Image for cynthia chilson finger cynthia chilson finger

    Love all the textures and organic feel to the Rojo Dust mantle. You styled it perfectly. But it's my least favorite wall color to complement the tile, which doesn't look very boho chic to me. The yellow looks more "you", so I'm guessing that's your favorite? Fun post!

  27. Image for Lisa Lisa

    I’m torn—I love the Indigo and Dusty Rojo equally. Using the blue in the bench to complement the coral wall is what did it. But I have to go out on a limb here and wonder what the picture of the world map would look like on the Indigo wall. I can’t wait to see what you decide. Thanks for always sharing such novel ideas!

  28. Image for Linda Ann S Linda Ann S

    I love the warmth and brightness of the yellow. I especially think it works so well with the blue and white you already have throughout the house. For me the blue is too dark and the dusty red too blah. The yellow reminds me of the way you write...happy and sunny!

  29. Image for Rosanna Rosanna

    I imagine you would go with a neutral (ish),color n use elements from each of the three stylings!!My eye doesn’t want to stop gazing at that metal n wood map!!!It’s glorious!Where did you find it?Or maybe you or a family member made it?Anyway it would be a super gift idea for me-please notify my family!!😁

  30. Image for Cheri Cheri

    Beautiful beautiful! I'm so drawn to the Rojo though as others have it said its seems different then your usual palette. I love all of your accessories. Where do you house all your extra accessories when not in use? I have some space. 😆😆😆. Can't wait for the next post.have a great weekend.

  31. Image for Sarah Sarah

    The only thing I'm wondering is: did you actually repaint that wall three times? :-o Or is it using some sort of "see how your room looks with this paint" app or feature? Either way, the Blue is my choice, if I have to choose a color - but the original grey/taupe is my ultimate fave. ;) <3 ((hugs))

  32. Image for Pamela Pamela

    Oh my! I love that you are embracing color! Maybe neutral can take a long needed hiatus! Love the blue, but the Rojo Dustis awesome, too!

  33. Image for laura laura

    that blue is my life long favorite but the yellow really surprised me! and sometimes that is just what you need, a little surprise!

  34. Image for ck ck

    Tough decision! I love the Indigo and have it in my son’s bedroom. But, I’m afraid you’ll get burned out on blue if you use it too much in your home. Right now, your house is beautiful with all the blue accents, but I think another color needs to be brought in. Didn’t you mention loving blue in the past, but you got tired of it? Yellow and blue is such a happy, classic combination and I think it suits your personality!!

  35. Image for Kris Kris

    Love the yellow, I think it coordinates well with blue. I'm not feeling the rojo--it just feels like a weird shade to me. While I love blue, I'm kinda thinking you need to shake up your color scheme a little--your blue accents play into the other areas of your home but this is like a happy surprise. I'm also wondering if you painted that wall 3 times or if you have some sort of backdrop there .....

  36. Image for Ann Ann

    Beautiful job on all three, Karianne! If I had to choose for your house, it would be #1 and that would go best in my home, too. But #2 is so fresh and lovely, and would be great in my beach condo or in a home with That color palate. As far as my favorite, #3 wins. It is unique and warm and a little surprising. Love the pop of blue!

  37. Image for Danielle Danielle

    Considering the rest of your house, I like the blue best. The styling you did with it is beautiful, but somehow not you (in my opinion!) I’d go with the blue, but style differently.

  38. Image for Debra Debra

    Marianne, we all know that you are a lover of all things blue! This Indigo is just that. BEAUTIFUL!! It shows off the crisp whiteness of the mantle. This would be my choice. Anxious to see yours.

  39. Image for Christine Christine

    I love the yellow and the way you styled it. Definitely my favorite! The Rojo Dust would be my second choice, although I think the mantel is a little too bright white with it. Maybe a softer white. Whatever makes you the happiest is the one you should choose!

  40. Image for Sherry Sherry

    Thy all have such a different look. The blue is masculine, the yellow makes me want to have a cup of tea and the coral is just perfect. That is my favorite!

  41. Image for Lyndsey Lyndsey

    The yellow one was such a shocking surprise! I LOVE it!!!!! I hope it is your winner because I haven't seen much of it, and I didn't know I liked it. I want to see more.

  42. Image for Susie Susie

    I am usually a yellow girl but I just loved the whole look of Rojo Dust. The wood pieces all look so great with that color. By the way your tile is so pretty with the mantle!

  43. Image for lynda lynda

    hi the Blue is in your face,,,the Yellow , you would tire of easily,,,,but the Dusty Red is so calming and sophisticated looking and beautiful!!!! thanks

  44. Image for Ann Ann

    hello KariAnne! I would have to say the yellow version, followed by the coral, and the blue in last place. I love the artwork above the mantel in the yellow version, as well as the vivid blue and red accents--very striking and attractive!!! So which is your favorite?!

  45. Image for bj bj

    I like the dusty red wall color but I like the mantel decorations in the yellow room. Wood tones just aren't my thing.,,but all 3 colors are pretty.

  46. Image for Pat Pat

    Love the indigo, and the Overjoy yellow with the blue and white styling is pretty too. But I think the indigo is probably my favorite, I have always loved your Paris railroad map. BTW the map used in the Rojo styling is pretty great too. Pat

  47. Image for stephanie Bauling stephanie Bauling

    Rojo Dust! Love how it looks with all the wood and textures and would be a compliment to your blue accents!!!

  48. Image for Laura Harrie Laura Harrie

    KariAnne, you just like reading all the comments from your readers! Don’t you? You love the responses and obviously all of us want to share our two cents with you. You had me at the Indigo wall. Have fun with this paint challenge!

  49. Image for Crystal Crystal

    Isn't it funny how there are so many different opinions...... ?? :) For me #1 is the Indigo for sure because blue and white always makes me happy, but I do like the dusty red with the wood accents. The yellow is pretty enough, but I don't think I'd be able to live with it.

  50. Image for Lorri Rauscher Lorri Rauscher

    Honestly I like all of them but when push comes to shove I think I would pick Number #3 because of the earthy tones. The way you design everything makes it feel so comfy and relaxing and you just want to say AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

  51. Image for Chelly Chelly

    They're all nice, but my favorite is Rojo Dust. Love that color! I'm all about warm colors. Love all your wood accessories too!

  52. Image for celestial celestial

    I cannot believe I am saying this but I love the yellow...and I usually hate yellow. It looks so lovely with the pink flowers and blue striped vases. My second is the blue, which is amazingly sophisticated. I would not have believed 3 such different looks could come about with the same main pieces. This is truly an amazing experiment; thank you for doing it.

  53. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    Oh, my gosh! As much as I love blue, yellow has always been a favorite as well. And with the mantel, oh, wow! It's wonderful! The other one is lovely but that yellow! It's as happy as you! :D ❤

  54. Image for Michele M Michele M

    Hehe, um, I liked the before grey color, haha. Sorry. I am not a color girl. BUT that is a terrific hue of purple/blue - so if I had to pick one of the three it would be that.

  55. Image for Anna Anna

    I keep going back and looking as it's hard to choose but the blue is my winner. The mantel just jumps out on that color. I love the wood accessories on the rust and they look so good with that color but I don't think they would work as well with the blue.. Wish I had you here to work your magic!

  56. Image for Hedy Hedy

    The blue is way too dark, I used it before and it’s dark. The dusty red, nahhh, that’s not red, that’s something else. But the yellow, YES! It’s bright and cheery and the blue and white vase brings it in with your house. So Yellow is my vote, hands down.

  57. Image for Alison Bennett Alison Bennett

    Please don't be mad, this is just my opinion. Blue too dark, yellow to bright especially if have a lot of sun coming in the windows. The rojo dust is too drab for your house. I do think blue is the color to go with but just not that blue, I'm sure whatever decision you make and the magic that you do with decorating it will be a beautiful room !

  58. Image for Betsy Betsy

    I'm a lover of blue through and through but something spoke to me with Overjoy! It made me happy just to look at it. Odd on my part, I'm not a yellow lover.

  59. Image for Loryl Loryl

    The blue one! So dramatic. Although all are pretty and each would go in your home. If it was my house I’d pick the dusty red but the blue goes with the rest of your place. Can’t wait to see what you choose!!

  60. Image for Kelly Knox Kelly Knox

    I love the Dusty Red! Hand down, but the Indigo is better suited for your home. I really like yellow but that one just doesn't do it for me...

  61. Image for Pat Pat

    My favorite color is blue but when I scrolled past it to the yellow, my heart figuratively gave a little leap of joy as I literally gasped out loud. Surprised myself with such a visceral reaction. The dusty red is really pretty but there is no going back from the yellow for me :-)

  62. Image for Cil Cil

    Surprise surprise Rojo Dust gets my vote but each are beautiful in their own way. Ok, your turn. Your choice is...........

  63. Image for Jeannie Jeannie

    Love them a;; for different reasons. I LOVE red. The yellow is just SO happy & summery. The blue is all cozy. I don't know what I'd pick. Can't wait to see what you do. It'll be gorgeous.

  64. Image for Dee Turk Dee Turk

    What a change up! My favorite was a huge surprise to me, yellow! Bright, cheery, with the blues that made it sing a happy tune! How hard was it to keep repainting the wall? Did you print each time?

  65. Image for Judy Judy

    I love blues, BUT I had my front door painted SW Indigo and let me tell you about that purple undertone in the daylight! The purple really shines through! Door is being repainted SW Denim.

  66. Image for Rebecca K Rebecca K

    Rojo Dust gets my vote. It reminds me so much of my own living room/dining room when we moved into our house in 1984. Love it! What a lot of trouble you went to. I enjoyed this adventure in color and accessories! Thank you for including us in this effort with SW.

  67. Image for Marian Zimmerman Marian Zimmerman

    I think I just found my bedroom color of Blue with a moon painting , and to be able to see a little more plaid, where is your dresser drawer map? I wonder what the blue would look like with a flowers theme decorated like the yellow mantel Tiles are perfect makeover on the mantel

  68. Image for Dianne Miley Dianne Miley

    I’m a sucker for blue and white. And I love indigo. So that’s my fave! They’re all pretty though! I am especially impressed with the dusty red - it will never be my favorite color, but the terra cotta look is really striking! Well done as always, KariAnne!

  69. Image for Cindy@countyroad407 Cindy@countyroad407

    Dang girl. Did you paint the wall or was that a giant piece of cardboard or a paint app? Either way, you make it look easy. All beautifully styled but I LOVE THAT BLUE! So crisp and clean and sophisticated looking. Decisions are a nail biter!

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