I didn't realize my mantel decor was missing this one vital element – Joanna Gaines' styling tips just made my space look 100% more interesting
Creating height and drama, Joanna Gaines uses simple foliage to create an expensive-looking spring mantel


Winter is drawing to a close, meaning my home is looking for some easy, uplifting touches to coincide with the arrival of the new season. And spring is the perfect time to uplift the home and give it a refreshing dose of vitality. There are plenty of spring decor ideas to follow for inspiration, but I like to turn to trusty designers who I can always count on for a much-needed helping hand.
One such designer is Joanna Gaines. Known for her classic modern rustic style, she creates inspiring ranges that are always filled with charming pieces. Proven in her recent Instagram post, Joanna created a chic yet surprisingly easy mantel display using foliage and vintage-style ornaments. Focusing on height to elevate the look, Joanna proves curated mantel decor ideas can make all the difference to an empty ledge.
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Joanna pairs two of these country-style vases on one end of her mantel. They're the perfect height to hold even the longest of branches.
Joanna creates her spring mantel in just a few steps, proving that even the easiest tweaks make all the difference to the home. All coming together harmoniously, she opts for vintage decor mixed with fresh foliage to create a cozy yet sophisticated arrangement.
Joanna's first step caught my eye, surprising me with its impact. She starts her mantel design by arranging her foliage. First, she chooses her vases, opting for a pair of rustic, woven ones that bring a charm but don't detract from the vibrancy of the plants. (Side note, she places a water glass inside them to ensure the plants stay hydrated and stand elegantly).
What I love most about the look is the scale of the foliage. The size of the branches shows Joanna's not afraid to introduce lots of height. Transforming the mantel, the dramatic size of the plants creates an interesting depth, adding a sense of luxury through their shape and height.
If you're recreating the look at home, try decorating with flowers by adding smaller buds to your large branches for a delicate, spring floral arrangement.
While the foliage has already elevated the mantel, Joanna goes in with some vintage-style pieces to make the area feel even more charming and eclectic. She places a pair of brass candlestick holders on the opposite side of the ledge, creating a framing effect mirrored by the plants on the opposite side. She fills the empty middle space with a stack of old books and a brass ornament, tying in with the other vintage pieces.
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Joanna makes it look so easy and uplifts her mantel with a few key steps, all focused around the tall, dramatic foliage that transforms the space from a once plain alcove to a rustic, nature-inspired display.
I am the Interior Design News Editor at Homes and Gardens, covering mainly US-based designers and trending news stories. My love for interiors began when I interned in an interior design studio, working on commercial and private spaces. My passion grew while working in production, where I sourced beautiful locations for photoshoots and campaigns. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting antique decor and mid-century furniture for my home.
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