Hi there.  I’m still sitting next to a heater waiting for sakuras (cherry blossoms) to bloom in Japan.  I hope there’s sunshine and blooms in your neck of the woods!

Whatever the weather is outside, our rental home is in progress of coming together thanks to monthly challenges like the Inspired by DIY series.  This creative series includes a handful of bloggers who feature room makeovers, DIYs, and decorating tips inspired by our favorite designers/style icons.  Last month our focus was on Wes Anderson style and this month we are highlighting one of my favorite interior designers, Genevieve Gorder.   I’m pretty sure I’ve seen every episode that she’s been in on HGTV!.

Genevieve Gorder Inspired Fireplace Mantel

We have a very small living area and I wanted to make a focal point with our faux fireplace mantel and room heater.   The wall has a phone smack in the middle that needed to stay (it’s connected to our door bell and call box).   So I knew the makeover should be something bold and pretty that would distract from the rental eyesore.   Here’s how the space looked before.

And after the fireplace makeover.   With a quick coat of paint and a few fun decorating accessories this makeover only took about 30 minutes.  My kind of DIY!

How to achieve Genevieve Gorder design in your home:

5 decorating tips 

Don’t be afraid to use dark colors.  

I started the makeover by painting the back piece of the faux fireplace mantel with black chalk paint.  It covers well and dries super quick, no need for sanding or a top protective coat.

The paint instantly highlighted the great lines of the fireplace.

Add in global style with moroccan prints and decor. 

I love how Genevieve incorporates moroccan prints, lamps, and other global influence in her decor but keeps it feeling light and airy with lots of white.   On my latest shopping trip, I found this cute blue and white tile planter for just a few dollars and new it would be perfect for this space.

Mix high with low. 

This is a great rule to follow anytime you are making over or refreshing a room.  Don’t be afraid to mix high end pieces with thrift store and Ikea finds.

Include vintage finds.

Create a curated look with vintage goods.  I found this “noise maker” in a Japanese thrift store.  It’s used at shrines and temples while praying but I bought it because I fell in love with the brass and dark wood.

Add layers with art, decor, and textiles. 

Since I had the odd problem of hiding a phone in the middle of the wall, I decided to layer artwork behind the large print that has to protrude.   It works in this spot surprisingly well and doesn’t bother me at all that I didn’t layer it “properly”.  You never know until you try!

Simple things like paint, mixing high end with inexpensive decor, and layering old with new can really make your space feel like it was styled by a designer!

Check out these awesome ladies’ ideas below for more Genevieve Gorder inspired decor.

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