Fireplace

• Focus on the fireplace before you address the mantel. If the facade looks tired, give it a lift. A brick fireplace can easily be cleaned or painted a crisp shade of white. Tiles of every shape, size and color can be applied to an unadorned surround as can river rocks. A classically styled room will benefit from traditional finishes like brick or marble while a contemporary room will be a good backdrop for colorful glass tiles. Any changes you make to the fireplace should keep with your overall design style.
  
  

Dressing a Traditional Mantel

• A fireplace mantel that is meant to complement a traditional space should be kept tastefully simple. An antique map or print, framed family photo or oversize clock can be hung on the wall behind the mantel or rest upon its surface. The traditional rule for decorating a mantel is referred to as "3 Plus 1." This rule suggests placing three similar items of varying sizes on one side of the mantel and a single item on the other. For instance, you may have three statues that you purchased in Mexico on the left, with the largest of the three slightly behind the other two. On the right, you may have a framed family photo or traditional silver candlestick. It is the asymmetry that makes this design so visually stimulating.
  
  

Contemporary

• A more contemporary take on dressing a mantel involves using simple groups of objects d'art. A trio of vases, black and white photos in simple black frames, a basket holding richly textured balls; these are all the types of pieces that will add to the contemporary flavor of a room. Keep it simple so that the group you introduce is clearly the star of the show. If you're someone who is easily bored, rotate contemporary displays by season.
  
  

Modern Minimalism

• Modern minimalism is about adding very few decorative accents to a room but ensuring that those you bring in have an impact. A striking piece of sculpture, a dramatic piece of artwork or a crystal vase with a single red rose are all the kinds of things that fit on the modern mantel. Nothing is too frantic, too cluttered or too busy about this mantel. It should express the same serene calm as the rest of a minimalist room.
  
  

Whimsical

• If the rest of your house is an eclectic mix of fun and function, continue this theme on the fireplace. Place a stack of books on antiquing on one side of the mantel and a single antique lamp on the other. Have a vintage poster professionally framed, and hang it on the wall behind the mantel. Or go online and order back copies of "Bowling This Month" magazine. Stack them neatly, and place a single wooden bowling pin on top. Whatever your interest, find a fun way to incorporate it into your design scheme.