Artificial Flowers and Photos on Mantle
Interior Decorating Advice

Q. Are artificial flowers considered tacky? Both in my living room and as a centerpiece on my dining room table?

A. Artificial flowers can be tacky and they can be elegant. The difference is the quality of the artificial flowers. This is true of so much in our lives.

If it is not well executed it can be seen as tacky. I am a gardener; it is my hobby. I abhor flowers that do not look like the real thing.

Using non appropriate colors of flowers just because they match our room decor is a tacky travesty. Colors and styles need to be true to nature.

Buy only flowers that are good reproductions of nature in color and form. They will cost you more, but they will last forever. I have some that are at least 25 years old and recycled into different arrangements.

I like orchids and they last, but it takes many months for them to bloom again. In those off months, I add a fabulous fake orchid spray to the real plant. No one would ever know this was a fake without my telling them.

I also like to use artificial trees and greenery mixed with real in my own home. Sometimes when I want a plant the light is just not right for growing. A fabulous fake solves the problem.

Q. I'm struggling with how to arrange photo frames on a mantle and bookshelf. Should I group by "theme" (pictured of our kids, pictures of our parents/family)?

Also, can the frames be of different colors and materials? Can photos be placed on bookshelves with other large items (like a vase)?

A. What you have discovered is that pictures setting on a mantel are a real challenge to make pleasing to your eye. It is like mixing oil and water.

The first problem is the pictures are awkward in that type of space. Then adding so many style s and sizes only creates confusion for the observer.

Since collections can become large, I suggest using multiple pictures in a single frame which allows you to tell a story.

If you like craft projects display the pictures on a solid surface and then create a frame. Craft stores will have ideas and materials to help you.

The best places to display family pictures are in hallways or stairways where you can enjoy them from a short distance.

Since pictures are usually very different, using similar frames helps to unify the overall appearance and direct the focus to the subject. My advice is skipping the mantel for pictures.