Transitional Family Room with a Styled Mantel

A mantel is the easiest focal point in a family room to get right. Start with one large anchor, like the round mirror here, then build out from the center with pieces of different heights: candlesticks on one side, a low stack of books and some trailing greenery on the other. Asymmetry keeps it relaxed, which suits a transitional room. The layered rugs do the same job on the floor. A big neutral wool rug over jute defines the seating area around the sectional and softens a large room without adding another color to the gray and white scheme.