Instinctually, first time guests in a home will gravitate toward the fireplace. The warmth is inviting, with or without fire. This makes the fireplace mantel a cornerstone of the home. Just like pictures and invitations on the refrigerator, we can glean a sense of who it is that lives there. Our things tell stories about us, and décor on the mantel make easy conversation starters.   Consider the Present Colors When you begin to decorate any space in your home, it helps to see the empty space. If you truly want to change an existing space, remove everything possible and see what is already there. What colors are present? My…