Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Mirror Makeover


A few weeks ago I was sitting here having a cup of coffee when a thought came into my head. "Why haven't you painted that mirror? It would look so much better white than it does silver!" So I decided to paint it!




I moved my couch out of the way which gave me a chance to vacuum behind it and I took the slipcover off and stuck it in the washer. I normally sand and prime things I paint but the mirror didn't need it because it's not a piece that will get lots of wear and tear. I started with a light coat and let it dry.



In between coats I put the dishes in the dishwasher, made the the beds, made some mental notes of things I want to change around, just generally did the things that needed to be done. I didn't' try to rush through any of it just took my time painting. Then cleaning, then painting - I had a nice rhythm going!


Oh a tip, I always wrap my brush in saran wrap when I'm letting coats dry. I very rarely use foam rollers or foam brushes. I bought one really good pricey brush and I take care of it.




Here it is painted it white - it took about 4 coats and I liked it but thought it needed something. I tried various things. Didn't really love any of the things I tried and then went looking in my garage to see what I had and fortunately found this old scrolly thing!




I've had this scrolly thing for about 10 years! I think I got it at Kirklands. It used to hang in my dining room and then I just got tired of it and put it away.
It was white but a darker shade than the mirror so I painted that as well.



Better don't you think?



I didn't take down the mirror to paint it - it weighs a ton. But it hangs a bit away from the wall so I was able to do the sides without getting any paint on the wall.



I've been looking for some nice white platters to hang between the mirror and sofa. I think that will look pretty! I love my toile pillows but I think it's time for a change so I'm thinking about reworking a pair I already have. I also want to do something fun with my lampshades!


Is there anything as much fun as working around your own home making things pretty, making a beautiful haven for your family to enjoy? I don't think so!




53 comments:

Ally's Corner said...

I love it. I wish I had time to refo things in my house.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Happy belated Easter, Manuela! I love your newly painted white mirror & the scrolly piece looks like it just goes with it perfectly.

Unknown said...

I love the new look of that mirror! Kind of looks like it has a crown! :)

Steph said...

Looks great! Love the scrolly thing. Can't wait to see the other projects.

Margaret's Ramblings said...

This is so lovely. You have done a great job and got such a pretty result. If I am ever over your way I'll have to pop in for some tips, LOL. (It's a long way to call for afternoon tea).

Margaret

Unknown said...

Maneula,

You tickle me! For some reason I picture you walking through your house with a paint roller in hand looking for something to paint! It does look good, BTW. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Blessings!

Shilo said...

Love it! Especially the scrolly piece! :)

Heather said...

great new look! it looks awesome!

Christina said...

Manuela,

When I see "makeover" in a blog post title, my heart starts beating faster. I love your "new" mirror. The scrolly things adds just the perfect touch. Oh and white platters will look just beautiful under it.

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

That looks really pretty, Manuela!

I love the scrolly thing at the top.

june@craftyniche said...

Looks wonderful!

Terri Steffes said...

I am totally in love with the idea that you didn't remove the mirror from the wall!! You are my kind of makeover queen!!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

You were right - it is much better white and with the scrolly piece on top!

Such simple things can make a huge difference! I so agree with you that making our homes nice for our family and for hospitality's sake is wonderful - it is my favorite thing!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Turned out great. I keep looking around here seeing things that need to be changed or updated, but until my daughter's wedding is over and some half finished projects have been completed, I am not going to start something else. I have 2 of those scrolly things :), but not a large mirrow to put one over. I think one will end up over my front door. Have a great day.
Glenda

Vee said...

Yup! Looks fantastic! You make me grin with your "I didn't even take it off the wall." Good for you!

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

It looks wonderful and I think it flows with the rest of your room much better now. What a bonus that you didn't even need to take it off the wall! :)

~ Sarah

Unknown said...

I love it! And I love how you didn't even take it off the wall. I can just see someone putting off doing a project like that because they think they have to take everything down, sand it, etc. etc. Can't wait to see your next project!

Sheryl

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

The mirror looks great painted white and adding that scroll piece on top....perfection! Did I ever ask you where you got your great sofa with the slip cover?
xo
Penny

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Your mirror projest is beautiful! You are so clever!

Hugs!
Maryjane

Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home said...

Very lovely! I'm so thankful for paint, it's a frugal girl's best friend!

Barb said...

Manuela, it looks wonderful...I love all your white.

The entire room is so calming and welcoming.

Barb

Carla said...

Love the "new" mirror. It looks great in white. Btw, I loooove your toile pillows.

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

I absolutely love the addition of the "scrolly thing". Additional platters above the couch will be very nice too (or perhaps a long hand painted sign). Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Tamara said...

Cheerful, crisp, clean, but cozy - somehow that is how I envision you! I like the bits of red on the couch pillows but maybe you could swap out for some fun blue bird printed fabric - that seems to be all the rage these days - I think the lamp shades would look fun if you found a funky "pop" shade - like black and white toile or zebra print - just eye candy... but that's me... love how you just casually worked a "make-over" into your day...

Ivory Pearl Interiors said...

It looks great Manuela. Excellent job!

Melanie@TheOldWhiteCottage said...

Ooooh! That came out gorgeous!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

That looks beautiful!

By the way, I was at Target earlier this week and saw the Shabby Chic toile (sp?) towels... red on white. :)

I know she has had to declare bankruptcy but she said the Target line will continue.

Angie said...

Love the whole arrangement - mirror, scrolly piece, and the plates! I totally agree with you that making my house pretty is my most favorite thing to do!!!

Linda's Blue Gate said...

You are so right there isn't anything more fun than redoing around the house...... LOVE the scrolly thing on top of the mirror and the plate along the side..... lovely...
Saran wrap..... never heard of that but that is a GREAT idea... I do that a lot paint and do something else while it drys ..... Thanks for always having the BEST ideas and sharing them.... you are the BEST....
HUgs
Linda

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love it!!! The scrolly piece is just the right touch. It's perfection.

Lamp Tramp said...

Your mirror looks beautiful, love the scroll you added to the top.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Wow - it does look much better white! I have a huge mirror I got at Costco like 10 years ago hanging on my wall. It is an ugly gold color. I have been wanting to paint it for years, but didn't want to take it down. It's so heavy!

That's cool that you painted it right on the wall. Did you put anything behind the mirror as you were painting it to protect the wall. So cute!

XOXO
Jen

Betsy Brock said...

Yes, much better! I love how you kept puttering around and getting things done while the coats dried. :)

Christine said...

It the "crowning" glory for your living room! It ties the room all together. Nicley done!

Susie Homemaker said...

Manuela...that is exactly how I do most everything here at our little home...I have flashes (I'd like to think of genius...Scotty Dog not so much)of inspiration and then, I have to do it...right then.
Your flash of inspiration was pure genius!

Blessings,
Susie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That scroly thing looks like it was made to go on that mirror. You are so smart! It turned out beautifully. laurie

Jenni said...

I have so enjoyed looking at all your beautiful pictures! I love your mirror and think it looks wonderful painted white! That is my favorite kind of day, cleaning and decorating...so fun! :)

P. said...

I think it's very nice.

Alfazema

Gracie said...

Much better indeed, I have to say! Good job girl!

Jen S. said...

Just stumbled upon your blog, and absolutely LOVE IT! How creative you are. I love your ideas!!
Can't wait to stop back :)
Sincerely,
Jen

Dena said...

I love it Manuela! I don't know that I could have left it on the wall like you did to paint though! You must be a very neat painter :) The scrolly thing is the perfect touch.

Hugs,
Dena

Jen Kershner said...

That is such a fantastic project. I love your style!

Kimberly C. said...

It's beautiful.

Sharon said...

Manuela,

It looks just beautiful!

Salmagundi said...

The scrolly thing really goes with the mirror perfectly. Do you ever take a break from projects? Wish I had your energy. Sally

Nora said...

Looks great! Amazing what a difference something like that can make. Enjoy!

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Wonderful! Great scrolly piece, too~

Caroline said...

Love the transformation!!

Emily said...

Those simple changes look sooo great. Love what you did.

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh so pretty! It really does look so much better, and I love the scrolly thing above it!

Suzanne said...

Love the new transformation!

Anonymous said...

Your mirror make over looks beautiful, you may want to consider lowering it closer to your couch.

Katrina said...

Oooo that looks really good. Fancy being so clever as to do it while still hanging! I would have the paint all over the place hahaha!!!