Tuesday, August 30, 2011

PAINTED WINDOW MIRROR AND DECOR TRICK



This window frame came out of the childhood home of a friend. I feel very honored to have it.


It was made into a mirror years ago and painted a semigloss red. 






It hangs in the hallway between the garage and the kitchen. We call this hallway "the mudroom". Mostly from habit. Our last home had a mudroom.

Since painting the kitchen/ family room/ mudroom Springfield Tan (Benjamin Moore) and moving to a more neutral color palate, the red looked a litttle garish. I decided to repaint it Graphite (Annie Sloan Chalk Paints) and put some age on it.



Painting furniture, I have discovered, is wonderfully fun and creative! Making a new piece look old and beautifully worn is so artistic! I could go a little crazy with paints I think!




No sanding, no priming just painting! I used 1 coat of ASCP in Graphite and touched up areas that needed a little more paint.
After the paint dried, I used AS Dark  Soft Wax and applied it liberally all over the mirror. When the wax was dry, I rubbed it to remove the excess.

Then the artistic process began... a little dab of Valspar antiquing glaze in Asphaltum,  sanding, and more glaze and more Dark Wax and more AS Paint. Until it "felt" right. Then a final coat of AS Clear Soft Wax was applied, dried and buffed to a lovely subdued finish.

I was very pleased with the red paint that showed up in the "worn" places. I love new color! The mirror looks dramatic in a soft worn way!


SG Trick

Through blogging I have discovered something that is a great decorating help! 

Taking pictures of an area in your home it can tell you a whole lot! 

What we miss or overlook with our own eyes the camera will pick up.

Here is an example:

The hanging drum light is new and coordinates with the light above my kitchen sink. The mirror works much better with the colors and the style of my kitchen/mud room area.






This area looks fine to me because I see it everday




BUT...

It could look so much more "finished" and interesting. And the camera picks that up! A little ho-hum isn't it?

By looking at the photo here is what this area needs...



1~  A nubby woven jute runner  from  PB outlet I was considering for this hall but left there. I'm running out today to pick it up.

Flat-Braided Jute Rug, 2.5 x 9
photo credit


2~   oil rubbed bronze door knobs would look very fresh 

photo credit



photo credit

3~  pulls on the hall closet would add a nice touch

 photo credit
photo credit


4~  something above the mirror, not too tall, would look nice... I'm thnking black framed family silhouettes with interesting mats.

photo credit


photo credit

5~   maybe a blessing above my door

Bless This Home and All Who ENTER Vinyl Lettering Wall Sayings Home Decor Art
photo credit

6~  The security pad needs updating. Call the company and price getting new alarm keypads (ours are 16 years old)

7~  Paint brass switch plates with oil rubbed bronze paint and install new dimmer switch


These images were also pinned to MUDROOM IDEAS (click on "mudroom") on Pinterest giving me an on-line design board to work from!

Keep posted as I pull this mudroom together to be as updated and fresh as my new kitchen.

I know that you have been patiently (hopefully) waiting for the kitchen reveal... I can't wait to show you!!!!!!  I just have to finish the bar stools and then it will be ready! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

I am participating in...
~WOW Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
POTPOURRI FRIDAY at 2895



49 comments:

  1. La Table De NanaAugust 30, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Your home looks just right Yvonne:) The changes you are planning are very pretty..I love the clock pulls:)

    I love having treasures from friends also..Reminders..:)

    You have been so busy!
    Good for you for perking things up to your liking..
    This isn't a rehearsal right?:)

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  2. free indeedAugust 30, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    You have a great eye...I would not have seen where improvements could be made. I love seeing what others have done, but I sometimes get very dissatisfied with my hohum stuff and just don't know where to go with it. I keep coming back to see more :)

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  3. Pat@Back Porch MusingsAugust 30, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Loving the changes Yvonne.

    A few years ago, an artisan near our home, handmade two Windsor rockers, specifically for us. The finish we chose was black over red. This was achieved with milk paint. The chairs were sanded and oiled after painting. Beautiful work. Your window finish looks just like the black over red on our chairs.

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  4. MelissaAugust 30, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I't looks nice as is, but the changes you are wanting to do will make it outstanding!
    I too have noticed how my lying eyes can't pick up what the camera can!

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  5. www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.comAugust 30, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    I know what you mean about the camera trick. I am attempting to redo my mudroom. Nothing as grand as yours though. I like the mirror redo! I have been dying to try out the AS paints but since I am a poor girl, I haven't. One day though....

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  6. Pinky at Designs by PinkyAugust 30, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Those changes will be beautiful! I LOOOVE that runner! It would be pretty HERE too! The dorrknobs are so nice that you show. You are so right about the camera SHOWING us what we look at every day and MISS!!!! XO, Pinky

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  7. Shannon@Cozy Home ScenesAugust 30, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Thanks for the nice comment you left for me, I really appreciate it. Your mudroom area looks nice now but your ideas for updating will make it even more striking. You have given me several ideas for changes to make at our 12 year old home. Isn't it surprising how quickly styles change. People used to live with the same look for many years without changing. They missed a lot of fun, didn't they? Shannon

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  8. UnknownAugust 30, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    It looks lovely in black and distresssed so well, Yvonne. Our small entry has a pine mirror that I posted about recently, similar in style to yours. I took photos and you are so right that things stand out much more from a photo. I'm just not happy with the mirror and now I'm wondering if painting it black and distressing is the way to go. If you or your readers get a chance, maybe they could pop by my entry and see if black would work better on the pine paned mirror.

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  9. Bunny JeanAugust 30, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Okay... will do :)

    I just pulled my two "clock knobs" out of the drawer and put them on the entry table/desk.

    Going to get the old wall scounces out of the garage and make cover the shades, and put them in my hallway.

    Painting the old window frame black and hanging it in the hallway.

    Maybe this can be next weeks party offerings ;) Thanks!

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    (Home to Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party)

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  10. Barbara F.August 30, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I wish I could repaint and refinish furniture but I doubt I could even get the lid off the can of paint. I can't believe the difference in the mirror, it looked lovely before, now it is fabulous. You have a very beautiful home. xo,

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  11. ℳartina @ Northern NestingAugust 30, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Great job Yvonne! I love the mirror painted black and I like how a little of the red peaks through. Love that new runner you chose too! Isn't it funny how one change always leads to another. Martina

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  12. On Crooked CreekAugust 30, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Yvonne,
    The mirror has made a gorgeous transformation! Like you, I adore how the red shows through! I've used my camera numerous times to be my "extra" pair of eyes when facing a decor dilemna...great advice!!! Oh, dear friend, how you do tease one with your upcoming post! Of course, I'll be back soon...for the rest of the story!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  13. GailAugust 30, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    The mirror looks great Yvonne and love all the changes you want to make. You have a beautiful home!

    Enjoy your day,
    Gail

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  14. Blondie's JournalAugust 30, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    I really love the window mirror, Yvonne...it looks perfect in this area. I know how you feel when you take a picture and something looks out of place or needs to be added. You have inspired me to paint my switch plates!!

    Have a great week! :-)

    XO,
    Janie

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  15. Johanna GehrleinAugust 30, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Hello Yvonne,
    the idea with the mirror window is great and I love the new look. And sure everything can be changed and looks new and fresh. But it also looks very nice the way it is.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  16. Manuela@A Cultivated NestAugust 30, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    I usually am such a chandelier girl but I really love your drum shades! Just gorgeous and so sophisticated looking but not fussy. The window mirror looks great too!

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  17. TeresaAugust 30, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Love what you did with the mirror Yvonne.
    I have several pieces around the house that would improve greatly with such treatement... I'm not sure I would dare even with your explanation.
    Thank you so much for sharing and your house is beyond Lovely.

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  18. Calico ChildAugust 30, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Love what you did to that mirror its truly gorgeous! :)

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  19. LoriAugust 30, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    I love the window mirror ~ I have a frame here that I lugged home from the cottage last year and have yet to do anything with ~ you have inspired me to finally do something with it!

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  20. under spanish mossAugust 30, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    I have a mirror like this that came from my grandmother's home. It has such sentimental value for your family.
    Angela

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  21. AnonymousAugust 30, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    if you can add a small shelf under the mirror. your home is so pretty, love your blog.

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  22. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleAugust 30, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Yvonne, great job on the finish of that mirror. Love the red showing through in spots. Love the light fixture and you have some wonderful ideas for adding some oomph to the space. Thanks for joining WOW.

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  23. KathyAugust 30, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    You are so right about the camera telling you things...I have done that before taken a picture and gone wow I should change this or that...I LOVE your pendant light fixture, I am going to copy that one!

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  24. ToniAugust 30, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    The mirror looks great, even better that has fond memories for you. Love all the changes you are planning.

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  25. FABBY'S LIVINGAugust 30, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Can't wait to see all your changes, they're going to look terrific, more than they are already. The mirror is lovely, it has memmories and I cherrish things like that. I love your home right now too. Hugs, FABBY

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  26. MariaAugust 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Hi Yvonne!
    Oh you always have something good going on over here!
    This is one of the best places to stop!
    Your ideas for jazzing up the hallway are super. I love your beautiful six panel doors and that sweet hanging lamp!

    Oh your kitchen reveal will be fun... I know I won't want to miss that!
    It turns out that Chris and I went with a soft, creamy granite for our countertop, Yvonne. I wasn't really a granite fan to start with and we almost bought soapstone. It looks magnificent with your creamy cabinets. With our peninsula being so long, and our kitchen on the average to small size, we thought we should keep it lighter. If we had to just go between the cabinets and had an island... soapstone would have been perfect. The island would be butcher block or marble ...
    Your farm sink is spectacular. I can't wait to see the rest!

    Thanks for sharing so much of your time and talent with us...
    Blessings and Joy to you, Yvonne!
    *Maria

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  27. Debra@CommonGroundAugust 31, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Love this, and that lamp shade is just perfect. (love the kitchen one too!!!) Can't wait to see what you do, the silhouettes would be great! xo Debra

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  28. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeAugust 31, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    This turned out great! Btw, thanks for the sweet comment about my hotdog kebobs.On a different note, you've got so much creativity in your blog and I'm admiring all your creative posts. Can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party :)

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  29. UnknownAugust 31, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Those are great ideas! WoW you are so busy I can't keep up! I was wondering if you had enough minutes in the day? ;o)

    Rainey

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  30. NanciAugust 31, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    That mirror is now really special as compared to being just red. You are right ...something wasn't right about that hallway. I think that oriental type rug juxtaposed against that drum light didn't work....the new rug will be an improvement. Another thought would be to paint your ceiling...you know, the 5th wall as they call it. Maybe on the same color strip as your wall paint, would cozy it up more.

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  31. ChlvieAugust 31, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Yvonne,

    You always have such beautiful ideas. I really so enjoy spending time here.

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  32. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos HomeAugust 31, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Hi Yvonne,

    I'm new to your blog! I just read your comment on Alison's Polohouse blog, and thought you sounded like the sweetest person. I needed to come on over and visit you :) I love the new look of the mirror and what you're planning for your mudroom. Looking forward to following along!

    :) Carolyn

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  33. The French HutchAugust 31, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    What a fantastic job you've done on the mirror. It does look just like you planned, old and worn. Your hall looks just like mine going from the kitchen to the garage, runner and all. I'm bookmarking this post, a great tutorial. I can't wait to see all you've done.
    Great post!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  34. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorAugust 31, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Your hallway looks so beautiful... picture perfect! I love your blog... so many wonderful inspirations! You are incredibly talented... from cooking, tablescaping to sewing and crafting.The transformation of the mirror is gorgeous and I love how you aged it... and the jute ruuner will be perfect for this hallway. Love the wall color and your attention to detail is impeccable! I really appreciate you stopping by and leaving me such an endearing comment,it made my day! I'm so glad you liked my pillow project and wish you all the best with yours. Thanks for always inspiring us to creativity!Hugs~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  35. Cathy at Wives with KnivesAugust 31, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    You are an artist with a paint brush, Yvonne. I love the way the red shows through on the window frame. You have polished the wood to the most beautiful lustre. Taking photos of areas in the house is such a good idea and helps looking at things with fresh eyes. Can't wait to see the results of all your work.

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  36. LizabethAugust 31, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    You did an excellent job on the frame/mirrored piece...your rubbed off sections look perfect! I just saw a give-a-way at the "Color Outside The Lines" blog for a $100 credit at a company that makes vinyl lettering...your idea for the "Bless This Home- and all who enter" made me think of that! Seems like that would be a nice way to add that in there!

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  37. RettabugAugust 31, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Fantastic job with lots of interesting details yet to come. I'm impressed with seeing how you think this through, Yvonne. I need lessons! :/

    Your mirror turned out GREAT & I like all the other additions, too.

    Its funny how a photo can show our eyes something that we never noticed before. I find that true with every sewing project.

    Have fun shopping today!
    Hugs,
    Rett

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  38. Honey at 2805August 31, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Love the way the mirror turned out, especially the color you choose and the red that is showing through!

    It's amazing what the camera shows that you never notice until you see the picture. Your upgrades will be terrific!

    So happy to learn that you are planning to attend my party. It will be all the better with you there. Thanks for becoming a friend and follower--I already follow you.

    Can't wait for the kitchen reveal!

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  39. tableandtop.comAugust 31, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Your home looks great. Love the post!!

    'Please visit our new website www.tableandtop.com'

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  40. SavoringTime in the KitchenAugust 31, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Great idea for the window! I love all of your ideas for the hall too. The knobs and pulls are wonderful and I think the jute rug will look great! I hope we get another look :)

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  41. Magali @ The Little White HouseAugust 31, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    I love how the red shows under the new paint. It makes it very interesting.

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  42. joyh82August 31, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    just dropping in and I have to say I just love your kitchen. I wish I had white cabinets and I love the beadboard backsplash.

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  43. Take SixAugust 31, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Beautiful job! I love the red showing through on the worn places. You picked the perfect spot to hang it!

    ~Tanya

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  44. Anita at Cedar Hill August 31, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    You are cracking me up with your circles. The hall looks beautiful as it is. Yes I love your ideas for improvement too. Okay, I admit, I do the same thing with my house, but it's still funny.

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  45. Helen's DecorSeptember 1, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Hi Yvonne, I've enjoyed visiting from Kim'a WOW, and becoming a new follower of your blog. I'm especially glad that you mentioned updating the security key pad. Our pads need a facelift. LOL!

    Thanks,
    Helen of Helen's Decor

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  46. The TablescaperSeptember 1, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    I like the idea of taking a photo in order to better evaluate a space. I think I need to give that a try. And yes, I want to see your kitchen reveal!

    - The Tablescaper

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  47. Honey at 2805September 1, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    Hi! I'm stopping by again to say a special thank you for for linking to Potpourri Friday and helping to make it a success! I appreciate you and hope to see you again next week!

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  48. The AtwoodsSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I love the changes you have in mind, Yvonne! Esp. the silhouette wall!

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  49. EllenSeptember 6, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    What a nice way to pay tribute to something treasured. The new look is very nice, and I can vision the changes.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

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