Reflections of a Mirror Addict

I began writing this post simply to share the new sunburst mirrors I added to my family room wall.

They're from the Suzanne Kasler collection for Ballard Designs, and I'm totally digging them. I have one more that I need to hang somewhere, but I can't make up my mind where I want to use it. Perhaps on a bookshelf or on my newly-painted black door.... hmmmm...

As I walked around the house, contemplating the perfect spot to hang my little mirror, it dawned on me that I might have a teensy weensy obsession with reflective objects.

Or perhaps I'm in denial and actually have a full-blown mirror addiction. I'll let you be the judge.

In my dining room I recently hung this capiz mirror.

My living room is home to two mirrors. One surrounded by my audubon prints.

And one above the settee.

There's a mirror in the front entry.

And a mirror in the side entry.

One in the upstairs hall.

And one above my bed.

There's a large mirror in the guest room.

as well as a smaller one.

And I swapped out one large builder grade mirror for two mirrors in the guest bathroom.

And these are only the decorative mirrors, people.  There's still plenty of other mirrors in the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Now, if Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" has started playing in your mind, please know this. I love the look of mirrors. I don't love looking in mirrors. In fact, if you run into me towards the end of the day, I'm likely to be pale and have makeup smudged under my eyes. That's right. Even with this many mirrors, I don't check myself out and reapply lipstick accordingly (sorry mom).

So, why all the mirrors?

I suppose I'm originally attracted to them because of the shape or style or material of the frame. And, I love them for their reflective quality and ability to make spaces seem larger or more open. The price tag is generally reasonable, and they're less of a financial and decorative commitment than art.

Do you share my addiction to decorating with mirrors? Or should I take a long hard look in the mirror and realize I need help?

Black Door Friday

Happy Friday!!

I'm referring to today as Black Friday, or more specifically, Black Door Friday.

It's the day I finally completed a project that I'd been contemplating for a long time.

Inspired by these Pinterest images...

I finally took a paintbrush (and a foam roller) to my boring white front door...

BEFORE

AFTER

I'm loving the change, and think it will look even better with unlacquered brass hardware, such as this...

The door is appearing blue in these photos, but it definitely reads black in reality. I used SW "Tricorn Black" in a satin finish.

You may have noticed in my "before" pic, I had curtains on my sidelights. While I appreciate the privacy factor and the sun protection for my hardwood floors, I think the door looks better with exposed sidelight windows.

Do you have sidelights? And if so, do you cover them or leave them exposed?

What is a girl to do? Give up running naked through the house, or cover the windows?
It's a tough call :)

TGIF!!

House Plants Even I Can't Kill (Hopefully!)

I've recently added some living organisms to my my abode, and I'm not referring to more kids or dogs.

I'm talking plants. Plants that anyone can keep alive. Even a gardening-challenged person such as myself.

The lucky bamboo I showed you was only one of my recent nursery purchases. I also picked up some more of my go-to, extremely-difficult-to-kill favorites.... succulents.

I love the interesting shapes and colors of succulents.

They're perfect for adding texture and interest to a tabletop, bookshelf or bathroom counter.


It's not strictly succulent around here though. I have tried my luck with orchids, and sometimes I can keep them alive for a pretty good stretch.

Angel's Tears seemed pretty easy to care for, so I put some in the pots on my coffee table.

I was really enjoying the look of this delicate greenery. That was until my brother sat on my couch and started singing, "cha cha cha chia..."

Now I'm thinking I might need to draw some faces on the pots.

What plants do you use around your house? Succulents? Orchids? Chia pets?

Getting Lucky

Yesterday in my kitchen makeover post, you may have noticed a little friend making his debut appearance.

Meet Lucky.

Lucky is a shepherd mix who was rescued from a shelter in Kentucky. We have been fostering him for a week. He is around 3 years old, and is a really sweet, easygoing guy. In fact, he is almost too good to be true. He doesn't jump up, doesn't chew stuff, and doesn't beg for food. He is a friendly and gentle soul.

So far, his only fault is that he's a sloppy drunk! He can't seem to take a drink of water without spilling most of it on the floors. But that's a small price to pay for such a sweet pup :)

Sadly, the puppy we adopted in December had to go live with another family. Let's just say that he made it known too many times that he didn't like the children. And there are a lot of kids in and out of this house every day. We were sad to see him go, because we loved him. But he is in a loving, adult-only home, and we are so lucky to have found Lucky!

Tomorrow we will officially adopt him.


In honor of Lucky's adoption, I've added some Lucky Bamboo to our house.

I discovered Lucky Bamboo at the nursery the other day and chose a couple of stalks to bring home.

The stalks can be planted in soil or water. If you "plant" in water, you should use bottled or filtered water, and change it once every two weeks. The plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight.

Bamboo plants have been considered a sign of good luck by many Asian cultures for thousands of years. The Chinese see the plant as a symbol of luck and wealth. Well, who couldn't use more of those?

Lucky Bamboo is often used in Feng Shui to promote positive energy, or "chi."

If you are needing some good luck, try planting some Lucky Bamboo.

Or consider adopting a rescue dog. There are so many Luckys out there, in need of a loving home. Trust me, when you open your home to a sweet dog like our Lucky, you will be the lucky one!

Kitchen Makeover

Do you believe in the power of paint? I sure do.

It was nothing more than a few cans of paint that transformed my kitchen from dark and dated to light and bright.

Not convinced? Take a look at the kitchen before...

BEFORE

 Truly the only changes made were removing the wallpaper and painting the walls and trim.

The cabinets, countertop and outdated appliances are all the same.

Holy stovetop, Batman! Honestly, it doesn't even bother me anymore. (Except when I'm trying to quickly boil water).


Here's the "before" view looking into the family room...

BEFORE

And "after"...

A little easier on the eyes, don't you think?

The desk area before...

 And after...

The door will be painted white, but it needs to be sprayed outside. Not gonna happen in February.


One more "before" pic, just for the fun of it...

And, now I'm just getting camera happy...

One of my favorite changes is the window. Where the dark trim used to stop the eye, the white paint really allows an unobstructed view to the outside.

I bought myself some tulips for Valentine's Day.

Last year my husband bought me yellow roses. Glad he considers me such a good "friend." I wasn't taking any chances this year. God love him.

So, there you have it. My kitchen updated simply with paint. Were you already a believer in the power of paint, or have I converted you?

A kitchen renovation is in the future. When the 20 year old appliances finally bite the dust. I'd actually like them to hold out until my youngest is in school full-time. Mama don't have time for such a big project just yet.

I think I might be in love with my lighter, brighter, happier kitchen. Or, at the very least, I consider him a good friend.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! Lots of love to all of you :)


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