Pictured below is what my bedroom has looked like forever. I had the same set-up in my last home and just imported it here…the same Pottery Barn quilt on my bed, with the same red lanterns, flanking my same scrolly iron mirror. I still like it, but after awhile a girl needs a change!
I’ve also had too much red in my life and feel the need for something lighter and fresher throughout the house. This scrolly mirror is nice but wasn’t really popping against the brick.
I decided I wanted to give the mirror an appearance of white-washed iron. I have a bit of an obsession with iron gates and wanted the frame to look a bit like a salvaged gate. I took a small sponge brush dipped in white paint and just outlined the scrolls. It was so easy to do, cost me nothing, and made a big difference.
Next, I focused on updating my lanterns.
The shades are flexible plastic, covered in fabric. I sort of liked the industrial-cage-look without the shade, but again, it didn’t look good up against my brick.
I debated covering the shades with different fabric, or paper, but decided I would just paint the existing shades white. This proved challenging. Fabric is hard to paint when you’re not using the right paint! I primed them with cheap Big Lots spray paint primer, and then sprayed them with Rustoleum Heirloom White. The fabric kept sucking up all the paint, so it took several coats. I have zero patience when it comes to waiting for things to dry, so I always use fans and hair dryers in my projects. Just be sure to set your hair dryer to a cool setting.
Here they are below looking good and almost dry. Oh, and just ignore that huge thing of sisal rope. I was going to incorporate it, but liked it better without. However be sure to notice that fantastic price! Big Lots baby. I keep telling you all. :).
Once my lanterns had their new dresses on, they were quite showy for the camera. Pretty eh?
Then it was just a matter of accessorizing! I repurposed some topiaries from downstairs to this spot…
….grabbed a plate that I had in the cupboard,
…and snatched a nest with my decorative paper balls .
Turning the mirror horizontal instead of vertical seems like such a no-brainer but for some reason it never occurred to me until today. Here’s another tip, see how my topiaries are not directly beneath the lanterns? Having symmetry without boxiness adds more interest.
So, let’s see it again….
BEFORE:
AFTER:
What do you think so far?
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Bunny Jeans Decor... and More! says
Very nice. I like the white, and the fact that you changed the way you hung the mirror… and what a pretty veiw it has!
Talk to you soon 😉
Bunny Jean
MrsKBJ says
You did a great job!!! I love it! I am excited for your mantel party tomorrow, my post is all ready to join the fun!! :O)
Kelly
My name is PJ. says
Beautifully transformed. a few tweaks led to a totally different feel!
Marianne@Songbird says
I liked it before, I like it even better after! I wrote a post just for you on my blog. Come on over and check it out!
Angela says
Ooh, your changes look great. I really like that chandelier you can see in the mirror's reflection too. And I'm really jealous of that brick wall. So lucky.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, btw (Fixing It Fancy). I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs says
I love the before…but the after is just so fresh and calming. You did a fantastic job! That brick wall is quite lovely too!
Blessings, Grace
Lovely Scribbles says
Ooh, how pretty, Beth! I know I said this in an earlier post, but those lanterns are awesome! The white really does make everything pop. After several months, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with all the red in my home, too. I still have no clue!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Much better "After." 🙂 The change you made to the shades was the biggest difference, I think, next to the mirror. I like the way you turned the mirror too. 🙂
Miss Tiff says
amazes me what a lil spray paint can do. and the topiaries were the perfect touch.
Jensamom23 says
Lovely!
kim says
I love the change. What I really love is the brick wall.
jenjen says
So cute Beth! I love the shades you made. What a fun idea!
XOX
Jen
Jessica says
I LOVE it! It looks cleaner and fresher. Also, I'm a sucker for anything with birds in it!
Christine says
oohhh I love all the white!
P@nmyfreetime.blogspot.com says
I love it!!!
Annesphamily says
Very pretty, I like those changes Very refreshing!
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
The lanterns are fantastic!! Love em!
Lindsey @ Inspiring Creations says
I think it turned out great! I love the contrast with the white and the brick!
Destination Seaborn says
I really like how it turned out! The white looks so crisp against the brick. The whole vignette looks very refreshing. I'm loving those topiaries!
Lisa
Carmen says
Looks wonderful! I liked it before. I like it even better now. Very interesting that you painted the fabric. I'm not sure I would have thought of that before. And I love me some Big Lots too!!!! 🙂
Tammy@InStitches says
It looks great ! If you're like me you'll spray paint anything that doesn't move. 🙂
Jenny says
Perfect! It really pops out now!
Dixiejet says
I like the white against the brick better but both are beautiful . I LOVE your style,Beth…
The Domestic Chick says
i really like the new look on the blog and the bedroom looks fantastic! i nominated you for a kreativ blogger award. read about it over at the domestic chick. you are simply awesome!
Blondie's Journal says
What a transformation, Beth! I absolutely love it. I love your exposed brick wall, too. It would never have occurred to me to paint fabric. The shade looks lovely and the raised pattern is much more easier to see painted white.
I love it all so far! 🙂
xoxo
Janie
JB says
Looks fabulous! And for free – even better. Big Lots rocks!
~Country Lady~ says
Yes, Love it!! Much much better!! I liked the original look, but this is WOW!! Great updated refreshed look!
Amy says
Great changes!
Jessi @ Yankee Belle Home says
I love it! Like you, I have also had a lot of red in my home over the years and am slowly changing. I am in need of a much lighter, airy feel in the house. I love the change in the lanterns! And the mirror looks great horizontal. And I am in love with your exposed brick!
Heather@PixieDust says
i love the changes – they really have made a strong impact.
Amy Kinser says
I love the change. I am also trying to lighten up everything in my house. I have always had so much red throughout and I am trying to get rid of most of it. I love the way you just painted your things and the great change was made.
Megandvd@Beauty in the Attempt says
Love the transformation!!! There is truly a gravitational pull to white! I am in the process of trying out new drapes in my living room and then lightening up my master bedding. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Cheers~
e
Pam says
Looks great. Next time I need a change I think I will move somethings from one room to the other instead of going out and buying different stuff…
Lisa says
I like how everything is lightened up. I'm going through the same thing about wanting to get away from all the dark I have in the house.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I liked the red, but I like this, too, Beth! Painting the fabric was a great idea. I love that you can see your chandelier in the mirror. The white really stands out against the brick wall.
Rachelle says
🙂 Love it. The shades look great!
I'm tellin' ya great minds think alike! I just posted like 3 hours ago how I put up new curtains in my kitchen. They're blue ticking now. I'm slooooowly taking out the red from my kitchen. One of my favorite colors, but time for a change! 🙂
Debbie says
I love it! It brightened it right up!!~ Nice job!!~
jen says
hoping to persuade you to post on friday your engagement story for my blog party – just link up on friday to the mclinky thing-a-magig. the details are all on my page if you've forgotten! anxious to read all of these mushy stories!