Friday, May 14, 2010

The (Not So) Big Reveal

Sorry it's taken me a while to post any photos of my new and improved downstairs paint job. It's been done for at least a couple of weeks now, but with the flood and the school year drawing to a close, I've been a little preoccupied. And although I think it looks great, the before and after photos are honestly just not that dramatic.


But, without further ado . . . 


Here's the BEFORE:

And, wait for it . . . the AFTER:

 Sorry I didn't get around to hanging up the emperor before snapping this shot.

SO much better, right? Okay, I won't feel hurt if you can't tell much of a difference from these photos. However, it is much lighter and brighter. I swear. And not so much the color of peanut butter anymore, but instead maybe a frothy latte.

You might be able to see more of a difference in the next set of photos:

BEFORE:


And, AFTER:


Since this is a before and after post, I'll also share a semi-finished project. Remember this sunburst clock I found at the Flea Market?

Well, I've really been wanting a sunburst mirror lately. When I read that A Perfect Gray and Caitlin Creer had transformed sunburst clocks into mirrors, I was sold. The only problem? I can't figure out how to get the clock out. But, never fear, in APG's post she mentioned another blogger who simply silver-leafed the glass clock front. So, I thought it was worth a try.

Confession: I've never "leafed" anything in my entire life. But off I went to Michael's to search out the proper materials. First, I applied the adhesive and let it sit until it got tacky.

Then, I applied the silver leaf with a dry brush. Really very easy.
I think it looks decent. Although, I'd really like to get it fitted with a real mirror. At least this gives me an idea of what it could look like.

What do you think?

13 comments:

lisaroy said...

Love your blog!
Your new paint looks fab and I think what you did with your starburst clock is brilliant!

Susan said...

I can't wait to see the paint in person but I think you can definitely tell a difference. Lighter, brighter. Me likey.

A Perfect Gray said...

woohoo! paint job AND clock-turned-mirror look great. I am so glad to see someone who tried the silver-leaf method...

I did have to search and search for the little screws that would remove the clock in the starburst I won on e-bay.

if you don't ever get your clock out - rest assured that yours looks AWESOME just like it is!

great going, babe!

bluehydrangea said...

I can tell a difference and the look rooms looks great! It looks like it got a mini face lift!! And great job on the clock/mirror! I have to to try it!!

Unknown said...

Awesome! The walls absolutely look lighter, your home looks so lovely, and that clock turned mirror is perfection! Wow!

Anonymous said...

I think it looks great. I tried silver leafing a couple years ago. I learned never to do it outside when it's windy :)

I thought you were headed to Disney soon?....

Julie

My Interior Life said...

Thanks everyone! I'm very pleased with the paint, and I'm liking the look of the sunburst "mirror" but think I at some point will switch it out for a real mirror.

We are off to Disney in a week. Yikes. I need to get organized.

kayce hughes said...

Wow! Everything looks great. now you have me all excited about silver leaf.

Unknown said...

Oh, I can totally see a difference! It looks lovely! Love that silver leaf, actually, I think it looks really fab!

Kim said...

As someone who has also looked at a million shades of the same color paint...I think it is AWESOME! So much lighter and airier. Great color choice. I'm jealous! I NEED to get my painting done.

That is a funky old clock. Don't you just love when you stumble upon great pieces at flea markets, or better yet, yard sales?

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

That whole chinoiserie mirror/white lamp/orchid arrangement is lovely. Clock turned mirror is genius - job well done!

Erin said...

You are the cutest tiniest person ever!

Love the new color -- so much more crisp and bright.

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

Sweet beJesus Kathy, you need to sell me that Pagoda mirror. (Can you tell I hopped over from your DC comment.) Seriously, I need that mirror in my life.