{Dining Room} Ring It In

Several room makeovers are in progress over here, but the biggest changes lately have come in the Family Room/Den. Last you saw it, we filled the large wall over the new sectional with photos from our travels.

 Gallery Wall

Which meant the knot mirror needed to be relocated. This certainly isn’t the first time this mirror has gotten the boot…after snatching her up for a cra-zee deal, she lived over the Living Room mantel.

100_3114a
Wowza, this was before painting the brick and enclosing the pass-thru!

But she was too bold and graphic for the space, so she moved to the Family Room. But once the sectional came home, she just didn’t fill the space the way we wanted there either.

hi sugarplum den (5)

At this point, we were running out of walls to try! Since we stole six of the travel photos from this corner of the Dining Room….

Ring Pulls

The next likely spot was over the hutch, where it was a black and gold match made in Heaven! The Dining Room has tall ceilings and big furniture, so this mirror holds it’s own without being overly dominant. It also makes this corner a real focal point….which meant it was time to finally do something about the hutch.

Ring Pulls

It’s well over 100 years old, and has passed through several generations of our family, so I definitely wanted to keep it. And although I’m not afraid to paint “fancypants heirloom pieces,” I just didn’t think it would benefit from it. You can see I’d tried out different looks by placing bright paper behind the glass, and experimenting with blue glass knobs. Neither was working for me. But the existing knobs weren’t contributing to the overall beauty of the hutch.

Ring Pulls

Once we pried each of them off, we realized any replacements would need some sort of base plate to cover the mark left behind.

Ring Pulls

Ring pulls from Horton Brasses to the rescue!! The base plate covers the hole, and the antique finish jives with the time period, while still updating the piece. 

Ring Pulls

I can’t get over how such a small change has completely transformed the hutch! Removing the paper and organizing the cabinet really helped too. I just love how the pulls look with the DIY Metallic Lampshades!

Ring Pulls

There’s no question this spot, with those lamps, is where the knot mirror belongs. I’d say forever home, but let’s not get carried away.

Ring Pulls

Look at the difference, would ya?!

ring pulls
Ring Pulls

I’m absolutely crazy about this corner…and can’t wait to see it once the new wall color and drapes go up next year.

Ring Pulls

I’ll save your scrolling finger and leave you with a final Before & After.

Ring Pulls
 
Dining Room List
New Drapes
New Wall Color
Brighter Rug
What to do with the Piano?
Repair Piano Leg
Piano Bench Makeover
Replace Lampshade on Piano
Wall Art?

And another one bites the dust!! Have you made any small changes for a big impact? Do you think the knot mirror has finally found her home?!

Leave a Comment

57 Comments

  1. Oh, great change. Really fits the space and your hutch certainly shines now. Gotta love a good house shop and switcheroo. Loving all your updates as of late. Thanks for sharing, liz

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  2. Chris wrote:

    How is it possible that something so simple can be such a game-changer for this console? I love it!! I'll take two, please. 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  3. Oooh I really like that knot mirror – I wish they still had it at Kirkland's! And those changes on the hutch do make a world of difference!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  4. It's gorgeous and the hutch looks like a completely different piece! Great job! Can't wait to see the rest of your updates!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  5. I love incorporating old heirloom items with fresh modern stuff!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  6. om, that is seriously a huge improvement. I have a few things I want to add those too. Off to go follow the link and waste a half hour. Your family room is looking amazing too. We want a sectional so bad. Looks so inviting!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  7. That is definitely THE spot for the mirror! And the hutch upgrade is perfect. Love it!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  8. I'm a big fan of the eclectic style…I love too many design styles to narrow it down to one. I also use antique pieces throughout my house. They give such warmth and history to a room.

    DO NOT paint that hutch. The wood is too pretty. It would be a huge crime!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  9. Love this change!! The handles make a huge difference! I love the mirror above this piece too! I also love your dining chairs! Where did you get them? I am wanting to find some like that for our table. Our poor table has sat alone for nearly two years 🙁

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  10. Wow! I'm surprised what a difference the new pulls made to the buffet. It looks so much more sophisticated. Thanks for turning me on to Horton Brass.

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  11. 100% better and such a simple change. I love how you move things around. I just love doing that.

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  12. Love the little changes. The pulls look great!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  13. sfitzg2 wrote:

    Love the make-over! The new hardware is a great fit

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  14. That is HUGE little change! I can't believe how much that one switch transforms the piece. Your corner came together beautifully!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  15. LOVE the ring pulls…I am pinning them for a piece in my hallway that needs an update. The mirror echos the brass beautifully, too 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  16. The new hardware definitely looks better! Love that corner xx

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  17. It looks so great! It's crazy how small changes make such a difference.

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  18. It looks awesome! I love moving things around in my house…my husband not so much 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  19. Perfect – those ring pulls are just the right fit for that piece – it looks amazing!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  20. I have always had a crush on those pulls. That corner looks fantastic! Such a great update, Cassie!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  21. Suzanna wrote:

    The mirror looks perfect there! Congrats on finding the right spot for it (for the moment at least, right?) I love the simple update that made such a big difference 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  22. It's amazing what hardware can do – that piece is beautiful! I love the color and texture of the wood! That whole corner looks great!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  23. Booyah! That's a winner! Love the transformation!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  24. And yes…I just said booyah.

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  25. Jennifer H wrote:

    I don't like antiques at all, so the before picture, I think I said OLD when it popped up. the new hardware and the glass completley change the look of the piece. Very nice

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  26. Love the new handles! And it's great when such a small change can make such a HUGE difference!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  27. Those pulls are absolutely to die for on there!!! Makes such a different, amazing really!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  28. Jen wrote:

    What a huge impact those pulls make. The hutch and the whole space look great.

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  29. Spectacular change Cassie! I love how the new pulls add so much to the cabinet without overwhelming it, and it all fits together beautifully. Great styling too!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  30. My goodness that look AWESOME! Love peaking through the glass to see what treasures that piece holds. And the new hardward is fantastic. Well done!
    Sheaffer 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  31. Wowza! Looks amazing! What a difference — the changes definitely give it a more classic look, but the mirror still keeps the corner eclectic. LOVE it, Cassie!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  32. a' la mode wrote:

    your new den looks amazing and the travel photos are a HUGE winner. LOVE Cass! xoxo shel

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  33. YAY for ring pulls! They are my fav and you prove what an incredible change they can make to a piece of furniture! The mirror looks great in its new home as well!

    xo,
    Jen

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  34. Love the changes, tha hardware made such a fabulous impact!! I am working on gallery wall for our hallway- where did you find the frames you used? I would love something similar:) You rock at cheap and chic updates!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  35. Oh yeah!! That looks awesome. I'm glad you didn't paint it- sometimes paint works wonders, but I think the wood is beautiful here. And you were right about those pulls, they're perfect!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  36. What a difference! The ring pulls are gorgeous — that corner is really starting to come together 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  37. Wow! It's amazing what a difference new hardware can make! It looks SO much better!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  38. Love it! Much better!!!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    Where has this blog been all my life? What a great little makeover. Can't wait to see more of your projects!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  40. Shannon wrote:

    Those pulls are to die for! And the mirror looks great. I'm also obsessed with the striped tray in your living room, among other things… 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  41. Woo hoo for the 'simple details!' 🙂

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  42. What a difference! It looks awesome and I love that spot for the mirror. I switched out some knobs to a chest, http://ouryellowlovenest.blogspot.com/2011/10/guest-room-update.html, but I am loving your pulls!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  43. Those pulls are such a massive improvement! That sideboard is such a cool piece (with awesome history) so it's good to see it maintaining it's original character but getting a good ol' facelift!

    Posted 10.30.12 Reply
  44. Beautiful transformation in this corner! The new hardware is perfect!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  45. What a huge change those little pulls made (it was a gorgeous piece to begin with!) I have to change out the knobs on our bedroom furniture and am keeping fingers crossed that they make me fall back in love with the pieces (that my husband reallllllly likes). The pulls you chose look so great with the mirror and lampshades!!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  46. Sophia wrote:

    This hutch looks amazing! And I was glad to see these pictures taken from my homeland Greece hanging at your "Big Wall" (I missed the relative post…). You are always doing a great job and experimenting until you get perfection is all the magic in your work.

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  47. First of all, I love, love, love that mirror. Fabulous! And the new look of your hutch is great – I'm usually all about whipping out the paint brush to update furniture but switching out the knobs was all your little beauty needed!! Looks fantastic!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  48. Can you tell me where you purchased the cute zebra rug?

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  49. Hi Kathy — the zebra rugs in both my entrance hall and family room are from rugs usa…they always go on sale for 50% off or more!!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  50. Holly wrote:

    I love the new hardware. I just refinished two dressers with paint and new hardware. You can check it out at http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2012/06/create-new-dresser-from-old-one.html and http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2012/10/create-dresser-for-master-bedroom.html

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  51. Patty Lucas wrote:

    First I have to tell you that I forgot (I'm old) that I subscribed to your post and when I got an E-mail saying Hi Sugarplum I was a little surprised. I LOVE your tips and comments. I also want to thank you for your metal lampshades. I bought a beautiful punched tin lamp and painted the lampshade. I never used it because the paint looked terrible. I will paint it tonight with gold. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  52. Wow! The hutch looks amazing! I love the ring pulls!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  53. Thanks!

    Posted 10.31.12 Reply
  54. I think your mirror has finally found its home! Love the travel pics over the sofa 🙂

    Posted 11.1.12 Reply
  55. That piece is a rock star. So crazy how you can make it shine with just a few tweaks!

    Posted 11.1.12 Reply
  56. Anonymous wrote:

    I am so happy for you that you have found a good place for your beloved knot mirror. It's been a long time coming but you persevered. Good for you!

    Riley 🙂

    Posted 11.1.12 Reply
  57. Mely wrote:

    I just found your blog through Mix and Match Mama and I am obsessed (I even shared the link on FB) Blog reading to me is like Pinterest to others. With that said, we have an old fireplace in our home that I would like to try your fireplace project on. Our house is straight out of 1987 popcorn ceilings and all (the horror, I know) and has never been renovated so I will be checking out your blog for some budget friendly projects to spruce it up. You have a new blog stalker in me!

    Posted 3.14.14 Reply