The Living Room Plan List is getting knocked out fairly fast, but with the holidays around the corner, I’m most interested in completing the fireplace makeover so I can decorate the mantel! This side of the room has gone through my usual roller coaster of indecision, but I’m thrilled with the final for now outcome!
After the brick was painted, I posed the question of whether or not to paint the mantel white and/or change the mirror:
Like many of you, I’m a fan of the knot mirror, but I always felt it was too dominant and imposing for the room. So I chose the Portico-style mirror I found on clearance…problem was, I didn’t like it’s silver finish.
But that’s easy enough to take care of, thanks to my friends Rub ‘n Buff!
I covered the silver using a custom blend of Antique Gold and Grecian Gold. I think this is the Chaz Bono of mirrors, it now looks as it was always intended.
Next came the chore of hanging it. Hard to believe, but this mirror weighs twice as much as the knot mirror! It also has the dreaded double-hook. I knew I’d put 87 holes in the wall trying to get two two nails even, and was afraid the whole thing would rip a hole through the wall (there’s not a stud in the center). So we picked up some Ook picture wire and a heavy-duty hook intended for drywall.
Following the directions for the wire, I joined the two hooks on the back of the mirror so it would hang from the single hook in the wall (1 hole, not 87!).
This shot is for you freaks loyal readers who are fans of Mr. Sugarplum hanging mirrors. (I’m talking to you, Emily, Michelle and Danielle!) It’s not quite as entertaining as the original since he cut his pajama pants into shorts. (Don’t ask.)
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| Watch the urchin, hon. |
But that was all just him being a good sport, because look who actually hung this monster!
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| This is the only shot Mr. Sugarplum took that’s not looking straight up my shorts. His payback, I guess. |
I drilled a hole through the drywall (my first time using a drill, how is that possible for a DIY blogger??), inserted the doo-hickie, then hammered in 5 nails for added support.
Just as I was about to step back and admire my prowess, a sound that’s never good when hanging large, heavy objects, echoed through the room. Seems my wire and picture hanger were strong enough, but the hooks that came with the mirror were not!
Thank goodness it happened when I was standing there! Can you even imagine if that thing had come crashing to the ground? It would have surely taken out half the wall and mantel with it. But crises was averted and I rewired directly to the base.
And here she is, newly gilded and gripping the wall like a champ.
I played with the styling longer than I’d like to admit, but finally stopped since I plan to change it up for Fall and Halloween soon enough.
The mantel stays black for now too, it’s easy enough to change if it throws the finished room off.
See what some paint and a few accessories and months of waffling can do?
And just to keep you in the loop, let’s zoom out a bit.
Yep, trying new colors out for the Den. I’m over the orange (Sherwin Williams Spicy Hue), and since there are two openings into that room, I want something more complementary to the Living Room.
So, did I chose your first pick for the mirror? If not, do you like this one anyway?
P.S. — I announced the winner of the Blondie’s Shop Giveaway on my Facebook page! Was it you? ‘Like’ me and find out! Muahahahahaha
Love it. What an amazing transformation to the whole fireplace! I've been following every step of the way and there has definitely been a lot of inspiration! Can't wait to see what you come up with next! Love me some rub n buff too! liz
I thought that mirror was great before, but it just looks awesome with the rub n buff. Funny how something little like that can make such a difference! The whole mantel looks great!
awesome! you are clever.
it looks fantastic.
Love how it turned out! Picks up the other gold tones in the room. And, I am glad you kept the mantel black…the mirror really pops off it.
The rub n buff is the perfect touch to that mirror! I can't believe that mirror fell down–yikes! How fortunate you were there to catch it.
That mirror looks so fab with it's gold makeover! Love it!
The change of mirror really makes the whole makeover! Awesome Cassie!
That new mirror looks awesome. Its really just so light and bright.
I think it all looks perfect – the mirror is my favorite and love the black mantel. It's definitely the best option!!! Of course you would only pick the best. And wow you really did a great job with the mirror – you are so smart. I never would have thought of that!
I was a fan of the black mirror, but now that you've added the Rub n Buff, I love this one! It does not look like a hubcap anymore. LOL
Perfection!! I'll confess, I did vote for the knot mirror, but if I would have known this was a choice – hands down! 🙂
Hahaha!!! I needed that this morning. He seriously cut his pajama pants into shorts? I can't stop laughing.
The mirror looks great and I like the mantel black. Although if you do decide to paint it, I think a grey would be awesome.
So much yummy goodness to respond to! It looks fantastic. . . as does Mr. Sugarplum in action with his newly designed pajama shorts. I love the paint treatment you did. Where do you buy rub n' buff? And I need that "F" on my mantel.
and I can not stop laughing about the chaz bono of mirrors. . .where do you come up with this stuff?
Looks gorgeous Cassie!! I want that little urchin…it keeps calling to me! And I love that you painted the mirror…need more of a tutorial I think!
It is PERFECT! I am so glad you went with that mirror added the rub-n-buff has transformed it! It is amazing stuff. Your mantel looks truly beautiful! The cut-off pajama shorts added even more greatness to this post! I can't wait to see what is next!
I am quite smitten with it……
I can't believe that you could work Chas Bono into a post…now that is real talent! (c: And that mirror looks like a completely different piece! I would've never thought of that, but it completely made it perfect!
Love the new mantel, gorgeous! Also wanted to tell you I think our husbands may have been separated at birth… Mine cuts all of his pants eventually into "man-pris". I can't explain it either. BTW, he would also take pictures up my shorts too =)
PERFECTION!!! YOu made the perfect choice Cassie!! I knew you would. The gold on the mirror is just what it needed!!! Well done 🙂
Hahaha, The Chaz Bono of mirrors? Well said my friend. It looks beautiful too!
LOVE the mirror Cassie and love the mantel! The rub n buff worked perfectly! And oh my gosh, I HATE when mirrors have the 2 hooks like that. A lot of times now I look at the back to see how they have to be hung and if they are like that I don't get it because it annoys me that much. What's even worse are the kinds that have 2 little holes on each side, where you have to use a screw. Nearly impossible to get straight. Arggghh.
And ps- your missoni knock-off glasses are adorable!!
Whoa girl! That looks awesome, great job!
It looks perfect! The mirror truly looks like it was always supposed to be that way. I am crushing on your living room like a tween at a Bieber concert 🙂
Love the fireplace! The mirror is perfect and much better after you used the Rub n Buff! I will have to try that trick!
It looks amazing Cassie.
Wait. Did you just describe your mirror as Chaz Bono? I mean … this is why I love your blog. You are freaking hilar.
Love the mirror and the rub n' buff finish. Love your home. But man, your wit is one of the big reasons I read your blog every day!
xo
This post made my day for several reasons: (1) Mr. Sugarplum and his PJ pants customization; and (2) your Chaz Bono of mirrors comments. Well done, friend.
The rub n buff really did the trick (TWSS). It looks amazing now and works so well with all the other gold/brass accents. It's perfection!
You crazy lady. That beautiful beast is dangerous, but worth the risks. It looks really really great. And the den…very exciting. Are you sleeping with a paintbrush in your hand?
Its amazing what a little Rub N Buff will do. It looks AMAZING!!! I mean I loved the black & gold knot but I dunno this one is really pretty stinking awesome! and can I just say I love it that you say "doo hickie" too 🙂
Looks great! I love that you added the gold to it – now it really fits in well with your tables and other touches of gold in the room. Still loving the black mantel 🙂
I just got this post in my email(I'm receiving them a day behind). When you first posted about the 2 mirrors I voted for the knot one, but now that you used rub & buff on this one I like it the best. I'm gonna have to get some of that stuff & use it! Since reading your post & seeing your pics of your fabulous decorating I'm becoming more of a fan of the gold tones & using color in accessories. Thank You for inspiring me!(btw…what color paint is on your living room walls? I love how you use light colors on the walls & bold colors in your accessories, really inspiring me to change my look!
Thank You,
Jeanine
It looks fantastic! The Rub n Buff really warms up the mirror. I loved the knot mirror also, but I think adding the rub n buff to this mirror is kind of the perfect balance of weight & warmth over the mantel.
LOVE the mirror! Adding the gold to it just makes it perfect. I've been looking for mirrors lately and with some, thinking how I could change them.
I love the fireplace too! The black on the mantel adds depth to it, IMHO, rather than all white. Of course, I love having black in every room. 🙂
Pat
Wow! I love the finished look and let me just say that it looks completely different a definite "WOW" factor. I liked it before but, I really like it now. It's fun to change things up. Great job and way to go to your hubby for hanging it up and not stepping on the urchin! 🙂
you and your cleverness… the gold trim was a great move.
when i saw your husbands shorts/pants, i double took because i thought tyler had the same pair. haha… then i looked closer & read about his couture shorts. 🙂 hilarious.
also… if you are tossing that knot mirror, go ahead and toss it east. 🙂
Wow – it's amazing what a little Rub 'n Buff can do to really change the look of something! Thanks so much for using our product. I would like to post this on our Facebook for our readers.
Love how the mirror looks with the rub n' buff. Just stumbled across your blog and love it. (Added it to my Google Reader feed.)
One thing about the fireplace. I saw where you had Photoshopped different painted mantels on it and none of the painted ones looked "rigth." I'm wondering if it's because of the black insert? We had one on our fireplace and things never quite looked right until we removed it. It was like a black hole sucking in all the lightness and color around it. Just an idea. I know it's nice for safety sake, but if you don't use it that much, I'd consider taking out the insert and giving the inside a good cleaning and possibly a layer of the gray paint. You might reconsider painting the mantel then.
Well, didn't mean to be so long-winded. Just wanted to say hi. 🙂
I love the contrast the Rub n Buff created..it really makes a great impact on your wall.
I love when change something to get it just the way we want it. That's what makes your decor stand out. Love your fireplace.
Robin
Robin Flies South
OMG…just the fact that you called this the 'Chaz Bono of mirrors' has me immediately converted into a new follower. Okay…I probably would have joined anyways (your projects + blog + house are awesome!), but THAT little blurb just made my day. Not that I run Chaz's fansite or anything, but I just enjoy your wit! Nice work on the mirror! 🙂 ~ Virginia @ http://www.livelovediy.com
Very eclectic look!
Small tip; if you need to hang an item that has 2 hooks, roll out a piece of tape between the 2 and use that to gauge where the nails need to go. Works everytime!!
Tip; if you need to hang an item with 2 hooks, roll out a piece of tape between the two hooks on the back of the item and then use that as a gauge on the wall for where the nails need to go. Works everytime!
Hello,
I have been searching your blog for ideas on painting metal. I have a new dresser and need to change the color of the knobs from chrome to metallic gold. I need a durable finish that won't chip or wear off, too. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Patti
Hi Patti — if it's just the knobs you're covering…I'd go with rub n buff…it's oil-based, so has great stick and staying power! and if you get any knicks or scratches, you can easily cover them up with more!
Can you please tell me where you got the mirror?
Thank you ,
Denise
Hi Denise — the mirror is from Home Goods. It looked quite different when I brought it home…but love it now! xo