The color of it was exactly what I had been secretly visualizing using in our guest bathroom for the past few months...
(new mirror)
Yeah, Kevin didn't know it, but I mentally replaced the white-framed mirror that was previously hanging in there as soon as he hung it up. :-)
(old mirror)
I've trained myself to not say anything about decor-related things that bother me until after I find a replacement for them. That way, Kevin doesn't have to stress about them too. Or should I say, that way, Kevin doesn't have to stress about me wanting to buy something else after he just spent a half an hour hanging the heaviest mirror in existence. :-)
If you aren't familiar with my "wait and wow!" technique, you should try it.
It works like a charm. Nine-and-a-half times out of ten, your spouse will like your "replacement idea" more than the previous option too- they just have a harder time visualizing than you do. Presenting them with an actual item you'd like to use instead, and explaining why it makes more sense when you have it right in front of you is key.
I'm tellin' ya- it's a bonafide stress-saver! :-)
PS- Kevin likes our new mirror so much, he didn't even mind that he had to spend two days adding extra tile to the wall because the new mirror is a little smaller than our old one...
Okay, that part isn't true. :-)
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This next flea market frame, however, was a little bit harder to sell Kevin on...
...but I quickly put his worried mind at ease by explaining my "big transformation plans" for this piece. (More on that project to come!)
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I got all the frames in our dining room at flea markets too...
I used to have everything framed in new frames on our picture ledge, but there was something about the colors, textures and shapes of these old ones I collected over time that just seemed to work in here...
Muted blue and chippy, meets cloud white and smooth...
There's comfort in the cracks too...
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In the living room, I mixed a flea market frame with a couple of new frames I got at Michaels for a crisp, collected look...
I got the middle frame for $2.00, and I took the photo of a rooftop in Charleston, South Carolina while visiting with my Mom last summer...
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In the reading room, I used a bunch of different frames too. I found this Roger Tory Peterson lithograph (© 1942) at a flea market for $14.00, and although I'll probably switch out the frame, it is sort of nice how this one takes a back seat to the artwork inside it...
On the other side of the reading room, I used another mixture of new and old frames, but I made a conscious to decision to use only frames that looked old.
The mirror, on the left, was previously very shiny and silver. I used a rusting kit to age it, then dry-brushed on some creamy-white craft paint to give it a "salty" look...
The frame holding Kevin's Moms photo is an old frame...
...while the frame holding my Moms photo is a new frame, that looks old.
The white shadowbox filled with shells is also new, but it's distressed, so it blends in nicely with look of the other frames.
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In the guest room, I used all new frames...
...but because they're all different styles, I was able to put together a grouping that still appealed to my love of all things "loose". :-)
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In the end, what type of frames you use isn't half as important as remembering to use them is. Surrounding yourself with images of the people, poetry and places you love will not only make you feel good, it will give your home a pulse too!
Layla
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This post brought to you by...
My Mom's Shellboxes!
This post brought to you by...
My Mom's Shellboxes!
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65 comments:
The mirror is very pretty! Your home has such a timeless quality.
~Lovely job!
First of all I totally agree with your replace/design concept...I too have learned that the 'spouse' will realize all too quickly that you have better taste than he. I also love old frames and find myself buying them before I have something to put in them! I wish I had more walls sometimes...cheers...
These are all so great! I need to go to more flea markets as I end up buying cheap frames and painting them to look old!! thanks for the run down of your frames. And your bathroom mirror does look better than the white!! Great Job!
I love the new frame in the bathroom. It looks great! I've been reading (and loving) your blog for a while now, but don't think I've ever commented before. Better late than never, right? :) By the way, I live in Florida now, but I'm from Montgomery! My husband (who is from Wetumpka) worked throughout high school and college at Eastbrook Flea Market. I'm sure you know of it. :)
Layla, I think you look like your mom. :) I love how you've used all the old frames, while mixing in new ones to boot! I too love old frames almost as much as old dressers. :)
I like the new mirror in the bathroom SO much better than the white one. I like how it spreads the natural wood around from the sink top, to the ceiling and back down to the frame. :) Kudos to you!I would love to go to the flea market with you...or maybe you should come to KY and shop with me...we have great tag sales too! :)
Mmmm...love all the frames. The new bathroom mirror looks wonderful!
The bathroom mirror change is for the better. Good choice. I have been amassing old frames from thrift stores and have yet to get hung. I just did a post about what color to paint them. I was going to paint them all one color. This post has got me thinking...maybe I won't, maybe I will just mix them up....Thanks again for MORE inspiration
Boy, Kevin is his mother's child and you are your mother all over! Loved the frames but enjoyed seeing what is in them also!
I would not of thought the bathroom could look any better than it already did, but you were right on with the new mirror with the darker frame.
It really connects to the wooden top on the vanity. Wonderful.
seriously, could 2 people look more like their mom's. i dont think so!
Layla - pretty mirror.
What kind of tile did you put on the wall? It looks blue/grey (which I'm LOOKING FOR) but our local Home Improvement stores only carry the beige/grey.
Help help?
ok wow! i am soooo loving the new frame in your bathroom.....fantastic. great scores.
thanks for sharing :)
makes me wanna go shopping.
Your "sneaky" idea of replacing something after you've already bought the replacement is epic. Thanks! I'm going to try that out soon. ;) My husband is the same way..."just show me and I'll get what you're saying". I'm the visionary...he's the "make-it-happener". Ha! It works!
Love the frames and mirrors and the way you've displayed them, but you wouldn't have had to even tell me who's mom was who - y'all look exactly like your mom's - without a doubt! Looking at who/what is in the frames is so much more exciting than looking at the frames - and not in some creepy, blog stalker kinda' way either ;-)
Don't you love Charleston? Rainbow Row? The "open air" Market? Love it!
Oh, and by the way, the mirror in the bathroom is so beautiful! It really makes all the tile and the white cabinets "POP". And it coordinates lovely with the farm table. Great choice. :)
Ooooh ooh, love that "salty" one. Beautiful displays. Timeless!
i love that mirror you found, it looks great! i too try to do the same thing with my husband. not really tell him what i am thinking about changing....he always can only think of the money it costs...then when i frugally get it done, he is like "what a great idea!"
thanks for sharing!
I love how the new mirror looks. It's so perfect with the countertop. BTW, it looks like you are in Alabama. I went to Auburn and live in Texas now. :)
I love all of your frames, both old and new, and the way you've grouped them together!
We also replaced a white mirror in our guest bath with an old antique framed one and I love it!
Kat :)
I agree with you 100%...a home without art is a home without a soul!
The dark wood frame on that mirror was exactly what the bath needed. The white blended in too much. I am a sucker for an old frame as well.
I love frames too! My husband has to steer me away from them everywhere we go!
Oh Layla,I needed that advice badly. I think 90 miles an hour while my blessd hubby is still on the project I thought of months ago.I overwhelm him and then can't understand why he balks at doing the things that only I visulize. Btw I have that exact frame you showed the chalkboard in yesterday.I had just got hubby to saw me a piece of luan to paint with chalkboard paint. neat isn't it? keepup the good designing!! Mary
I love the look of your home! I think the new brown framed mirror fits in and feels so much more warm, more character added too!
I just love all your photo groupings! I need more of them in my home.. working on that right now! And I totally agree with your little "switch while the spouse is away!" :) It's so much easier than trying to explain your vision sometimes!
Very timely post for me, I have just started my hunt for old, interesting frames to make a group of frames on my staircase to display kids artwork!
Your home is fabulous!
Layla,
I think the dark wood framed mirror pops against your wall. It looks great. I will have to use your 'technique'.
I never match frames, I prefer old, vintage frames or new ones that look old that all compliment each other.
I love your mother's shell boxes. I am going to order one as soon as I complete the room it's going in.
Deborah
wow...that picture of your mom looks just like you...how beautiful. Thanks for the find it first tip! I think that will go a long way in my relationship..heehee
I love your new choice in mirror. It looks great!
OMG! that's is sooo funny! I do the same thing to my husband {the part about not telling him until I find a replacement!} I actually did it today! LOL it had to do w/ outside light fixtures :) truely enjoy your blog! Hugs, Nan
I thought I was in love with your old mirror but I do like this new one better!
Thanks for the "wait and wow" tip, I will be using that one for sure!
You totally made the right decision on that new (old) frame over the sink! I never thought anything was amiss with the white frame, but this one is true perfection! Nicely done.
Beautiful finds, Layla!
And I completely -- completely -- get your advice about replacing things. :)
Kelly
I like the new/old mirror better than the white one, it fits the room. I like that it coordinates w/ the counter top; which by the way, I LOVE!!
I love them all, Layla. New frames, old frames, new frames that look like old frames, old frames that have new things in them... Beautiful!
Wow, you really know how to work some beautiful magic with frames.
I think I'll start looking around my house to see if there are some things that I can frame. Thanks for the inspiration.
I like the way you work your husband, I mean gently nudge him,LOL to help with your decor mania.
hugs
Sissie
I agree with your concept too. Love all the frames, beautiful as always.
I laughed out loud when I read the comment about finding the replacement before you say anything. Dustin is the same way! If I just spring it on him-- it is a panic.. But, if I have something to show and tell at the same time, it works every time :)
You are so right, the new mirror is perfect. I will have to try that wait-and-replace technique.
You really look like your mother in that photo. I'm sure everyone says that, but the resemblance is remarkable.
Aaah...the "wait and wow!" technique...love it!! And you totally look like your mother! Both of you are gorgeous!!
I love how your bathroom is coming together...you are right, the natural wood was the way to go. It is the perfect balance to the countertops. :) You know what you're doing, girl!
Thanks, Layla! I have a bunch of frames in the floor of my office that have been there way too long. I'm going to try to get them out and up on the walls very soon!
Amazing! Ok, great advice on dealing with the hubby, iam going to use it. Great mix of the old and new frames..love the rooftop photo..very creative..seashell..no words..love the mirror in the bathroom waaaayyy better to..lulu
I just love everything you have done here. Can't wait to see whats in store for that old print/frame.
You're right! The darker mirror in the bath creates just the right amount of contrast and blends with the counter top. Looks great!
Lauren
Perfect!!! Love the new and old frames...they play nice together ;)
i love the new mirror in the bathroom so much more than the white! your redo looks amazing!!!
Me, too! I love the OLD frame much better!!! Plays off the wood top of the vanity!
You were so right in making the change so much better, You have the eye!! Good advice about the show and then tell when it comes to Hubby. I think we have developed our ,little ways, with our men. You are so much fun to tag along with on your adventures. Would love for you to come and visit my new blog when you have a chance. Kathysue
I had to comment because the "wait and wow" technique made me laugh out loud! I am a big rearranger, I like change and I'm always coming up with ideas. I am always unloading them on my husband and he never seems to really like any of the ideas. I just realized the times I've changed things on him while he's at work, he always likes them! I'll use your way from now on. I love the mirror, it fits perfectly with your style (and I liked the first one, it's just that this is perfect!).
Wow Layla; I sure have learned a lot about frames.. and how to use them.. so many wonderful ideas you have.. your rooms are just gorgeous... love your bath room so pretty...
Hugs;
Alaura
I agree, the wooden frame looks awsome!
Seeing all those frames makes me want to go my my nearest thrift store!
The new mirror and the frames - all lovely! I love how you've pulled all the frames together.
Such a good point, Layla- "in the end, what type of frames you use isn't half as important as remembering to use them is." I love the way you use your frames, it's delicious! I wish I could find old frames, I swear I never have any luck. But I'm on a mission now! :) I also need to start printing out my photographs and framing them....I don't have a printer so I don't have any printed out.....but I should use them as art in my place!
I love all kinds of frames, both old and new. Some of my best frames have come from the Dollar store as well. Love all your wall groupings. Isn't if fun using old family pictures? Plus, I love verses and sayings. Love & blessings from NC!
I love your gift for mixing old with new seamlessly. My favorite frames are always old wood with character and patina. They add such warmth and texture. And they carry with them a sense of history.
"Yeah, Kevin didn't know it, but I mentally replaced the white-framed mirror that was previously hanging in there as soon as he hung it up."
i do this all the time. ha!
i love the new mirror, it REALLY makes the sink pop!
What a fun and relaxing way to start my morning.... coffee in hand, computer on my lap in a cozy chair, reading Layla's inspiring ideas and most of all enjoying her sweet heart that loves life and people above things and 'acquiring'. Thanks for the post:) mollie
Wait and Wow, huh? I'm going to have to try that!
Great Change Layla and I'm sure Kevin really didn't mind changing it and doing the extra tiling ;) isn't that what it's all about...keep going until it looks and feels right? I just adore your photos of your Mums, what a great honour to them. Can't wait to see the finished bathroom, and that great old chest. Cheers to you both. Amanda
WOW! For a moment I thought the picture from your bathroom was an example from a magazine! You did a spectacular job on the bathroom reno!
The mirror for the bathroom was MEANT to be there. I can not wait to see what you have in store for the HARD SELL frame to Kevin. :)
Cheers~
e
I just found your blog & I love your dining room frame collection! What height is your picture rail?
Old frames are so great! I love what you've done with them. I know exactly what you mean about waiting to tell your husband. It's so hard for my husband to understand because we have the rule that you have to have wanted something for several months before you buy it. I will tell him, "I found the perfect mirror for the bathroom and I'd like to run and get it tomorrow." He doesn't get that I've wanted it for a long time and he just didn't know it. :) Great post! Lisa~ www.livingmybestlifeii-lisa.blogspot.com
love the use of your frames. I am addicted to buying them. Especially when they are on the fifty cent table. Love your compositions.
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