Although great progress has been made for this week’s One Room Challenge I am in panic mode wondering if everything is going to be finished in two weeks. Since we are doing ALL of the work ourselves in between our jobs, my schooling, housekeeping and parenting it truly is a challenge. ORC Week 4 A DIY Chinoiserie Mirror and New Lighting for the Old Palm Beach Bathroom.
ORC Week 4 A DIY Chinoiserie Mirror and New Lighting for the Old Palm Beach Bathroom
You may remember that the old mirror had been framed out by the previous homeowners.
While this is often an improvement, unfortunately, the old adage to measure twice and cut once was not adhered to. The frame wasn’t big enough to cover the mirror fully.
So it came down and the mirror was basically a big, sticky mess.
I finally found that the combination of wetting a washcloth with really hot water, rubbing it over the sticky surface, then going over it with scraper removed the residue.
It took a good hour to get everything off but what an improvement.
Did you also spy the new lighting?
You can see the “before” light in the first image. Like most of the 80’s accessories, it was covered with grime and rust. There were no salvaging attempts we just needed new lighting. I found the Hinkley “Plantation” 5312BB quite by accident. I showed it to the Fashionista and no other lighting would then do. By scouring the internet I found it for under $200 which was a big chunk of the budget. But I do believe that every room needs at least one show stopper. This wouldn’t be a true six-week “challenge” if a wrench or two wasn’t thrown into the works. The first light arrived dented. Finally, we received a damage free specimen and Mr. Décor installed it fairly easily.
Once the new lighting was in place the mirror looked a little… plain. We thought about replacing the mirror and liked the idea of a bamboo mirror. However, they are pretty expensive.
The best price I could find was the Tiana Mirror from Ballard. But even it was $249.00. Given that our budget for the entire space was $500 this just wasn’t possible. Several futile attempts to scour eBay, Craigslist and estate sales also had me empty-handed. So what’s a girl to do?
A DIY was done to create this chinoiserie mirror. If anyone is interested in the “How To” let me know and I will create a separate post. I did provide a few sneak peeks/tips on Instagram.
Now onto the walls which of course will be the biggest challenge overall.
Laura
I saw the bamboo painting on Instagram and wondered what was going on! I can't wait for the reveal.
I love your bamboo mirror makeover, how fun and that light is to die for. Gorgeous.
I think your new fixture is gorgeous and the bamboo for the mirror frame is and excellent solution.
Have you ever tried Goo-Gone or Un-Du for removing sticky stickers and the like? Saves a lot of elbow grease. 🙂
Getting very anxious to see the reveal!
Thank you for sharing your sneak peeks.
The light fixture is definitely a show stopper!
The light fixture is amazing, not only because it's beautiful, but also because it gave you the idea for the “new” mirror frame.
Aaaaaah, that mirror and lighting alone can be a reveal on it's own!!!!! LOVE IT LAURA!
I agree… that light fixture is a Necessity!! And you are a clever girl with that bamboo mirror. I needed two bamboo mirrors for my ORC and I didn't think it was going to happen… I have been running through Goodwill's and checking CL like crazy. To no avail and then 2 bad palm tree pictures framed in fabulous BAMBOO frames wandered in our church yard sale last week.!! I thought I might have to DIY and I'm impressed with your because I had been trying to figure out my bamboo DIY options!