When I first moved into my new studio I had the very cheapest, in-the-box, oak cabinets from Lowe’s installed for our “kitchen” (basically where we make coffee and occasionally microwave). The reasons for going el cheapo were twofold: lack of money (the main reason) and knowledge that I could also turn the ugly ducklings into a swans when time and desire came together. They finally did! I forgot to take a “before” shot, but just imagine plain, nondescript oak cabinets over which I stria’d 2 layers of Van Dyke Brown Stain and Seal .I wanted to do something more decorative on them with mirrors-my new favorite medium.

I had 1/4″ mirrors with beveled edges made to the exact size of the raised panels in the centers of the upper cabinets. The silvering on these was distressed using the Antique Mirror Patina Solution.

On the front, I decided to use Metallic Foils (another new fav!), and subtly applied 4 different colors, followed by a layer of antiquing stain.  I love how the design reflects off the back of the mirror, adding a lot more depth and dimension.

The mirrors were attached using a combo of double-sided foam tape and lots of mastic. So far it seems to be holding…..Notice how the blue Metallic Foil around the edge picks up the wall color!

Another view (these are HARD to photograph well). The handles were a Home Depot score at $1.06 each!

The lower cabinet doors were treated to the same Metallic Foil colors as the mirror finish and stained as well. I transferred the foil colors using a scrub brush with varying horizontal and vertical strokes to get the woven fabric look.

You can’t see the countertop from this view, but it is beautiful reverse gilded glass with a Moroccan zelij pattenr and I showed it in this post. If you are interested, there are lots more mirror posts here. For my next magic mirror trick I’ll be attempting to conjure up an amazing look for a 54″ round mirror table top on a rustic iron base. Keep your fingers crossed! I don’t NEED any bad luck.

So, the latest issue of Domino features no less than 3 different houses that boast rooms with black painted walls. I am a total fan of black for both dressing and decorating and can be found wearing it, oh, 90% of the time. I love it! It’s classic and timeless (as well as slimming). To do it on four walls, though, I think you really have to know how to pull it off with furniture and accessories that keep it from feeling depressing and Goth-like. One sure way to soften and “pretty” the look of a black wall is to add stenciled pattern. OF COURSE I’m biased, but just look at these lovely wall photos sent by Rachael Goddard of Paint/Design/Decor/Inc.

The Moorish Trellis in a hallway.

The Delicate Floral Damask. How cool is that lampshade??

Yes, I know. This one isn’t black, but the Fortuny stencil sure looks pretty here  Thanks for sharing Rachael!

After watching and reading literally weeks of hours of political commentary, I have never heard anyone in the self absorbed American media discuss how the rest of the world views our choices this Tuesday. I found this article very interesting! One more day……

Update: YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!