November 17th, 2008
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.
Copyright © Designamour
November 17th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
OK. I saw those in person and cannot believe the transformation. Melanie, they are GORGEOUS! Your creativity just floors me.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Totally awesome Melanie!! I realllly want to take this class.
Jan
November 18th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Melanie, what an amazing tranformation. You are my inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing.
Rhonda
November 20th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Melanie:
I get the point of buying cabinets from Lowe’s for budgetry reasons, but how much did the mirrors cost? I think you just do it so you have an excuse to transform
I am working on a client to let me install reverse painted glass as a back splash. Every night I pray for enlightened clients!!
November 20th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Yeah, it is fun to transform! The mirrors were NOT that expensive. About $60 each. I was surprised!
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 am
Melanie,
Always love your work and creative ideas. This is an all time best… so far anyway!
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
OMG Melanie! Those rock — I know exactly what they looked like before. Such inspiration…
November 25th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Melanie, Those are so beautiful!!! I also love the blue background. Is that Lusterstone? The mirrors are awesome and I love the foil.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 am
Melanie,
Geez Louise……..you just keep outdoing yourself in total awesomeness!!!!! I mean seriously, what will you come up with next?
I can’t wait to have a mirror or 2 at Peacock Pavilions in Moorish patterns. Yay for me! (eek, so greedy, but it really is all your fault)
December 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Beautiful! How do you transfer the foil using a scrub brush????
Catherine
December 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
You lay the foil down, shiny side up, and use a small, nylon cleaning scrub brush in tight circles to transfer!
January 4th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thanks so much!, wld neon work? And it does not chip off the foil as you brush in the circles?
Cat