Gold Rush

I have been scouting the market for months in search of a triptych mirror to place on my vanity. Not only does this classic three-way mirror evoke feminine elegance, it also allows you to view yourself from various angles, making it a fantastic addition to any dressing table. Yet it has been exceptionally difficult to find many decent selections – most options were too small, too ornate, poorly made, sold as sets with tables, or just insanely expensive.

The Chelsea Vanity mirror from Pottery Barn Teen (PBT, who would’ve thought??) was the closest match to what I had in mind in terms of style and dimensions, but it was only available in white or green. The fact that the mirror would require a paint job in order to compliment my black vanity table made the $350 price tag impossible to justify. Nevertheless, I stalked this mirror for about half a year and nearly choked on my kombucha last week when I saw that the “Heirloom Green” had gone on sale for $87. I gladly bit the $50 delivery surcharge bullet and clicked Add to Basket.

My green mirror arrived a few days later. The delivery guy seemed a bit perplexed when I declined his offer to help with assembly, but I wanted to paint each section individually prior to joining the three panels together. I started by carefully lining the mirrors with painter’s tape and paper. After going over the frame with a fine grain sanding block and cleaning off the dust, I was ready to paint.

Spray painting is really fun and easy – just be sure to use multiple thin coats in order to achieve a smooth and even finish. Using sweeping motions, begin and end spraying away from the item in order to avoid spatters. Give each coat a few minutes to dry before applying an additional layer, and make sure you have plenty of ventilation! We were blessed with gorgeously un-humid weather this past weekend (a total rarity in NYC lately), and the paint dried within an hour. The final steps involved installing hinging hardware, removing the tape and paper, and giving the mirrors a quick wipe.

Initially, I was pretty nervous about going gold, but I’m so glad I took the risk! Its surprisingly subtle sheen completely lights up the corner of our bedroom. Here’s a peek at the final product and as well as a some of the goodies I’ve got stashed away in my glamorous new nook :)

{Shades of Light, Laura Ashley, Architectural Digest, Restoration Hardware}

Bed-azzled

Our new bed has arrived, and it is spectacular! The Virgina Bed is a lovely fusion of the canopy and iron elements that I adore. Its sturdy framework makes a solid statement while the railing maintains an open, airy composition. What really made me fall for this bed was the versatility of its removable testers. They allow the frame to transform into a lower-profile silhouette. It's like two beds in one, and I am all about having options.

Elegant & Romantic
Tailored & Classic

Bed Whetting

Chris and I have been flirting with the idea of getting a bigger bed for a while. We finally took the plunge and purchased a new mattress set last weekend, and I have been trolling the market for a bed frame ever since. Statistics show the average person spends roughly 4 months of the year in bed. In our case, I'd say it's closer to 5. That's a lot of time! So, like Goldilocks, I'm looking for a bed that's "just right". The multitude of options was staggering, but I've narrowed my favorites down to 3 categories.

Canopy - I have always been mad about four-poster beds. Unadorned canopies evoke a solid presence in the bedroom, and transform magically when embellished with string lights, hanging lanterns, or drapery. How divine would it be to climb in, draw the curtains, and shut out the world at the end of a long day?

Love the stunning contrast of clean lines against a beautiful brick wall.

Upholstered - Tufted headboards exude the allure of a decadent boudoir. Nailhead trimming adds a handsome dose of sophistication. This style is incredibly romantic and refined, and extra luscious in a sleigh bed silhouette. Swooon.

Metal - I'm enamored with the streamlined, yet graceful demeanor of iron beds. The simple composition of its structure creates a neutral foundation that grants unlimited styling freedom. This timeless number would be perfect for someone as fickle as I am when it comes to bedding.

 

What kind of bed do you dream in?

{Image credits: Simple Bliss, Design Smack, S. Russell Groves, James Michael Howard, Ikea, AMC, McGill Design Group, Thorton Designs, The Cross Decor & Design, Restoration Hardware, Margot Austin, Crate & Barrel}