Mirror update

Excited by the prospect of my new project, I decided to drop by Bunnings after work and pick up some paint for my mirror.

Here is a before shot - as you can see it was a brass colour to begin with.

For ease, I decided to use a can of spray paint. It was a thrifty option as well, I think the can only set me back $7 or $8.

I was so keen to see if this would work, that I ended up painting it outside (in pitch black) from about 7:30 - 9pm. Here's a progress shot:

Here's another progress shot from this morning - I had used newspaper and masking tape to cover the mirror. Amazingly, it came off perfectly - not a drop of paint on the mirror!

And here's the finished product:

It's quite heavy, so it wasn't particularly easy to get a shot of it against a wall! I'll be sure to post another picture when I've decided where it's going and actually hang it.

Voila! A funky mirror for less than $50.

P.S - look what I found while flicking through the February / March 2010 edition of Belle magazine!

Is it really wrong that I want to re-paint my mirror red?

Le House of Tarjay

I've made a few purchases lately from Le House of Tarjay (otherwise more commonly known as Target). They currently have a big home sale on, which has encouraged me to try and find some budget priced items which can achieve a designer look.

I dropped by during my lunch break today and picked up this "Round Iron Spike Mirror" for the grand total of $25 (on sale down from $59).

It's currently a brassy colour, which doesn't really suit my house. So I'm planning on painting it black. I'm not sure what is the best to use in these circumstances - spray paint seems like an easy option. In any event, I'll keep you updated if I have any success!

If anyone is looking for bedding items, they have some great bargains! I also purchased two europeans pillows for $22 (buy one pillow - get the second for $2) and their 1000 thread count sheet sets are currently half price.

Changes and purchases

After a lot of number crunching, I decided to pay the little bit extra (over aluminium blinds) and install roller blinds. I'm delighted with my choice and glad I spent the extra.

I chose a white roller blind which has a nice texture through it and lets light filter through.

In other news I bit the bullet and bought this gorgeous antler hook. I just have to get around to hanging it, but I'm sure it will look wicked in my entry.

Cheap thrills

I had a bit of a splurge at Ikea yesterday picking up some of those final bits and piece, chopping boards, bowls, an "Andy" trolley but the biggest bargain was a selection of fabrics from the "Patricia" collection.

The whole range was on sale for half price at my local Ikea (down to $5/m), so I picked up 1m each of 4 different selections and made some throw cushions.

Here are the finished results, I think they look pretty great, even if I do say so myself.


I can't claim the credit for the gorgeous greeny/gold pillow at the front - it's from Aura.

This is Lola, my parents' new puppy enjoying the newly made cushions.

Total cost of fabric = $20
Cost of pillow inserts = $6
Help from my wonderful Mum in sewing the cushions = priceless.

Sideboards... yet again!

Yes I know, if I mention my love of sideboards again I'm going to lose any followers I have of this blog! Unfortunately, I felt that my previous sideboard was just too dark in comparison to the rest of the furniture in my living room!



Don't worry, I'm not planning on getting rid of it any time soon - I think I will relocate it to my bedroom or study. But success! after my long and drawn out search I now have a new sideboard. It's super cute, the perfect colour and the price is probably the best part - $50.

The previous owner explained to me that her mother-in-law had it custom designed back in the day and it was once the pride and joy of her house. I think it's nice that it now has a wonderful new owner (i.e. me) who will love it once again.

Frame my life

I (still) haven't moved into my house... it's a bit of a joke among my friends and family, but once I organsie a trailer / van / ute / helpful friend with a big car, I can finally manage to get the last few items of furniture into my house.

In the interim, I've been obsessing about my walls! They are totally bare at the moment and I'm a bit stumped for ideas.

I love the idea of a collection of frames with photos and/or art. Here's a little bit of inspiration I've found:

Image from creaturecomforts.

I love the image above - the consistent use of black frames really ties the space together. However, I think the overall style (while beautiful) doesn't suit my house.

Image from Candimandi.

I adore this person's style - it's so cute and quirky.

Image from Candimandi.

It was purely coincidental that I found two images that were both from CandiMandi. But CandiMandi, whoever you are - you rock my world.

I've mentioned previously how I'm a big fan of having frames propped up against a wall as opposed to hung. It works so well on a sideboard and makes if easy if you're inclined to move your art around.

Image from leVintageMaison.

Isn't this just darling? The birds and the butterflies are so whimsical!

Image from no penny for them.

I just think this set up is pretty.

OK, so I think I can probably handle purchasing some frames. But the next question is - where does one source their art from? I'm on a budget and have no artistic talents whatsoever, so DIY is totally out of the question.... I think etsy might be the way to go! The hunt is on!

Magazine Inspiration - Part 3

Here are some photos of yet another house (or at least a room) which I love.

I have to admit I'm a bit jealous of whoever owns this house - they have the most amazing eye. For example, I think if I saw that rug on it's own it would get the thumbs down from me.

Similarly, those pillows could scream "granny" if taken out of context. But together - the gorgeous mustard yellow sofa, the Eames style coffee table it's just perfect. I love the colour palette and the eclectic feel of the room.

Isn't the telephone table (complete with retro phone) just the perfect touch?

All images from RealLiving Magazine.

FYI - if you're after that gorgeous coffee table, you can purchase similar from Matt Blatt or Click-On Furniture.