The deed is done. Everyone on Team Paint The Mirror White (not to be confused with Team Edward, which I’m totally a member of) can rejoice. Our mirror above the sink went from this:
To this:
And I guess we should show how it originally looked when we moved in for the full before:
But back to the white paint choice. After much thought (and a decent amount of flip-flopping) we decided to go with our first instinct and paint the mirror white to match the trim. It definitely looks integrated and a bit less heavy, so the nook is now a little less look-at-me-right-now distinct (which is a good thing since we’re trying to make it blend in as opposed to stand out). Now it looks as if it’s always been there, and it’s not too high contrast to draw all attention to the sink nook.
So my apologies to all other teams (like: Leave It Black, Paint It Gray, Paint It Teal, Paint It Yellow, Paint It Gold, Paint The Molding Black, and Paint The Vanity Black). We definitely considered all possibilities and there’s certainly more than one way to skin this cat (gross expression, sorry). All of those options probably would have worked, but in the end it just had to come down to good old fashioned personal preference. And you know we love us some white…
Speaking of white, here’s how we got the look: Behr’s Premium Plus Paint (the can of paint with primer & paint in one) in off-the-shelf white in a semi-gloss finish. I just brushed on four thin and even coats with a paint brush. I did this instead of spray priming and spray painting it (which we’d usually recommend, and would also work swimmingly) because the Behr primer/paint stuff is low-VOC and spray paint isn’t. Thankfully it worked like a charm. Oh and I used a straight razor to scrape the paint off the surface of the mirror for a nice clean result.
And for those who like contrast, don’t blow a gasket. Here’s what it looks like at night:
We actually LOVE that going with white was the bold choice at night since we spend a lot of not-day time in the bedroom, and the white frame totally pops out from that black background out the window for awesome at-night drama that we can enjoy before heading off to sleep. Back when it was black it practically disappeared at night.
And look, here I am:
Stop the presses. My hair is down. Can you believe it? I know. Shocking stuff. After many many requests, there you have it. It’s like a ponytail but different. For actual video footage of me with my hair down (and a whole bunch of it’s-Friday giddiness) check out this Texas road trip video of yore. That trip was thebomb.com. For reals.
Oh and although there are a ton of Team Frost The Windows peeps out there, we’re leaving them bare for now. Just because we like looking out ’em when we’re tooth brushing in the morning. Sometimes we spot a robin or two at the bird feeder. Shucks, that’s quaint. So even though they look frosted in a few of the photos, they’re not.
And for those wondering what things look like from the neighbor’s perspective (it’s a side window), since we live on almost an acre of land, we’re pretty far apart apart. But here’s what it looks like during the day from about a fifth of the distance between our houses:
Yup, it’s invisible (most exterior windows are reflective during the day, and ours is no exception). We even took the shot above with the bathroom light on to hopefully highlight the silhouette but all you see are the sky and some tree branches reflecting on the window panes during the day.
And here’s what it looks like at night:
So not bad right? I mean, we have 99 curb appeals problems, but the mirror ain’t one. Yes, that’s a reference to 99 Problems by Jay Z. Because I’m gangsta like that.
Psst- Why Team Edward and not Jacob? Even though I’m from Jersey, tan juice-head body-builders have never been my type. As demonstrated by my tall, angular, and sometimes pale hubby. Does it make me insane to admit that the whole time I read Twilight, I actually pictured John as Edward? Remember this was before the world had been introduced to Robert Pattinson.
Psssssst- To everyone worried about if I could reach the buttons on the dryer, we updated that post with a pic of me in action. Go Team Five Foot Two Inches!
Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} says
Soooo glad you went with the white, it just looks integrated now and fabulous!
Oh and I’m totally Team White, Team Edward (big jock types don’t do it for me either, I like my boys fair and lean) AND Team Five Foot Two (and a half but I can still be in the club right?)! We’re practically LIKE SISTERS!!*
*That is playful sarcasm, it always makes me laugh how ‘familiar’ people feel with you guys ;)
Tracey says
Love the mirror with the white paint. White is always right! And coming from a former makeup artist I can’t help but say that Good Lord! You are one hell of a gorgeous woman! You look like a young Sophia Loren with your hair down. Your husband is a lucky man.
YoungHouseLove says
Cut it out! You guys are totally making me get all awkward and blush-y today.
xo,
s
grace says
LOVE IT! The contrast in the night picture looks a-maz-ing. Also on team mirror now, it’s gone a long way personalizing the space while not drawing attention from the bedroom.
Amber says
I love it white. I now see the vision you had putting the mirror where you did.
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
I’m totally team paint it white! Which is so funny, b/c i used to paint all my frames and mirrors black in college… but now i’ve seen the white… light… whatever!
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
julie says
Love the mirror painted white…. it looks really high-end now! I was wondering if you’ve considered removing the framing and trim around the door-way leading to the sink nook and just paint it your “carolina inn aqua”….. maybe that would help the “blended in” look you are going for… just a thought!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Julie,
That’s definitely true about making it blend more. Now that we’re liking the sink nook a lot more we don’t mind the crisp trim framing it out though. So glad it’s growing on us so much! We didn’t know where we’d end up with the whole sink in the bedroom thing!
xo,
s
Christina says
I LOVE IT. I was on Team Paint the Mirrow White and I think it looks stunning! I never thought about what it would look like at night and I love that you showed that too- just looks amazing!
Ashley says
Looks great – I had a feeling you’d go with white.
And I’ll add another actress to the mix – I’ve always thought you looked like Rachel McAdams! Beautiful! :)
Karla says
Absolutely love it in the white and hoped secretly you’d paint it white. It’s all looking so great! Well done.
J'Anns Boutique says
Love it! truly unique
http://jannsboutique.blogspot.com/
Skooks says
I was thinking when you first put it up that white would really be better, and now that I see it up . . . HELLO! It looks like it completely belongs there. Fantastic as always. :) I kind of wish I had this problem in my house so I could do this too. ;)
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
OMG I love it in black, but HELLO white. I’m in love. GORGEOUS. Definitely the right color, both at day or night. And I love the view from the outside in at night time, very cool. Now it looks like it’s just part of the window. :D
Melissa says
I liked the black, but I love the white! Totally the perfect choice!
Your hair is gorgeous. :)
Beatrice says
If you were building a house, and are allowed to only choose one color for the entire house (trim white), what would you choose?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Beatrice,
Today I’d have to say a soft platinum gray (just deep enough for the white trim to really pop) but that’s definitely a hard call!
xo,
s
Emily says
I’m so curious about the textured walls that a few folks have mentioned.
I can say for certain that in CT, MA, NY, VT, NH, ME, FL, DC and VA don’t have textured walls as the norm. Or at least not in homes I’ve visited or lived in.
I’m interested to know where they are the norm.
Thanks!
Lindsay says
I recently discovered your blog and I’m totally obsessed. It’s also got me started on a crazy DIY kick! One of the things I noticed in many of your projects is that you’ve been able to utilize a decorative item, frame, light piece, etc. that you already had. So I have two questions- how/where do you store all of your “leftovers” without letting them take over your house? And, when you see an awesome deal (like the 50% off baskets you mentioned earlier) do you get extras for a rainy day? Thanks and keep up the incredible work!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lindsay,
Well, as you might have noticed from yesterday’s video tour, we have piles of frames and mirrors all around the perimeter of the living room. Which is totally not what we recommend, we’re just still getting settled. In general we don’t like to store a lot of extras, so if we upgrade a mirror or light we’ll usually donate or craigslist the old one. I do have a bunch of back-up candles and vases and candle sticks and small decorative items that I store in the bottom of one side of the built-ins in our future dining room (the other side is full of books and magazines). We have a ton of storage tips on our Projects page though (see that tab under our header?). Just check out the “Organization” category.
xo,
s
danielle says
i think it looks great – i really like it white!
i hope you don’t mind but i have a painting question completely unrelated to the mirror…
i am getting ready to paint the mantle on my fireplace. right now it’s an oak wood and i’m looking to paint it white – do you know if i need to use any special kind of paint since it’s near the fireplace? not sure if that’s a dumb question :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Danielle,
You should be all set with one coat of oil-based primer and two thin coats (after that dries) of semi-gloss latex paint. Good luck!
xo,
s
Heather says
That is fabulous!!! I love it!!
Ashley says
Just noticed on your washer and dryer post that people already mentioned your Rachel McAdamsyness. I know how you feel about just NOT seeing it – I get Winnie Cooper about once a week and I’m still not convinced!
janie says
I’m going to wager that next time you go to IKEA you’ll put some thin white cotton curtains draped around that doorway.
Angela says
Love it white! And Sherry – you’re gorgeous!
Shelley says
I love the white – great job! And you look adorable with your hair down!
Do you guys ever just sit back and think how happy you are to be able to do what you love? It is so nice to be able to follow your dream while both of you are able to be at home watching your daughter grow up! Enjoy every moment. My older son just turned 7 and although I am a stay at home mom, I wonder how it went so fast!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Shelley,
Yes. All the time. We have these “can you believe where we are?” moments. About everything from parenthood to our jobs and our house. We definitely have a ton of things to be grateful for.
xo,
s
Laura says
@Kayla (if I’m not too late)
We painted our bedroom gray. I got a gray sample (among other colors) and after we decided to go with some shade of gray, I got the leftover white paint from the garage and some dixie cups and started mixing. We ended up going a lot lighter than I thought we would originally, but it was nice to be able to mix the white and darker gray paint in all kinds of shades so we could decide at home instead of buying a ton of samples at the store. Then I used my color book to match it and got a sample that matched the color I indicated in the color book (you could also paint your winning shade on a piece of paper and take that into the store).
@YHL,
I love that window now! It almost reminds me of custom art or some pricey architectural detail. You also keep reminding me I need to paint my bathroom now that we painted our bedroom (including making the trim white).
Brooke says
i have been waiting for a year and a half to see picture of your hair down!!!! this has seriously has made my day
carolniaheartstrings says
Yep, 100% better.
stephanie says
Love the mirror white and LOOOVE the new paint color! When are you guys going to start painting the kitchen? I can not WAIT to see you work your magic in that kitchen! Sherry you are so pretty….you look Angelina Jolieish in that pic:) Have a super weekend!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Stephanie,
First of all you’re too kind with the Angie comparison, and second of all, we can’t wait to tackle the kitchen either! We’re definitely not going to start on it right now (we’re saving our pennies and working up to that big project slowly) but we’re already planning things out in our minds so we’re 100% ready when the time comes to pull the trigger!
xo,
s
Heather says
Love it!
Kelly says
Love the repainted mirror- makes it look like it was built in. –Kelly
thuy says
I agree with everyone that it looks meant to be there! Good choice and well done! :)
Sarah @ Comfort and Joy says
Hahah. :) The Jay Z reference totally made my day. It totally makes up for your not going with Team Yellow. ;)
Meagan says
I thought the mirror idea was good, but I wasn’t loving the actual look… until now! I can’t believe how much better it looks! Great decision!
jill says
This looks FANTASTIC! It looks built in. Nicely done!
Angie K says
Hey, it looks great! It really ties it in with the bedroom/vanity.
I’m glad you showed us the outside picture, when you said you spent mostly night hours in there I immediately thought about privacy issues. You know, since the window is directly in line of sight of the bed! But, the outdoor pictures eased my peeping tom concerns, since it’s not right at ground level. Phew!
Thanks for info on the painting. Been wanting to get to a mirror, but haven’t since I have a bambino on the way. :) Did you tape up the mirror at all, or just scrape any excess without worrying about it?
YoungHouseLove says
No tape, just painted and scraped!
xo,
s
Lonely Wife Project says
Perfect choice!
Jaime @ Queen of the Creek says
Hi J&S,
Don’t be mad… but can you tell me what your room color is… and is it the same as the bathroom?! I saw your old paint colors from the old house, wasn’t sure if you replicated them in the new one!
We just bought a house and have the lovely builder [upgraded] beige from one side of the house to the other… and I really want something quite loverly for our master.
P.S. Love the painted mirror – Team White rocks!
Gracias!
Jaime
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jaime,
It’s the same color in the bedroom and the sink nook (but semi gloss near the sink and satin in the bedroom). It’s Carolina Inn Club Aqua by Valspar color matched to Olympic’s no-VOC paint. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Johanna says
Don’t know if anyone else out there has seen the mirror in the same shape at good ol’ Target for $29.99 (I think). I know it was much much smaller and wouldn’t have fit John and Sherry’s needs, but if you want a cool shape head down to Super Target…I couldn’t locate it on their website.
megan e says
When you 1st wrote “Team Edward,” I had to scan back to the top to see if John was writing this entry, because yes, I pictured you as a Team Jacob kinda gal and him an Edward supporter. So curious minds want to know, what team is John on?
Love the artsy self photo. I almost didn’t recognize you with the hair down cause you look like a totally different person with your hair down.
Also, I really love the interior photo at night. It gives a different perspective on the wall color with no natural light (which I agree is how you prolly see it most of the time).
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Megan,
Like most of the male population, John detests Twilight. He does a pretty funny Bella impression though. It goes something like this: “Edward is so dreamy. He is just perfection. I can’t tear my eyes away from his magnificent glittering body. I want to spend eternity with this perfect creature. Sigh.”
xo,
s
Ariel says
That paint color makes your floors pop! I love how the mirror looks now too :-)
cla says
Wow, I thought I liked the black (I was firmly in the keep it back camp), but actually the white looks much better. Good call guys!
Ayelet says
Wow, this I really love what you’ve done with your space! I was Team Paint the mirror, but it looks even better than I thought it would. I know some advocated leaving the mirror unpainted so that it would tie in the granite, but I like how painting it deemphasized the granite, especially since that’s what you were going for. I’m just so impressed by what an amazing transformation (not just with the mirror, but the whole nook) you’ve made through such simple changes–painting, removing the backsplash, etc.
Amanda says
Now that is what I was picturing! Looks built in and so lovely.
So glad you came to your senses! Haha.
bridget b. says
i have to admit, i wasn’t really feeling the whole “mirror in window” thing when y’all first did it.
i think the color was throwing me off. now that it matches the trim and the window pane, the mirror looks like it has always been there.
i never should have doubted your vision! :)
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
After seeing the “outside” picture of the mirror window, I thought, we haven’t seen any pictures or video of the outside of your new home. Now your just teasing us. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
We did share one of the back and one if the front when we moved in (I think they’re both on our House Tour page?) but you’re right that we should post more exterior pics. As soon as it warms up a little. Too cold!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Love the white mirror! I also agree with the Angelina Jolie/Rachel McAdams comparisons….you are gorgeous!
Rita says
I know the post is on painting the mirror, but wow look what the wall color did to change the tone of your wood floors!!!! Looks so great now! (Didn’t notice the floor change in the pics you posted of the new wall color guess I was too busy looking at the new wall color!
bridget b. says
i wouldn’t frost a window that’s not at street level either. before seeing that shot from outside, i was nervous about people outside being able to look in through that window.
Jany Claire says
Wow! I love it white, looks built in, like it was always meant to be there. At first I was Team Leave It Black all the way but now I definitely think you made the right choice. Goes to show experimenting and trying things out is always the best route. Love the hair down, you don’t look so different, almost didn’t recognize you!
megan e says
Thank you for the John impersonating Bella quote! And, um, glittering…that made me laugh out loud at work.
Kim S says
Love the paint job on the mirror! I couldn’t picture it before and I wasn’t even sure that I liked the mirror-in-the-window look, but now that it’s painted I love it! Definitely looks like a cool architectural feature…this is why you guys are great at what you do! :o)
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Hoping for warmer weather. :D
I’ll take a look for the picture of the backyard.