Decorating a Large Wall, Pottery Barn Mirror, Bookends turned Corbels, & a Cheerful Space
Remember these guys? From this post.
The bookends, that I bought for a few bucks at the thrift store,
that turned out a little something like this, after a little white paint and some distressing …
Well… I told you that they weren’t going to stay “bookends” for long
🙂
Ooo, and you remember my new “pet” right? … that I got around Halloween time? From this post.
Kinda just hangin’ out and lonely, over the stairs…
Well… I needed to anchor that big guy somehow …
so here’s how everything came together!
I think I’m likin’ it!
I have SUCH issues with huge blank walls over stairs. I’m not alone … right?
I feel like they are almost impossible to fill up, correctly.
Remember when our house was all Tuscany looking?
Before our “style shift” took place?
Well, I used to have a long shelf there, that looked like this.
(woah! That’s picture is really weird to look at.
It seems like eons ago, that my house was that dark! lol)
I actually thought it was a great place for a shelf or two, but since we are doing a shelf, directly around the corner, with our (soon to be finished) picture wall collage …
I didn’t want our house to look TOO “shelf-licious“
🙂
Also in this little nook, over the stairs, I added my over sized beveled mirror.
It’s from Pottery Barn, and originally goes for about $330 or so.
I scored it at Down East, during their bloggers night out event, for only about $80.
Woot, woot!
They have a similar looking one, but a little bit of a different shape on the PB website, if you want to check it out.
During Christmas time, I hung this wreath from it, with a piece of fabric.
But now that I have the topiaries there, I decided to simplify it, and just let the mirror stand on it’s own
🙂
And for those of you who are new,
the flip side of the hallway used to look a bit like this …
And now looks like this, with large picture frames and embellished wrought iron rod.
Eeesh! Isn’t it great, how a little bit of good ol’ paint…
(in this case Autumn Haze, from Glidden)
And some new decor,
can turn a space from this …
to this! …
I swear I learn something new about decor, everyday.
Through studying some of my favorite magazines, to watching great shows that give tips and tricks, on how to best fill your homes spaces, with the RIGHT decor.
I was a serial, “small clutter display” decorator. ha!
And to be honest, I still suffer from this condition.
Wanting to group things in small clusters, that end up looking clutter-y. Instead of picking a few large items, that actually “frame out” and FILL the space!
I’m sure that I will still have a few more finishing touches to add to this area, as our house progresses, but for right now, this space in my house just makes me feel…
How does your space make you feel?
Sea Flower Studios says
Love your blog! Gorgeous makeovers!
Chrissy @ the Pearl Blog says
amazing..love love love it!
Christine says
I LOVE that. Your blog makes me want to go redo my whole house. I already copied your shelves…I just love your new style!
Vivienne @ the V Spot says
What a transformation! Crazy good!
HK says
Isn't it amazing how much paint color changes a room? I love your blog, you have so many great ideas!!
stephanie says
I am so inspired by this post in particular, because my house is what yours USED to be. So dark! I was all autumnal when we bought the house and everything is SO DARK. I'd love to lighten it up. The befores and afters really show off how fresh and clean the lighter colors are. LOVE THEM! PS, How do you ensure that those topiaries don't just fall off the corbels??
Deb says
Wow!! I love how much brighter everything looks. You are so talented I think I need you to come to my house and tell me what I need to do on all of my big empty walls. 🙂
Lorie says
Beautiful!!!
Denissa says
I love the before and after pictures..it looks awesome!! I'm jumping on the lighten up bandwagon too! I'm so tired of how dark my house is w/ the cabinets and floor that I need to do something!
Question for ya though, remember my wall that had the huge mirror w/ vinyl? Well I want to do board and batten, but the problem I run into is that the wall has the coat closet w/ a very small amount of wall on one side. And then on the other side is the end of the wall on a rounded corner. Would I just cut a small
piece to fill in the chair rail? Hopefully you can picture what I'm saying! lol 🙂
Katie says
I can't wait to see your picture wall! The shelf-licious feeling you describe is totally how I am feeling about my walls-just not with shelves. My main rooms are like a big bowling alley and really open. I'm like "how many of these walls am I gonna put a bunch of square frames and art up on?" It's so repetitive! Argh..gotta figure something out.
marthahasminions.blogspot.com
Unknown says
okay i LOVE your style. so much. when i get a house and a family i'm so going to get ALL my inspiration from you. you rock it!
Infarrantly Creative says
I love it Shell Belle. Your house is so light and airy. The mirror reflects all that natural light. It is voon-da-bar my friend!
Unknown says
I think that is the first time that I ever saw your home "before"! I guess I just assumed that your home was always your style! I love love love the rug at your front door!
x
Unknown says
"WOW" so chic. and gorg. Love it!!!! winks-jen
Marci says
looking good!!
Emily says
I LOVE your new decor! It makes ME feel cheerful too! Seriously, could you just come tell me what I need to do in my space? 🙂 Ha ha!! I really LOVE your style!! I was also so excited for your friend who was on Ellen. I almost felt like I knew her too!
Gina says
Oh I suffer from that syndrome too!!! Its my biggest pet peeve about myself! I'm trying to be better about thinking big! I love what you did with this space. It looks perfect!!
Unknown says
Shelley, this is beautiful! I love the new whiter, brighter look. Plus I love the mirror and how you framed out your zebra picture. It doesn't look so lonely anymore! Great job!
Michell @ Girl In Air says
I LOVE it!! I can't wait to do my stairway….It's like a dark hallway
Think I might add some wainscoting up it……but now I want a Zebra!
Just made a Tree bookshelf so a Zebra might work:-)
Simply LKJ says
I love all the changes Shelley!! We are in the midst of lightening the load too.
Homeroad says
I absolutely love how you made everything lighter and brighter in your house. It looks fantastic! I bet you feel so happy coming into that beautiful entryway every day. Great job!
Susan
homeroad.net
BellaLovesPink says
Very clever use of the bookends. And I LOVE that mirror!! Quite the transformation!
Alison @ mommadidit.blogspot.com says
Oh man! I love your house! All that white makes it so fresh and welcoming. It was pretty before, but the white makes it feel roomier and elegant.
Joshua and Cameron says
I love the zebra picture w/ the topiaries. I hope one day I have a house I can do things like that it it. Mine is like a log cabin…
TeenaBugg38 says
Wow….beautiful redo!!! I can't hardly wait for the day my house is little kid free so I can have something, anything WHITE!!!!
Lisa | Her Beautiful Mess says
okay…i love your house…when can i move in? i'm suffering from the dark house look right now. i feel like i'm in a 90's coffee shop or something. i want to change it up, but we won't be in it long enough to make that commitment. anyways…love your home. you did a beautiful job!!
Leanne says
What an amazing transformation. I love the wall over the stairs and that mirror is gorgeous. Love your style. Can't wait to see you again at Creative Estates. I'm excited!
Unknown says
I love the new look…unfortunately I have the before look…which I love but I always have a hard time decorating my shelf. How did you do it?
Unknown says
Looks great! I love the big statment art.
Ginnie says
It's absolutely perfect! Love, LOVE, love it!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Beautiful! I've never seen those 'before' shots, so WOW!!! So calm and serene now… kudos. 🙂
sarah says
Girlfriend, you make my heart sparkle with all your genius-ness…
When would be a good time for me to move in??? 😉 Looks fantastic!
Shane and Stephanie says
What font is the cheerful & content? As well as your subtitle, taking it once space at a time. I love them both!!
Ry and Ally says
So beautiful! What's your secret for distressing the bookends?? Please tell. 🙂 Is it just sanded?
Heather says
hahahahahahahahahaha! I love the term "style shift"!!! Hilarious! I am also going through a "style shift". EVERYTHING must be painted!
heather
xoxo
YESS* says
wow! love it!love the white everywhere, just with a touch of colors 🙂
Christy Davis Photography says
Seriously… it looks amazing! I would love to copy and paste all your designs right into my house. I wish you could come live with me for while! Right now I live in a 1970's split level style home with brown panneling and a contoling mother-in-law who knows nothing about "refreshing" or "style shifts". I am so happy you share all your fun ideas… it keeps me inspired, regardless of the mother-in-law! Ha!
Staci @ Life's Sweeter with Chocolate says
Ah! Sometimes I feel like I'm looking at my old house when I see your old house pics!! We still have pretty dark colors, but I was the queen of small cluttered displays. I'm really into clean, larger items and LESS. We've taken truckloads to goodwill the past few months!! I love our house so much more that the "stuff" is gone!
Staci
Michelle says
I started following this blog after the laundry room was posted somewhere else. I LOVE your style and the brightness of all of your rooms! I want this for my home but I can't create it myself!
Carol-Anne says
Such a good idea to use the bookends that way! I have to steal it!
Janelle says
What a difference. Light and bright….beautiful!
Unknown says
Beautiful! I love the changes you've made.
Sheri says
Awesome job. I love your style. The white with just a little color is awesome. Thanks for the post – love following your blog. Be blessed.
nicolette {momnivores dilemma} says
love this post. great after. i never would have thought to use bookends as corbels. that zebra print is to die for… i have a real passion for animal prints…they pop up in every room in some way, shape, or form.
to be honest, right now i am in transition with my whole home…so it makes me anxious! a lot of odds and ends to be done and no time with two boys under 3!
Natalie@Endless Crafting says
Love that mirror! What a find! I feel the same way about our stair way..big wall with nothing on it..what to do, what to do? You did a great job of filling up that space..it looks great! Looking forward to seeing that collage of yours! 🙂
JenMarie says
Eeek!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it ALLLLLL!!!!
FortheLoveofFood says
I just love your creative ideas and your beautiful home!
Karena says
Wow great job!!I adore the mirror what a score and the Zebra print with corbels and topiaries.
Do come and enter my Artful Offering!It is truly beautiful!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
!
Anonymous says
Thank you!Thank you and thank you!! You always gives me so much inspiration!! – Clemens
Stephenie from Decorating Addiction says
Thanks for the home tour – I love what you've done! It's so much more fresh and inviting!!! I like the new domain name, though I'm sad you're not on blogger anymore! 🙂
Unknown says
LOVE those bookends…er uh…shelves! I kept trying to decide what you were going to do with them, I didn't guess right. I just love the crisp, light and airy feel your home has.
The Studes says
I love how bright everything is now!
Shahny says
OMG I absolutely love it! What a great make-over!! I definitely need to start studying and learning things. My house is screaming for something, anything!!
Valerie says
Love your before and after pics! You are so inspiring, thank you.
I am now your newest follower. 🙂
benchwarmer says
i love watching your home change! those walls just look perfect! keep up the good work.
Johanna says
This is an amazing transformation! I love love love the style you have now, it's difficult to imagine your house with that "tuscany" look!
If you're taking it one space at a time, me and my hubby are more "one corner at a time" type of renovators and it's taking forever to finish our home. I get so inspired by your pictures and stories – maybe I should have my husband go through them as well and see if it affects him the same way!
Jenny says
What an awesome idea! I absolutely love the idea of turning bookends into corbels. And your home simply looks amazing!
I live in an apartment and am hoping to get the okay from the landlord to do some painting and spruce up the kitchen. I'm going through my own "style shift" from no style to style. Your blog is such an inspiration to me! I even have a bunch of "projects" I've started thanks to your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your home and being an inspiration.
Melissa says
Shelley, I love seeing these changes! The corbels were such a great find and the mirror is scrumptious. Love the traditional look with a modern edge..perfect!
xo
Jill says
You are completely inspiring. I love your style. It's absolutely beautiful. Can you come over and transform my space? The before/after pictures are amazing to see. Completely refreshing. Congrats on your beautiful home. I love it.
katy says
Beautiful!
Fresh Fête says
I love the shelves and the tree thing. But, most importantly i LOVE the rug!!! Where did you get it? Thanks in advance!!
Ranin
Emily at The Fine House says
You house is beautiful! I was just thinking the other day that I need to focus on a space in my house that makes me happy right now, because I'm always so worried about the next project that needs attention. Like you, I'll always be tweaking, but it is nice to have a space that makes me cheerful and content. Thanks for the inspiration!
kristincita says
I love how your house has gone from primitive-country-tuscan to modern-clean-fresh!!!! i love that little shelves and topiaries flanking the zebra. the greenery is a perfect pop. nicely done shelly!
Andrea says
Wow!!! You are such and inspiration to me!!! I have your prevoius Tuscan feel going on in my house and I am wanting to make the switch to light and cheery!! I just have to get the guts and just jump in!!! You may be starting a lighten up revolution :)I love your blog and look forward to seeing what you have in store everyday!!Keep up the great work!!!
Jenna says
Oh my! I love the zebra art! I saw something like a few months ago, but couldn't think of any where I could put it in our house. That looks so awesome!
Melinda says
I love the transformation! Well, right now we live in a townhome. We rent. We are getting ready to close on a house (built in 1902) by April 1st. We are so excited! I will be painting a staircase, walls, sanding, and much much more. Any tips or advice? Thanks! 🙂
Unknown says
LOVE IT. It is so amazing what a little paint (or a lot of paint can do.) But I love it all. I have the opposite stair wall problem. I have an open entry two story and my stair wall it like 18 ft high and just a lot of wall. I have a few things there now, but I have yet to figure out exactly how to make it look awesome and not so huge and blank.
Meredith says
Wrought Iron, ladies! Not Rod Iron!! PS – it looks gorgeous!
Aquamomomma says
Great post…love the changes…I have a question is it distracting to have a mirror at the top like that…I know I would probably fall down watching myself go down the stairs…lol!
Meredith says
Shelley – It's right up there with Walla instead of Voila!! LOL!! Thanks for the comment. XOXO Meredith
Beth @beth-adam.blogspot.com says
I LOVE the fresh look!! Everything looks so clean and airy!!! 🙂 You all did a fantastic job!!! 🙂 Can't wait to see that picture wall!
Beth
Brittany@Love Stitched says
I have the same entry rug as you from IKEA! love it! you always have such amazing decorating ideas! I may just need you to come over and help me out one day 😉
Jacqueline says
I LOVE your site I often look at it but have never left a comment. I often tell my friends in Calgary Canada that if you lived here I would so want to hang out with you cause I Love your style. Have a great day and good luck with the Photo wall I am also working on a photo wall.
meg says
I love what you have done to change up your house. I am not liking those topiaries balancing on those tiny things though. Seems awkward. The mirror at the end is beautiful, but I think you need to try something else for the topiaries to go on… Just an idea.
Jen says
Great Transformation! I love how bright and airy the space looks now, it really opens it up.
TLF says
WOW~ this looks fantastic!!!
Knudsen's says
Where did you get your wreath? I've searched high and low for one of those!
Mama Mimi says
I love this post – I'm going through my own style shift right now 😉 Driving my husband batty 😉 Any tips for THAT?
Stephanie says
I just BARELY found your blog, and absolutely love your decorating style. When I clicked on the link that have more info on the picture frames in your hall, it said that page no longer existed. Can you let me know where you got those frames, or how you made them? I absolutely love them! Thanks.