and the journey begins.....


Can you spot the things in this picture that I would like to brighten up?

This old mirror is the first of many to be "swedished" up. Yes...new word! If you want to know the story of the mirror look here.

My walls are not yellow...sorry about this picture.

After a good sanding I started with a coat of left over paint from this project.

Love the detail here..

and here...

second coat of paint..

and a bit more sanding. Done!

What do you think?

Can you guess what project I would love to do next?

45 comments:

Christina said...

Beautiful. It is amazing how the lighter paint brings out the details even more.

Tami said...

Susie~

It is gorgeous, the "Swedish" decorting reminds me a little of French. Love it!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!
Hugs~T

Amber said...

It's great!! I love it! I love how you sanded a little and let the darker wood show through. Love.

Hmmm, taking a cue from the last picture, I'm thinking either the fireplace or the mirror above it.

Can't wait to see what you do next!

Shilo said...

Awesome, Susie! You are amazing.
I'm guessing...slipcover the couch?
Have a blessed weekend!
Shilo

The Kramer Angle said...

Yes the paint makes it so much "lighter" and brighter but it also relates more to the walls now! I really need to start doing the same thing with my darker pieces. They're just weighing me down!

Mrs. Goodson...Woo Hoo!! said...

Wow what an amazing transformation...it looks great!! Good Job!

Kris said...

Love the mirror redo. Just give is a such a softer look. I have to agree with shilo, my guess is a slipcover?

Have a happy day

Kris

june@craftyniche said...

Oh that is so pretty! Is your sofa the next thing to brighten up? We have a brown one that is ok, but with our dark pine hardwood flooring it makes it seem darker. I'm looking for a nice creamy slipcover for it. But with two little ones, I may be washing it a lot!

Kitty Scraps said...

Good Morning Miz Susie,
You are certainly on your way to your beautiful vision for your home. I'm so thankful you're taking all of us on the journey with you *smiles* Your Swedished up mirror is gorgeous! Can't wait for the rest! Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Mickey Johnson said...

...wow, what a difference swedishing makes!:) xo, mickey

Joanna said...

Love it! I have my own mirror here that I need to swedish up!

the undomesticated wife said...

Your mirror looks very nice!

Lisa said...

Your "swedishing" looks great - my headboard is somewhat the same shape as the top of the mirror, so that gives me a good idea of what it will look like painted. Thanks!!

Slipcover for the couch, perhaps?

Lisa

Sarah said...

Oh, I am loving this journey. My brother-in-law always says, it's not about the final destination (although it will be beautiful for sure!), it's about the journey to get there. Can't wait to see all of the projects you will be working on. They will be fabulous!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

What a transformation :)!!! Love the result!

duchess said...

So pretty. You're off to a good start.
Have a great weekend.

Chris said...

LOVE it. I love white, so you can do no wrong with it on everything!

Laura Ingalls Gunn said...

The mirror is gorgeous.

I am thinking you would like a white slipcover on the red couch?

Stop by for my 200th post giveaway.

southerninspiration said...

Ooooh, I am loving swedishing!!!

Suzanne

Perfectly Pleasant said...

Wow! It turned out great! I'm a chicken when it comes to messing with natural wood -- I'm afraid I will do horrible damage and ruin the piece.

Wendy @ The Shabby Nest said...

So pretty.

DebraK from ~the Bunnies Bungalow~ said...

I love the new lighter paint! I'm lightening up a few spots in my home too. It makes everything look fresh. Very Nice!

Songbirdtiff said...

Very nice! You are off to a great start and I can't wait to see what else you do.

HeathahLee said...

I love it! And I love the story behind it, too! You need to go back and read Kat's comment after your comment...it cracked me up. And we will come see y'all when we can!!

Shannon said...

At first I was nervous for you but it turned out BEAUTIFUL!! I love it so much more now!

My guess is that the red sofa will be getting facelift? :)

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

It looks beautiful. I wish I could come to the garage sale where you sell off all your old stuff though...I would have a field day! :)

~ Sarah

Debbie said...

Hi! I've been a lurker for a little while, and love your blog! The mirror looks great!!It's a very pretty mirror..with such a nice story too.I just LOVE mirrors! I'm excited for you and your "swedishing" lol, and look forward to seeing you transform your home. Have fun!
-Debbie

Kasey said...

Pretty!

Michelle said...

Turned out nicely! Another great job Susie!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nora said...

I really love the mirror. It looks amazing. Swedish style is so inspiring. Can't wait to see what else you do!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Love it, Susie! Now I'm sitting back to see how far you're gonna take the Swedish thing. It's a snowball. :)

Robin said...

Amazing. I love Swedish style also so I looking forward to all your posts as you transform your home. Thanks Robin

Kimm at Reinvented said...

Wow, it looks great, I love the new look.
My guess--slipcover the couch? I LOVE the red, but I'm thinkin' you might want to lighten it up?

Sue said...

What a nice transformation from dark and dreary to suave and swedish... It looks great and I love viewing your blog. Sue

Anonymous said...

How are you gonna swedish up the red sofa?

Love the mirror.

tina

Pearl Maple said...

That looks fabulous, it is amazing what a few little creative touches here and there will do to make a house a home. Long live the joys of white paint! Thanks for sharing.

Sa-Sea Boutique said...

it is gorgeous!!! i love that mirror!!!!

His Doorkeeper said...

I love what you did to the mirror! Love to see transformation by a simple paint job!! Not much money involved but, oh, the difference!!

Great job! Show us more!

Holly said...

Very stylish. It definitely looks better!

Kara said...

I love it, it is gorgeous! Love the distressing!

Jeanneoli said...

The mirror turned out great!

Mandi said...

I absolutely love it! You did a great job, amazing what a little paint can do. It does lighten things up a lot.Can't wait to see what else you are up to.

RootsAndWingsCo said...

I love the fresh look of the white! I have always loved scandinavian design!! I can't wait to see your interpretation. Everything you do is always so gorgeous!
Rebecca
RootsAndWingsCo.blogspot.com

Ruth said...

I absolutely love it!!!!!!!!!
Ruth

artistryinfaux said...

I love your blot and your do it yourself projects...I don't remember how I came across your site but I believe it was from Southern Fried Girl's blog.