CasaSugar

DIY: Ashley's Girly Glam Vanity

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:44 -0700

Ashley, whose very Carrie bedroom makeover impressed lots of you, DIYed her bedroom vanity, seen here. Ashley notes that "I wanted a mirrored vanity so badly, but they are pricey and I am a single mom who just started my career. My solution - I took a Craiglist wooden antique vanity and refinished it myself for a metallic look."

Want to see how she did it? Then read more.

"I wish I could have found and have afforded an actual mirrored vanity, but after the Sex and the City movie everyone wanted one, I think. So I took an old antique vanity from Craigslist and primed and painted it with spray paint. The first time I used a plain metallic silver but I wasn't sold on the results, so I went back and got the chrome-looking version of spray paint. Of course, it did not come out chrome on wood, but it had more of a silver metallic look when dry. I used two coats of the chrome and let it dry overnight. Then I used a polycrylic applied with a brush for stains and finishes, I put about three coats of this on the vanity so it would give off a glossy finish, The spray paint alone needed this final step. The polycrylic also protects the paint job."

I love the effect. Have you ever painted wood furniture to give it a metallic look?

Etsy Find: Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:15:35 -0800

My Etsy Finds normally fall under the categories of crafty things, textiles (napkins!), or artwork. But it's rare to find a furniture piece that's not just a reupholstered ottoman. So, I was surprised to come across this Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet ($129). Quite the unique, modern piece, it's a small vanity cabinet with an extending side mirror, three interior storage cubes, an interior cork board, and door-front knobs to hang jewelry from. The cabinet is also fixed with a light bulb to illuminate while you're applying makeup or trying on jewelry. The cabinet can be attached to a wall or rested on a table. It's certainly not for a traditionalist, but for those with a contemporary home, it's a wonderfully functional piece to own.

Nice and New: Pottery Barn Leah Desk

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:29 -0800

A friend of mine has the Neiman Marcus Mirrored Vanity ($899) and I love its flip-up center storage compartment, but I've been feeling lately that mirrored furniture is heading for the "out" bin. So, I was delighted to come across the Leah Desk ($469) in champagne at Pottery Barn. The desk also has a center section that lifts to reveal a beveled mirror and a faux drawer front that folds down to store accessories. Whether you're using the desk to do work, surf the web, or get all gussied up, it has a has a power strip that provides a central place to plug in your Macbook or your straightener. Aside from the technical features, I'm loving its glam champagne turned-wood legs and unexpected red painted interior finish. What do you think?

Before and After: Erin84's Bathroom Makeover

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:45:00 -0700

Su Casa member Erin84 recently gave the "ugly 70's-style bathroom" in her new condo a major overhaul, and the transformation is a vast improvement. She gutted the space, and then "used subway tiles on the floor and ceramic tiles on the walls." She says, "A new vanity and chandelier make it look like a completely different space." While the original bathroom may not be the biggest eyesore you've ever seen, the new vanity and tiles certainly are much more sophisticated and classic, and the chandelier adds a touch of glamour. Replacing the original trifold mirror with a single wall mirror opens up the space, relieving the bathroom's former cramped feeling. To see the after, read more.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Do you have a home renovation you'd like to show off? Then post photos in my Su Casa group! Source

Do You Use a Vanity?

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:00:34 -0700

I'm pretty torn over vanities. On one hand, there's a timeless elegance to them, particularly beautifully crafted antiques, and the thought of taking the time each day for yourself to use one is a pleasant one. On the other hand, wake up! It's the 21st century, and who has time to sit and fawn over themselves in front of a vanity, let alone put on mascara looking in the rear view mirror of your car?

Regardless of their utility, I think we can all agree that a vanity like this one can add a classic, chic touch to any chambre.
Source

Definition: Vanity

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:22:43 -0700

Some people might consider vanity a character flaw. But in the home-decorating venue, a vanity is a type of table or pedestal found in a bedroom or bathroom. Also called a dressing table, these cabinet-plus-countertop combos are designed for getting ready and are usually equipped with mirrors.

There are really two distinct types of vanities. A bathroom vanity is the cabinetry unit containing a sink, while a bedroom vanity does not have a sink but usually comes with a chair or stool.

Source and Source

Less or More: Branch Vanity Mirrors

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:19 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these branch vanity mirrors, and then see if you can answer my questions about them.

Take the quiz

Love It or Hate It? LineaAqua Quinn Wrought Iron Bathroom Vanity

CasaSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:49:30 -0700

I've never seen anything quite like this LineaAqua Quinn Wrought Iron Bathroom Vanity ($1104). Echoing a blossoming vine, it includes a flower-shaped sink and an iron stand that extends to the mirror. I also can't quite decide what to think about it. (Thanks to Audreystar for sending in the link!)

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:27 -0800

A boutique hotel in a trailer park! - ShelterPop
Improvise some guest vanities. - AT:NY
When do you call in a pro? - Charles and Hudson
Make these acorn napkin rings. - Craft
Where do you store cleaning products? - Re-Nest
Find out what's missing in Germany. - Decor8
What's the best way to display CDs? - Shelterrific

Good, Better, Best: Triptych Mirrors

CasaSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:00:19 -0800

A while ago, I fell in love with Sfgirlbybay's folding vanity mirror (seen here and here), which I suspect she may have picked up at a flea market. I have since been on the hunt for a triptych vanity mirror, but I've not yet made the final splurge. I've come across several options that fit the bill and that I have mixed feelings about, because a part of me is still holding out for an antique one. I think all three are wonderful choices, if you can afford them. It often surprises me how expensive mirrors can be, though. To see the three choices I've come up with, read more.

Good: The Restoration Hardware Triptych Tabletop Mirror ($99) is comprised of three beveled-edge mirrors, framed in nickel-plated brass. In full, it measures 28" by 11", so it's fairly portable. But I don't know why it would need to be "ported." I like the shape of it and its simplicity. However, I'm not keen on the frame; it's a bit industrial for my tastes. Funny thing: The dish in front of it resembles the one in Sfgirlbybay's photo (not that it matters).

Better: The Anthropologie Etched Triptych Mirror ($228) is beautifully etched and more ornate and girly than the first. I worry, though, that this type of "faux" Venetian mirror is a trend that will lose its appeal. And at that price, you could probably afford a real Venetian glass mirror. Measuring 30" by 37", it's pretty large and joined at each end to sit easily on your vanity.

Best: The Graham and Green Deco-Style Bevelled Triptych Mirror ($468) is awesome. Like the first, it's also beveled, but its bronze tint and chunky samba-wood frame give it an Art Deco feel that's just plain kewl. It's also large (25" by 42"), which makes it easy to actually see your whole face, you know, if you needed to. The drawbacks here are that it's both expensive and sold from the UK, which will probably require a lofty shipping fee.

Source