Decorating An Awkward Space

April 1, 2012

{Decorating An Awkward Space}

I hate to say it but it’s raining yet again!  I know it’s spring, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be, but don’t you remember that Tone Toni Tony song; ”It Never Rains In Southern California”?  Well it was true, up until this year!  Did I just date myself?  Since we’re on the old songs about rain subject, then I’ll mention another song that came to mind…’Blame It On the Rain’ by Milli Vanilli. Oh my…

Anyway, before I go to bed listening to ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ (that was the last one I promise!), I wanted to share a quick update that I did a couple of months ago to an otherwise useless space in a nook next to my stairway! 

This is a 2.5 x 2.5′ area directly next to the stairs and perpendicular to a narrow hallway.  I’d been breaking my head trying to figure out what to do with this space for a while.  I thought about making a bench and adding some hooks to the wall as sort of a mini entry way, but it’s just too far from the front door and it would just be cumbersome in the end. 

I wish I’d taken shots of the ‘before’ but I’m sure you can picture it; a bland and empty little gap in the hallway that was begging for some attention.
I had this mirror that I’d gotten on Craigslist for $15 (can you believe that?!).  I didn’t know exactly where to place it, I just knew when I saw it online that I had to have it.  It’s well made, and has such intricate features!  

The previous owner painted it the lively green, which I happen to loooove! I don’t know how old it is, but it’s solid wood that’s for sure. Let me tell you this baby is heavy! Measures about 4 ft tall, and is about 50 lbs. If you’ve ever tried to lift a 3rd grader, you’d know what it’s like to lift this mirror.  No complaints thought, because this was a DEAL and a half!
It was a perfect fit for my useless and awkward space, but having already painted the entire hallway a khaki shade (Wheat Bread by Behr), it just needed a little MORE. 
So I pulled out an old can of grey paint (can’t remember for the life of me what the color is called!) from the garage, put some painter’s tape up and added some 12″ stripes over the khaki, in the grey.  Very simple and easy project, especially with such a small space. 
Just took about 5 big stripes to fill up the space all the way up.
I added the empty frames (faux bamboo frames I took off of some surf style artwork I got the swap meet a few years back), and added the wicker basket (thrift store) to fill a little space on the left side.
It really IS all you need!
Still there was something missing! With a paint pen and some vinyl letters I decided to add a little wording on there..why not?!  Just placed the vinyl letters (stickers) up spelling out the phrase “Love Is All You Need” and with the paint pen traced over the vinyl.  Removed the vinyl and filled in the letters with the paint pen by hand.  Way easy!!
So far, I’m happy with it.  The neutral tones and textures, like the tan carpet on the stairs (unfortunately it’ll have to stay for now–sigh!) with the splash of bright green, really makes the nook ‘pop’ and demand some attention (at least as you pass it on your way to the loo).
Truthfully, I don’t know how long I’ll keep this vignette, but until I get a new whim, this will be it!  How would you go about decorating an awkward space?   
ctssign
Filed Under: Decorating 18 Comments

Comments

  1. Jenny@NorthwestLovelies says:
    April 4, 2012 at 4:26 am

    I think it looks fantastic!! I love the stripes and the green mirror is fabulous! It doesn’t look like an awkward space at all! Nice transformation! :)

    Reply
  2. Cynthia Rahardja Clancy says:
    April 4, 2012 at 5:30 am

    That mirror is a beauty! And love the little sentiment (Love is all you need) on the wall :)

    Reply
  3. Chase the Star says:
    April 4, 2012 at 5:52 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  4. Fox Hollow Cottage says:
    April 4, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    You really made the space so interesting! The mirror is a great addition! I’m in Oregon, so I HEAR you about the rain. LOL!

    Just a friendly suggestion =)
    http://foxhollowcottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-remove-word-verification-from.html

    Reply
  5. Candy says:
    April 5, 2012 at 2:52 am

    Love that mirror……..gorgeous.
    Im now following you from PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com. Please come visit me and maybe you’ll follow back. THANKS 8-)

    Reply
  6. Beth @ Free Stylin' says:
    April 5, 2012 at 2:59 am

    Love the stripes, and you’re right…the mirror is the perfect thing to put in this spot. Great score on the mirror, by the way!

    Reply
  7. I Know The Plans I Have For You says:
    April 5, 2012 at 7:11 am

    How cute!! I love green too and the stripes are such a great idea!! Following from
    http://iknowtheplansihave4you.blogspot.com

    Jill

    Reply
  8. sara @ applestone drive says:
    April 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Wow, just found you through the Wow Me Wednesday party at Ginger Snap Crafts. I love what you have done with this little space – so creative. The paint pen words are such a great idea and I am so jealous over that mirror. :) Great job!

    sara @ applestonedrive.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Amy Fountain says:
    April 9, 2012 at 1:37 am

    Wow, what a beautiful mirror! Really great job. :)

    Reply
  10. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says:
    April 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I loved the way you decorated the space and the mirror is fabulous! Thanks for sharing and I hope you dry out soon!

    Take care,

    Trish

    Reply
    • Chase the Star says:
      April 10, 2012 at 5:11 pm

      Trish,

      Thank you! I still can’t believe the bargain on that mirror:) We’ve had summer like weather for about a week, and just as I was getting used to it, they’re forecasting rain this weekend! Go figure! Have a great day!

      Reply
  11. Richella says:
    April 10, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    What a great use of that little space! The stripes are my favorite part, I think–they look wonderful! And the “Love is all you need” is a great touch. You were smart to add the empty frames–some kinds of art would be too “busy” against the stripes, but the empty frames are a fun touch.

    And the mirror?? What a steal! Doesn’t a bargain like that just make your heart sing? It’s perfect for your nook.

    Thank you so much for joining Grace at Home! I really appreciate it.

    Reply

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