Kandy's First Closet Door Makeover

My closet project began simply enough...a makeover for the 1970's bifold closet doors in the guest bedroom (Karli's old room that I decorated Black and White French Country). It quickly spiralled out of control and I found myself repainting the entire room: the trim, the baseboards, the walls, the ceiling, and oh yeah, those closet doors.

Here is what started the whole thing...the stained hollow-core bifold doors.

After removing the bifold doors, I primed and painted all the woodwork around the closet in Sherwin Williams Extra White. I had some old louvered doors in the garage (I used these as dividers at the Antique Store) so I brought them in to see which I liked best...black or white.

I knew I wanted to add a little charm to the old bifold doors. I decided applying some wood trim would be just the solution, so off to the lumber yard with measurements in hand. I wanted the finished frame on each to measure 9 3/4 "  x   54". I bought four pieces, each 12 feet long and had the lumber yard cut each one in half (6') so I could fit them in my vehicle. 

My husband loves to get involved with projects like this so I had help. We used both saws, the radial arm and the miter box to cut the angles on our trim pieces.

This radial arm saw was a Christmas present one year.

We also used the miter box to make our cuts.

Remember to be consistent in measuring the longest point to make your 45 degree angle.
We created a stop (wood block clamped on our saw) to make sure all of our repeating cut lengths remained the same. We had 8 long lengths and 8 short lengths for the 4 doors. 

I lightly sanded the closet doors and all trim pieces as well. Then it was a matter of gluing all the trim on (and clamping them in place until dry). We used wood glue at first, but it was taking too long to dry so we changed to Liquid Nails and got along quicker. The pieces didn't slide around as much either.

Work in progress as the trim is applied (keep measuring and stay square)

After the trim pieces were all attached and dry, I filled in with putty where needed (filling in any angle boo boos). I then primed the doors, followed by a coat of the final color decision (black!). I had some antique glass door knobs that I had always wanted to use and these doors were just screaming for a little "bling." Of course the glass knobs had old paint on them so I had to remove that first (paint stripper, steel wool, and elbow grease).

The antique glass knobs were perfect.

This hook hangs by the closet and compliments the glass knobs...continuing the "bling."

Rehanging these doors is always a 2-man job and then you usually have to touch up your paint...just like I did. But, finally rehung...viola!!!!

The finished closet doors.

I am happy with the way this project turned out, in fact, so happy that I am continuing.  Did I mention that I have three more sets of these closet doors in my home? Oh my!!

~Kandy

Karli's Guest Bath Makeover Update

We sure have been busy around here. Two weeks ago it was new windows and last week it was the guest bath shower surround. If you remember from my previous post about the project, we had to re-tile once the new window was installed in that bathroom. What a perfect excuse to get the subway tile I love!

Here's the new room without a lick of decor before I moved anything back in. I really couldn't be happier with the crisp, white tile and the light gray grout. I really think having that darker grout will make this shower look fresh and clean longer than if I'd chosen white grout.



This was also the perfect time to upgrade the plumbing fixture to brushed nickel. The new bath spout actually pours into the tub and not out onto the lip--like it did before because the spout was too short.



In this photo you can see the little nook we had our tile guy build in. Already loving it!

So with a white bathroom, there are so many directions I could go with the decor. For now, the room is for guests so I want it to be a calm, peaceful, clean place. But, knowing how I love color, I couldn't just go plain. I chose this painting, by our real estate agent and friend, Cheryl Sartain, as my inspiration for the space. I'll keep it all fairly clean with white and tan, but there will be purposeful pops of black and orange. 

So here's where the bathroom stands now. It's usable, minus the lack of towel hooks. I took the old rods down and haven't found just the right thing. I know what I'm looking for, I just have to find it! I also need to paint. The current color is a little too pinky/peachy/yellowy for my taste.

 

These are just a few items I've gathered so far. I always love to put necessities in the bath for guests. The shower also holds some soap and shampoos.


I think I'm going to have to leave this room alone for a few months. It would be so easy for me to rip out the toilet, mirror, lights and medicine cabinet. But I'm hitting the pause button...for now. 

What do you think of the results?

~Karli

Thrift Store Fix for an Old Brass Light Fixture

You may notice a theme going with my many "Thrift Store" finds and fixes. It is true. I admit I frequently visit thrift stores, consignment shops, hardware stores, and such. I always seem to find great stuff for next to nothing. And, when a solution presents itself and it is cheap, I'm all over it.   

During a thrift shop visit last week, I found a glass shade that was just the right size for the ugly upstairs hall light that came with my 1970's house. (What are the odds?)


Here's what $1.00 buys.

Here's what the hall light looked like before.


I removed the "too cutesy," "too sweet" glass shade, sanded the brass part with steel wool, wiped it off, then painted it black (acrylic craft paint). I used a small brush and put on two coats, then followed with a coat of waterbase varnish. The entire light fixture could have been removed and spray painted with Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint, but I'm always in a hurry and wanted it done fast. (And, I am pretty good with a paint brush!) After it was all dry, I added my thrift store glass shade.



The finished "cheap" fix.

I have to admit that this small $1.00 project started a fairly time-consuming makeover for the upstairs hall. You'll have to follow along to see what all it entailed!!!!!

~Kandy