Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

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I never know what to call the place I live in. Is it an apartment, a townhouse, a fourplex? It's a fourplex because there are 4 units in this place, it's an apartment because my address says "apt. C" and it seems like a townhouse because it's 2 story, our bedrooms are upstairs. Anyway, the problem with living in a multiple-family dwelling is that you share walls with your neighbors which means you only have windows on two sides (front and back). That can make a place seem like a dungeon. To get away from that feeling I use mirrors. My mirrors look like windows and add some much needed architectural details to my space. I have mirrors in my living room, dining room, stairway and kitchen. I really don't love staring at myself in them, I just like the way they spread more light and open up my space. I've learned that teenage girls LOVE to look at themselves though and it's fun to watch them. LOL

Both mirrors were made by my dad. I tease him and say that my home is his showroom.
I had quite a few questions asked on last two posts so I will answer them here since blogger does not allow me to reply to your messages.

1. Sorry but my dad doesn't have any plans written up for the birdhouse table he made. If he did, I would certainly share them with you.

2. I didn't make the picture frame in the photo. I think I bought it at Target about 5 years ago. It's so funny, I just saw that same picture frame on someone's blog recently (I can't remember who's blog it was though).

3. Gayla, my mom is doing a lot better now, thanks for asking. I didn't mention this on my blog, just a comment I left on Gayla's...my mom was in the hospital recently, actually twice this year but she seems to be doing better now.

4. I haven't forgotten that I need to write up instructions on how I paint my furniture...hopefully I'll get to that soon!

16 comments:

Retroboutiques said...

I lived in one of those once, I think they called it a "Quad"...yours sure is beautiful!

Rosemary said...

Your townhouse looks beautiful.
I love the mirrors. I have quite a few myself. I keep buying them.
Your dad is very talented!
I really enjoy reading your blog.
Have a great day!!
Rosemary

Betty Jo said...

We live on a hill in a four-plex, but we have only one floor. We moved from a two-story with bedrooms upstairs. I love your idea of mirrors as we have windows only front and back like you. Our place is very light and airy but small, so I think the mirrors would really make it seem more spacious. I adore the mirrors your father has made for you. You are so fortunate to have him, and especially with his incredible abilities in making these lovely things. Yes, looking forward to your painting instructions. And thanks again for sharing such wonderful and inspiring ideas. xoxo

Anonymous said...

I love how you've made it look so unlike a typical apartment!

Anonymous said...

Your home is simply wonderful -- no matter what you call it (four-plex, apartment or townhouse! LOL! Just warm and charming -- and full of light! Gorgeous mirrors!

Jan (teacats) x at Rosemary Cottage

Melissa said...

One of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog is because you are a renter. Sometimes I feel badly that we don't own a home anymore, and then when I see what you have done with yours to make it a home, I'm re-energized to make my space a home. Thank you!

Angela said...

Beautifully done :-). I love the softness of things with bits of brillant color spread around.
Thanks for sharing these.
Have a great day!

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh Cindy, you home is so beautiful! You definitely have a talent for putting things together. The mirrors add so much more light and dimension to your rooms. Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my blog, I've been watching yours for quite awhile now and always love to see what you're up to...xxoo, Dawn

Anonymous said...

I live in a triplex with an upstairs, and though I love my neighbors (for being quiet, away on the weekends and never around in general) I dislike the darkness of windows on only 2 sides of the house. Mirrors are a trick I use as well. Your dining room looks lovely.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

oh, where have I been? You have had the most lovely posts. I love your mirrors, I am about to replace a hanging shelf with a mirror in my kitchen area for the same reason...light!

You have such a very beautiful home. that's what you should call it HOME.
Lidy

The Weathered Pane said...

Your home is so charming. One wouldn't know it was an apartment! And the mirrors that your dad made are beautiful. How lucky you are! Nancy

Susie Q said...

Your home is lovely...you have created such a beautiful, stylish, cozy place...it is HOME!

I do hope your mom is feeling much better now...

You Dad is quite a talented man! How lucky are YOU!!

Hugs,
Sue

Jen Kershner said...

Wow, your dad is quite a talent. I love your mirrors. I'm a big fan of using them too.

Lizzie said...

I lived in a home just like that when I was single, too. I called it a "townhome style apartment".

It had the nicest sized bedrooms in it- even better than in my current house. I really miss the size of the master... and also sometimes I miss being able to make every decorating decision without feeling obligated to ask someone elses opinion (and who would of thunk I'd marry a man who liked to decorate, LOL)! I was definitely queen of my castle!

Suburban prep said...

What a beautiful HOME!
I live in a place similar to yours. We have upstairs and a main floor (no basement) and a two car garage.
You and your family are very talented.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sad that your Dad doesn't have birdhouse table plans! If he ever decides to document it, let me know! And yes, please, tell us how you paint your furniture! I have several pieces that I want to paint but I'm afraid to screw it up. Should I use oil? Latex? Multiple layers? What? ~A :-)