Sunday, April 11, 2010

Black or White? The Decision.

A couple weeks ago, I asked for help in deciding  whether I should paint the basic, economy model,  home improvement store vanity and medicine chest/mirror in the guest bathroom at the house in Hooterville black, or leave it white. 

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Much to my complete surprise, the opinions were pretty evenly split but the (slight) majority were in favor of leaving it white.  I really didn’t expect that.  I thought for sure the votes for painting it black would far exceed those for leaving it white.
For several days, I mulled over all the comments, suggestions...possibilities. 
I’m a self-professed white furniture (and vanity) lover through and through…to the point my husband says I have a “white obsession,”  but a little voice in my head kept whispering, “Paint it black! Paint it black!” 
So I did.

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I found this scrolly appliqué at Lowe’s.  In a “perfect” world, this probably should have been applied before I painted the vanity but I don’t think it is too late to  add it to the front horizontal panel above the door and drawers to give this plain vanity a little more pizzazz and mimic the curves of the iron pieces in the room. 
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Finding this inexpensive piece of framed art, which I really liked, (at Wal-Mart, of all places) further convinced me I needed to paint the vanity and mirror black.

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It does make the bathroom a little bit darker but, in person, it feels warmer and so much cozier.  (Note:  If you missed it, you can see photos of what the bathroom looked like when we bought the house in this post.) 

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Now that the vanity is black, I have switched the black trash can for a cute yellow French pail and added a few more accessories but I completely forgot to take updated photos when I was over at the house this  weekend.  :(
I’m still pondering ideas for a window treatment.  Decorating is definitely an ever-evolving process that takes lots of time, as well as a fair bit of trial and error, at least for me.

Linking up to:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses
Make It For Monday @ Cottage Instincts

Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

 

26 comments:

Lisa said...

Lovely! It seems to be coming along great! I cannot wait to see it all done! Your blog looks great! Wonderful new header!
Hugs, Lisa

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The bathroom is looking fabulous. I love the cabinet painted black. I think that was definitely the right decision. The applique will be wonderful too. Maybe give it a quick coat of black spray paint first then when you glue it on all you have to do is a real light coat. Love your picture, towel bar shelf and other accessories. Beautiful bathroom. Hugs, Marty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I think it looks great black! Sometimes you just have to go with your gut!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Yes!! Black was the way to go...looks so updated and fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Although I prefer white, the black against your yellow walls looks stunning. I think you made the right choice. Very wise of you to go with your gut feeling. The bathroom looks dynamite.

Allison Shops said...

I think I voted for white. I was wrong - looks fantastic!

Allison

Sharlotte said...

Hi Shari,
Your bathroom looks great! I really like the black. Great job, and thanks for sharing!
Sharlotte

Shine said...

Very cute.....LOVE the black!

Loui♥ said...

Shari..
the black transcends the common everyday stock white cabinet, effectively turning it into a one-of-a-kind unique, custom piece.
great job..
beautifully finished!
warmest hugs..
Loui♥

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

I really like the black. This is my first visiting so I plan to come back to see more. It all looks great! Always listen to that inner voice. :)

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

very pretty room! one can choose any colour they like as long as one feel comfortable in it! :-)

thanks for sharing..

have a good week!
fitty

Mandy from Burkett Blessings said...

Oh, I really like it!!!! I might have to try that in my bath!!! Great job!!!!
~mandy

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Shari,
Thanks for you sweet comments about my Cape house. I love your bath pics. Very nice!
Robin

Anonymous said...

Love, love, LOVE it! You absolutely made the right choice!!!

Unknown said...

Your bathroom is great, love the transformation!

Hugs
Charo

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

I think it looks great in black!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I love the vanity black! I just recently posted about my little bath in my basement that is yellow with black accents!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shari! Oh, I think it's always good to go with your feelings and you've certainly proved that here. I love the vanity and mirror painted black! You have such style and everything is just lovely!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0

Victoria said...

I would've voted white also but seeing it in black I really love it. You did such a great job and putting some yellow in there really lightens it up!

Denise Marie said...

cottage bathroom love!! You proved to your hubby and yourself that you can go black too. It does look warm and cozy. Can't wait to show you the kitchen vent hood cabinet hubby is building. We are adding the scrolly thingy on front too.

Lottie said...

Shari, I have to admit that I was one of the ones who voted for white, but now that I see it black, wow, was I ever wrong! I love the bathroom now, especially the new picture! You are right, it takes a lot of time and thought when decorating.

Cindy said...

I'm like you, I ponder on a piece to decorate for a long, long time. Then it is still trial and error. Your bathroom looks amazing!!! I really love it! Good for you for following the voice in your decorator's head. Hugs, Cindy S

Mrs. Teapot said...

The black makes the bathroom look "rich", "elegant". It makes the other colors not feel so stark, cold and bright..... excellent choice.

Sarah AKA The Thriftress said...

The black look SO good. Are you loving your "new" bath?
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. Love & appreciate those comments!
Sarah

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I LOVE it black!

Anonymous said...

WELL DONE!!!!

Have you ever considered going with black toile and red accents?