Last Updated on April 9, 2016 by Kristi Linauer
First things first, I finished my wall mural. Yesterday morning, I added some updated pictures to Friday’s post. But just in case you missed that, here’s how I decided to finish out the edges of the mural panels.
I painted a border around each panel with the wall color, and then added a very thin border of Martha Stewart Liquid Gilding in gold. I just taped off the border with painters tape, and painted on the liquid gold gilding with a small paint brush.
Now on to the buffet. I already know that many of you are going to be disappointed about this, but I painted my buffet. I loved the coral buffet…
…and quite honestly, it looked beautiful with the wall mural. And sadly, I didn’t get a picture of it with the mural because I actually started repainting it before I even started on the mural.
I know. Disappointment all around. Sorry. 🙁
But now my buffet is black. And you’ll also notice that the doors don’t have the carved design anymore. I wasn’t really fond of the door design, so I just flipped them and put the design on the inside and the flat side on the outside.
So why did I paint it? Well, first of all, I painted my buffet the coral color because I was planning on using the watercolor fabric in the dining room, so I pulled a color out of that fabric for the buffet. I’m not using that fabric in the dining room anymore. (I’ll be using it in my office, so it won’t go to waste.)
But the second reason is because the coral color will be making an appearance in the dining room and the entryway in another way (more on that later), so having a coral buffet in addition to the other coral would just be way too much.
Plus, I really like black…obviously. And the black buffet will tie in nicely with the black that I plan to add to the dining room. (More on that later also.)
So I grabbed some black paint out of my paint stash and got busy. I used Behr Ultra Pure Black in a satin finish, and then used Polycrylic in a matte finish on top.
I also added new hardware — these pendant pulls and these swan-neck bail pulls, all in unlacquered brass.
I’m anxious to finish up this entryway! I pulled out these two glass base lamps that I bought a while back, and I think they’ll look nice here. I will need to do something with the lampshades, though. That silver color looks awful in the room and against the mural, so if I do decide to use them here, I’ll need to recover the shades with another fabric. Or I might decide to use these in another room and use other lamps here. I’ll wait to decide on that until after I find the mirror that I want to use on the wall above the buffet.
I’ve been searching for the perfect mirror, and unfortunately, the only one that I really like isn’t even available anymore. If I could have my pick of any mirror, I’d choose the Atoll mirror with the scalloped edges from Ballard Designs, but they don’t carry it anymore.
I’ve found some that are similar, but none that I think are as pretty as the one from Ballard. So I’m still searching.
And yes, I will be hanging something on the wall. 🙂 I know several of you said that I shouldn’t, but I never intended for the mural to be stand alone artwork. I intended it to be more like wallpaper, and wallpaper is a backdrop, not stand alone artwork. And even if I hang a mirror on the wall, I’ll still have plenty of mural showing on that wall. So my search for the perfect mirror continues.
EDIT:
Just to clarify about the doors, all I did was reverse them so that the side that was originally on the outside is now on the inside. This flat side was originally the part that was inside.
And now when I open the door, the side with the carved design is on the inside.
The hole for the pull isn’t in the center of the door. It’s more towards the top. So in order to keep the hole for the pull on top, I couldn’t just flip the doors over. I had to take the door that was originally on the left and use it on the right, and take the door that was originally on the right and use it on the left. I kind of lucked out in that the mortised areas for the hinges, as well as the screw holes for the hinges, still lined up perfectly.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
120 Comments
Courtney
April 6, 2016 at 8:35 amCould you make the scalloped edge from paper mache or plaster and then just add a mirror to it?
Deborah
April 6, 2016 at 12:38 pmI was actually thinking the same thing. That mirror IS gorgeous and I bet Kristi could totally DIY something like it… What about using plaster soaked cloth…I think it’s called hardware cloth? And I bet you could use clearance plastic easter eggs to help prop up the ruffles while it dries! =D
Julia
April 6, 2016 at 1:42 pmMy first thought was, “I bet she could somehow replicate that mirror!!” Kristi, I know you could. Somehow. 😉 Show us how it’s done. Pretty please? 😉
Tegan
April 6, 2016 at 8:39 amThe room already is coming together so much quicker than before! It seems as though you have a clear vision now! I love the new direction. The buffet while I’m disappointed to see it change color I understand it was causing issues with the design. But what’s a coat of paint?? It looks amazing in black too! Could you not make a similar mirror frame to the one you’ve shown? I’m almost thinking with something like paper mache (LOL! I know that sounds silly, but it almost has that look to it!)
Deb
April 6, 2016 at 8:40 amWell, I was wondering. I think I just loved the coral color, but I have to admit the buffet looks way more elegant and fits better in black. Happy to see the coral coming back elsewhere (table?). I think the direction you are going in now is much more “you.” Cannot wait to see the rest.
Marianne in Mo.
April 6, 2016 at 8:43 amLoved the coral, but this is elegant! I am partial to black painted pieces anyway. And I like the mirror idea. I think skinny taller lamps would be better though, IMHO.
Can’t wait for more!
[email protected]
April 6, 2016 at 8:45 amTry calling Ballards and speak directly to customer service. Sometimes when they are low on stock, they remove it from online. Also, call their outlet stores. I know there’s one in Cincinnati and one in Atlanta. There might be other outlets. I’m just not sure.
[email protected]
April 6, 2016 at 8:47 amWhoops. I made a typo on our blog name. It’s The 2 Seasons
Em
April 6, 2016 at 8:54 amLoved your coral buffet, but the black is stunning! I thing it’s strong enough to stand alone, but will also look great with the dining room!
Genius idea to switch the doors around to the flat side…totally stealing that idea in the future!!!
kg
April 6, 2016 at 8:57 amawwwwwww black looks fine, but I think the coral buffet would go beautifully here! entryways are supposed to give the visitor an idea of what’s to come – that buffet did that! count me disappointed.
Linda
April 6, 2016 at 10:24 amMe too KG…although lots of people love the black, it’s a little to harsh for my taste.
Jane
April 6, 2016 at 8:59 amAll of this looks wonderful……..love the edging around the murals and absolutely love the black buffet. What a great solution to the doors! I would never have thought of doing that! This has turned into a very elegant space! Kudos to you!
Kelly Bryant
April 6, 2016 at 9:02 amI Love Love the new direction! The buffet looks amazing against the ‘wallpaper’ and doesnt compete with the designs but enhances them. Cant wait to see all the other things. As for the lights I would go with something simpilar and definately glass or brass.
Eileen
April 6, 2016 at 9:02 amGreat progress. How about back shades? The lamps won’t look like they are floating and they will be grounded and make a statement. The black buffet is so striking.
Kristine Brown
April 6, 2016 at 9:02 amSuperb!!! The wall looks Perfecto!!! Love to “sit back” and watch your creative process. You have perfected the look on that wall so far, with even more to come (mirror, lamps)! Stunning, beautiful!!!
Justin
April 6, 2016 at 9:05 amNooooooooooooo!!!! 🙂
Seriously though, I had a hunch this was coming. I’m glad you made the decision YOU like and not the decision WE like.
It does look nice in black, by the way. There was just something about the coral that was neat and unique without being gaudy.
LORRAINE
April 6, 2016 at 4:45 pmI totally agree Justin…!!! 🙁
Black is one of my favourite furniture colours but that coral buffet just sung in the entryway. No doubt you can see the bigger picture Kristi and we are unable to see that just yet.
Looking forward to the complete reveal.
Debra
April 6, 2016 at 9:06 amWow! Just perfection!
Peggy R
April 6, 2016 at 9:07 amInteresting Kristi, I was just thinking about your coral buffet the other day, and thought that was the reason for indecision in the diningroom. You are a green, blue, gold girl with a touch of black and white. Throwing coral in the mix was upsetting the whole apple cart. Love the new direction.
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:11 pmI actually think it was the white walls. As soon as I painted them green, everything else fell into place in my mind. 🙂
Darleen Hampson
April 8, 2016 at 8:29 amI am in the process of buying my first place – and had already decided on green walls & black/white accessories! No wonder I love what you do so much! We have the same tastes-especially for “elegance with touches of whimsy.”
I have a small, almost dainty, China cabinet & have been trying to decide what to do – of course, it shall now become black!!! Beautiful room,, Kristi!. Need to search your blog posts for the green color you chose!
Angie
April 6, 2016 at 9:09 amBlack buffet much more elegant! Love it! You made my heart happy this morning!
Teri
April 6, 2016 at 10:20 amWhat Angie said! Love, love, love the black buffet!
Rae
April 6, 2016 at 9:09 amLoving your style and DIY awesomeness! Love the buffet in black and the wallpaper is amazing!
The mirror: have you tried Kirklands, World Market or Overstock.com? They always have a interesting variety
Tammy (Pa.)
April 6, 2016 at 9:16 amI was gonna’ say the same, make a mirror..!! I’m sure you could make one just as nice or even better..!!! BTW I love it..
Janis
April 6, 2016 at 9:16 amThis is so much more you Kristi. I have been keeping up with to date with you and noticed that you were getting side tracked with other people’s ideas. Like the white walls, I just knew they wouldn’t stay white long because you love color way to much to have white walls. I’m loving the walls now. They are prefect with what you are doing now. Oh and I love the black buffet. Thank goodness you are back on track with what you love and want in your forever home.
Rebecca B
April 6, 2016 at 9:23 amTrue, but on the other hand, its always good to have a little bit of outside input
Janis
April 6, 2016 at 9:34 amOh definitely and the input has helped Kristi a lot. Yet Kristi loves color and she’s good at using colors together and making all of us stand back and said WOW THAT’S BEAUTIFUL when she finishes a room.
Rebecca B
April 6, 2016 at 9:20 amI think the painted mural looks so beautiful, I really hate to see it covered up. And you are going to have to drill a hole in your mural. The mural is too nice to cover! Black buffet is nice. I think I liked coral a little bit better but I know you have a plan here and it’s all going to come together.
Gerri
April 6, 2016 at 9:27 amTry Houzz for the mirror
Rebecca B
April 6, 2016 at 9:27 amI just gotta say, the gold border really adds some “ooompf” if you know what I mean. It adds some sophistication and finishes the whole thing like a picture needs a frame.
Trudy Caffall
April 6, 2016 at 9:27 amI have never commented before so here goes. I love love love the mural and I’m so happy you painted the buffet. Very elegant. I have some furniture painting projects coming up and you give me the incentive to make it happen.
Sara
April 6, 2016 at 9:31 amI cant wait to see how you style the top of the buffet. I struggle with that aspect myself and I need you for inspiration!
Sue
April 6, 2016 at 9:40 amI am going to miss that coral buffet but do understand why you painted it black. Very clever switching the doors around. The buffet looks beautiful with the painted wallpaper and those lamps. I am sure the right mirror or artwork will come along. Have you checked your stash for something that could be repurposed?
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:12 pmI did check my stash, but didn’t find anything that would work. 🙁
Suzanne
April 6, 2016 at 9:44 amThere are some lamps at Pier 1 where the bases are like twigs or tree branches. Just a thought if you want them to tie in with the mural.
Suzanne
April 6, 2016 at 9:47 amhttp://www.pier1.com/Bird-Branch-Lamp/2765817,default,pd.html#q=lamp&start=1
Rebecca B
April 6, 2016 at 10:56 amVery nice lamps, perfect match, and on sale, too!
Linda Adney
April 6, 2016 at 9:54 amAbsolutely LOVE your new direction…you inspire me with every post…
Anne B
April 6, 2016 at 10:09 amThe black buffet with the mural behind is perfect! Love the doors turned around (now eyeing my hutch!) great idea! Looking forward to what comes next!!!
Sue2
April 6, 2016 at 10:10 amThe touch of gold around your murals is perfect….just enough to really set it off. I was one of the VERY few who didn’t care for the coral, but that was just me, so I was elated to open up your post this morning to see you painted it black :). The finish on that paint is flawless and I like the door solution you came up with too. I would have liked to see brass sconces with black lamp shades above the buffet, but like someone else mentioned, I can also visualize two candlestick brass lamps on your buffet with black shades. Be careful with your decision for your mirror frame though. Your inspiration is a bit cutesy for my tastes, but you always seem to come through. Anxious already for next reveal!
Paula
April 6, 2016 at 10:18 amLOVE the black on the buffet.Really ties into the wallpaper elegantly.How about the coral color on the lamp shades? I like your new direction, much more sophisticated.
Surani Joshua
April 8, 2016 at 12:58 amLove this idea!
Also, check craigslist nationwide & ebay for your discontinued mirror
Carol
April 6, 2016 at 10:22 amOh Kristi! Love the black and the new pulls☺ sooooo beautiful. The finish looks flawless. Did you spray it? I am on board 100%. Are you still going to do chairs on both sides of the buffet? Obviously, not black with white piping….hmmmm….WWKD?
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:16 pmI painted it with a brush, and then sprayed the clear coat. I know how to get a paint finish smooth with a brush, but I don’t have a lot of experience with water-based polyurethanes, and couldn’t get it brushed on smoothly to save my life. So I ended up dragging it out to my front porch and spraying it.
I am still going to have the two chairs flanking the buffet. Not black. Not white piping, either. 🙂
Bridget
February 19, 2018 at 6:49 pmYou may not recall… but I’m confused on the matte finish you referenced for the Polycrylic. You chose satin for the paint and matte for the finish? Why matte? The piece appears to have a very nice sheen. I don’t understand. I would love to try to replicate what you’ve done. It really does look very nice, but I don’t understand the choice of matte finish. Can you help???!!!
Joyce
April 6, 2016 at 10:22 amLove the buffet painted black! I was never crazy about the coral color paired with the stained top, but I thought you would eventually paint the top black while keeping the coral color. I was pleasantly surprised to see an all-black buffet this morning, and I love the solution you came up with for the doors. I also love the gold border you applied to your artwork and think ties in nicely with your overall design. Well done!
Lisa Johnson
April 6, 2016 at 10:25 amSuper elegant!!!!! Love everything that you have done! I have an idea on the lamps- why not paint the inside of the shade with gold paint, and the outside of the shade the same color as the lower wall. It would tie the the acrylic and gold curtain rods in with the lamps! This mural is a masterpiece- love it!!!! Fantastic job.
Diane
April 6, 2016 at 10:25 amVery nice! The chrome pole inside the lamps bothers me though. Can you switch it out for brass? Shades with an inner lining of gold would add warmth when lit.
You always have great solutions.
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:17 pmI don’t know about switching it out, but it could certainly be painted.
Sharon C
April 6, 2016 at 10:30 amFirstly the wallpaper mural looks fantastic with the gold edging. It’s the perfect finish. I loved the buffet in coral, but I really love it more in black and with the new hardware, it looks so elegant and somehow it seems more you. Great idea to reverse the doors. You are so creative. Well done Kristi for trusting your vision, it is definitely coming together quickly now and looking so stylish!!
Terrie
April 6, 2016 at 10:31 amLove the black! It sure is coming along. Beautiful job.
Melinda
April 6, 2016 at 10:38 amHi Kristi:
Read your blog everyday and you are amazing! I especially love that you allow yourself the flexibility of change when your first go doesn’t meet your needs. One thing I’ve noticed over the months of following your posts is that your inclination is to keep some sort of natural wood on the pieces you refinish. Then later you end up painting the entire piece. I only mention this because I’m wondering if this is part of your creative process? Personally, I have to work through what I think I should do vs what I really wanted to do.
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:21 pmIt’s not part of my creative process as much as it is my determination to put some natural wood in my rooms somewhere (I think natural wood softens and warms up a room), but not being able to make it work anywhere so far. I’m very frustrated with it, because I really, REALLY want some natural wood in there somewhere, but I just can’t seem to make it work. Heck, I even stripped all of the drawers and doors on this buffet this past weekend, and actually tried staining them first. I had hoped for a stained/painted combo on this buffet. But I tried three different stain colors, and all of them turned an awful orange. So I decided to paint the whole thing. It turned out nice with it all black, but I just wish I could find the right spot for some natural wood in this room, AND get it stained the right color without it turning orange or red.
Alta Craig
April 6, 2016 at 4:03 pmThere’s natural wood in the floor…
Guerrina
April 6, 2016 at 10:44 amThough I am sure the coral was beautiful with the mural, I believe the black sideboard does not compete with it and is very classy looking. Coral lumbar pillows for each chair?!! 🙂
Linda
April 6, 2016 at 10:45 amI’m having a hard time with the black, so I’ll wait to see finished room to see your vision. I know it’ll all work out in the end. It always does 🙂 I really don’t care for those lamps on the buffet though, because they have a silver bar running thru them that (to me) clashes with the brass pulls. JMHO, (and it’s not my house 🙂 I do know that when the room is done, it’ll be absolutely gorgeous picture perfect.
Susan C
April 6, 2016 at 10:46 amLooks great! Love checking in and just reading and seeing what you’ve been doing! Love you are surprising us with what you’ve completed and not getting bogged down by lots of opinions/options!! I’ve searched but can’t seem to find what paint finish you used on all the trim work? The wall paint is flat I think…? Did you use flat on the trim? Thanks!
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:22 pmThe walls are flat, and the trim is semi-gloss.
JAB
April 6, 2016 at 10:54 amGreat so far, but the white on the lower half of the wall looks odd, too sharp a contrast.
Melanie
April 6, 2016 at 1:00 pmJAB, I thought I was alone, so I am glad to see someone else noticed what I see. Kristi, you are amazing, and everything you do is stunning and clever, but I disagree with the paint color situation. I disliked the greenish paint on the walls, and the whole white, greenish, plus mural background color just does not blend together. In retrospect, I probably do not really dislike the green, but just the way it does not fit the other components, in my (totally amateur) opinion. The white is not right for this, in my opinion, just as JAB stated above.
Cindy Richardson
April 6, 2016 at 11:02 amThe black looks great, i can’t wait to see it all come together. I was looking forward to seeing the coral buffet but i think the black looks great.
Zovesta
April 6, 2016 at 11:05 amThe border was brilliant. <3 I like the black, as the coral was always a little too dark (but black isn't?! my tastes make no sense) in my opinion, but I will miss the pop of colour. I'm sure you'll find plenty of ways to add colour back in, though! =D Dying to see the finished room, it's coming along so beautifully.
mbg
April 6, 2016 at 11:07 amThe mural is amazing! Are you going to do the wall on the left hand side as well? Or are you leaving it the way it is.
I love, love, love the black buffet. I wasn’t crazy about the coral….
Linda S.
April 6, 2016 at 12:38 pmI’m wondering about the panel on the left as well. Everything is looking fantastic!
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:31 pmI’m leaving it the way it is. I only wanted the mural on the one wall.
Kimberly
April 6, 2016 at 11:12 amPersonally I prefer the buffet in black. Good call on flipping the doors too. It looks so elegant together with the new hardware. I can’t wait to see the entry and dining room completed. I’m liking the direction your going. I’ve always loved black, white and green together.
janpartist
April 6, 2016 at 11:14 amGreat decision! The buffet and the piano now will not be competing for the eye when you enter the front door. Beautiful, the way it’s now coming together.
Laurie
April 6, 2016 at 11:18 amPerfect! Now it’s really coming together. I love the black on the buffet and the new hardware.
Michele
April 6, 2016 at 11:21 amEverything you have accomplished since the last big update looks terrific. I think the narrow gilding paint looks perfect as edging for the mural, and while I liked the coral buffet a lot, I completely understand your choice to change it to black. And in front of the mural wall, the black buffet makes the birds and butterflies pop in the loveliest way! The lamp bases you have there might be OK with shades covered in a coordinating fabric with the rest of the room, but perhaps consider taller buffet lamps. That’s a lot of space over there, and you don’t want the lamps looking skimpy. Can’t wait for the next chapter!
Chris
April 6, 2016 at 11:25 amLiking the look so far. The Atoll was a lovely mirror. This mirror is a bit more fanciful but very similar; maybe you could smooth the inside? The Ballard was apparently a design taken from a very expensive mirror called Cape Linden by William Sullivan.
http://www.gilt.com/brand/statements-by-j/product/1101319778-statements-by-j-marigold-mirror?origin=partner_feed&utm_source=google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CJyo0eWx-ssCFZA2aQodX2kAlQ
Chris
April 6, 2016 at 11:36 amOr plunk down way more bucks for this one from Ethan Allen.
http://www.ethanallen.com/en_US/shop-decor-mirrors-mirrors/scalloped-mirror/074417.html
Char
April 6, 2016 at 11:27 amSo much better. I was never a fan of the coral buffet especially juxapositioned to the piano in the next room. The buffet in black is beautiful yet lets other elements shine without competing. It looks elegant against your “wall paper” as well. Again, not competing.
Laura
April 6, 2016 at 11:33 amYou are a genius. I hated your mural. I hated that buffet. Now, with the two together (and the buffet with changed doors), I LOVE it! I also don’t like the mirror or the lamps and would have never chosen those things for myself. But, here, it works beautifully and I LOVE them, too! Amazing. Really amazing!
Lisa Garber
April 6, 2016 at 11:47 amI much prefer the buffet in black, and I wasn’t crazy about the carving either. I thought it made the buffet look cheap. This edition looks smart, tasteful and expensive. Something must be said for having the vision and flair to try to use any furniture piece in any room – well, maybe not beds – because then we can adapt and reuse many pieces!
Maybe try an ebay search for the mirror; or krrb, craigslist? Used? Loving this vision of the entry/living-now-dining room, O Tireless Kristi!
Eileen
April 6, 2016 at 11:50 amI love the elegance of the black and gold buffet. I’m not a fan of coral…it’s just not in my color wheel. And, the thin gold border on the mural works so well with the gold hardware on the buffet.
Sherri
April 6, 2016 at 11:59 amHi Kristi,
A heavy fabric with mod podge could be used to create the scalloped shell edge for a mirror, then paint to your taste. Obviously, papier mache. You could recreate the look if you desire.
Sherri
Ellen
April 6, 2016 at 12:01 pmSo classy! Every bit of it makes me stand up and cheer. Well almost every bit. I like that the lamps are clear, but I agree about the color.
Susan Davis
April 6, 2016 at 12:03 pmI love the black buffet. Classic.
My fave designer Alexa Hampton has a black buffet in her foyer with hand painted wallpaper by Gracie. You are in good company. haha!
I am thinking maybe coral in the cutains or Roman Shades for the dining room?
Susan Davis
April 6, 2016 at 12:10 pmhttp://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/alexa-hampton-before-and-after-slideshow#8
Black is classic!
My fave designer Alexa Hampton has a black foyer cabinet and hand painted wall paper by Gracie in her NY apartment. You are in good company indeed.
Dee
April 6, 2016 at 12:27 pmTruly lovely!
Laurie
April 6, 2016 at 12:33 pmHave you tried http://www.riverbendhome.com for mirrors? There are quite a few in gold finishes that would look great.
Donna
April 6, 2016 at 12:34 pmThe black buffet is simply stunning. It’s so much more elegant than the coral with the wood top.
When you paint wood pieces, do you ever use an oil based primer? I ask because your painted finishes always look so smoothe. I’ve never been able to accomplish so smoothe a finish without an oil based primer, even using a sprayer and sanding between coats.
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:39 pmOil-based primer is all that I use on furniture and cabinets. My primer of choice is oil-based Zinsser Cover Stain. One reason I love it so much is because when it’s fully dry, it sands beautifully. I can get such an amazingly smooth finish by sanding it by hand with 220-grit sandpaper.
Susan
April 6, 2016 at 12:48 pmClever, clever girl in switching the doors. It looks stunning–wall and buffet. Love the new hardware too.
Mary
April 6, 2016 at 1:16 pmYour painted furniture always looks so good. Do you always just spray your pieces with your Critter? Or do you brush/roll them?
I bought a Critter because you said how much you liked it. I’m anxious for our weather to warm up so I can use it to paint in the garage. I have some pieces that could benefit from some paint.
My husband told me I need to hang plastic sheets from the ceiling (to create a spray booth) to prevent the spray from going on everything like it does when I use spray paint from a can. Is that really necessary with the Critter?
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:44 pmOn this, I painted everything with a brush, and then sprayed on a clear coat. I generally don’t do clear coats over painted finishes, but black is a special case. Black paint shows smudges so easily. I mean, if you have anything but the cleanest of hands, just touching the black painted finish will leave visible marks/smudges. So to make it super easy to wipe clean, I find that a clear coat on black painted furniture is almost a must, unless the paint is semi-gloss or glossy finish (which I don’t like and almost never use).
To spray the clear coat, I dragged everything out to my front porch and sprayed it with my Critter. If you’re going to use it inside, you definitely need to tape and drape everything in the immediate vicinity. I find that paints don’t fog up a room nearly as much as clear coats do.
CL Hays
April 6, 2016 at 1:39 pmCan you tell us what matte poly you used . I always have problems with streaks putting a matte water based poly over black but I was using matte paint too. Did you use water based? Do you use flotrol? Absolutely a flawless application of paint . You amaze me.
I don’t really care for the lamps with the buffet, but it may be the silver under the glass that is throwing me off. But that is why they make chocolate and vanilla ,not everyone likes the same flavor. To me they are lite and airy like the floral fabric not enough substance for the black buffet. I loved the coral and I love the black. I hope you find a mirror the compliments your design soon.
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 3:46 pmI used Polycrylic in a matte finish, which actually looks more satin to me. I painted the buffet with a brush (yes, I use Floetrol…always) and then sprayed the clear coat on with my Critter sprayer.
Susan Blaine
April 6, 2016 at 1:47 pmThe “wallpaper” is super nice! Really becomes a statement! Perhaps a roundish (is that a word), oval shaped mirror…just to balance out the rectangle of buffet!
Keep up the great work! Got ur momentum going now!
jill
April 6, 2016 at 2:01 pmStunning! Very sophisticated yet still and whimsical. I like coral as an accessory pop but, now the buffet looks like a much more expensive piece. I ran around my house to see if any of my “old” furniture doors could be flipped, even my kitchen cabinets! Sadly they could not…you got lucky!
Can you remind us of why you decided to hand draw the wallpaper design vs. using the actual wallpaper in those insert areas?
I check your blog first thing every morning!
Kristi
April 6, 2016 at 2:34 pmThe main reason I hand drew the design was because of price. Since I already had all but one of the paint colors on hand, and just had to purchase one sample size of paint plus some permanent markers, the mural cost me less than $15. The wallpaper, on the other hand, costs about $170 per single roll. In order to cover the three panels and match the design (matching the design from strip to strip is where you waste a lot of wallpaper), I would have needed two full rolls, plus a tiny bit of a third roll. That’s $510 + shipping for the wallpaper. I’ll take the $15 and ten hours of work any day. 🙂
But honestly, I much preferred my mom’s design to the Schumacher design anyway. My mom’s design has a softer look to it, where the Schumacher design look much more scribbled.
jill
April 6, 2016 at 7:33 pmYikes….I would have never thought wall paper existed that could be that expensive for just a few panels. Geez!
Sophia Jean Viator
April 6, 2016 at 2:20 pmKristi – I think you’re a genius. I love everything you do and wish I could accomplish half as much.
Keep up the good work!
Carmen
April 6, 2016 at 2:30 pmCount me as another that is glad you painted the buffet black. I think it will tie in beautifully with your music room doors. I have to agree that the lamps don’t quite work in that spot. I don’t know if its the chrome pole or the shades. Have you considered a round mirror? There are so many rectangles in the room already, a round mirror would really help to soften all the angles. Eagerly awaiting more:)
Janet L
April 6, 2016 at 2:47 pmLove the buffet painted black! The coral was great,but with the lovely wall treatment,the wall screamed for the black!
Rachel
April 6, 2016 at 3:18 pmThe black buffet is so much more sophisticated and grownup looking than the coral (I must admit that I hated it), and your hardware choices are fantastic.
The acrylic lamps are throwing things off for me a bit–I think a previous poster suggested brass sconces which would look fabulous with the buffet and a mirror with a gold frame. The other mirrors are cute but belong in a teenage girl’s bedroom or bathroom, not in your new sophisticated look.
Congrats on a job well done!
Terri
April 6, 2016 at 3:22 pmI don’t know if you have a home store in your area called At Home, but we do where I live, and that exact mirror was there as of two days ago, for 200.00! If you have one of those stores in your area you might want to check it out. Just a suggestion.
Mary Anne Looby
April 6, 2016 at 3:34 pmmy biggest fear when you got rid of the coral buffet was that coral was out. So glad it won’t be. Thrilled that your favorite fabric is going in your office, where you will see it every day. The current lamp look awful. They are too modern for such a sophisticated space. I hope once you get lamps and maybe a beautiful centerpiece you will forgo the mirror on the wall. If you have to have a mirror get a smaller one and put it on an easel on the buffet. That would be different. I just hate the idea of cover up even an inch of that wall. It seems as though everything you like so much before, i.e. the wood tops on the table and buffet have all fallen by the wayside. Maybe it is time to slow down your process once again, or focus on what still has to be done. I personally love the black buffet, and I think brass lamp with black shades are stunning. Don’t know if you can still find them. They used to be a popular style for a great brass company that no longer is in business.
Denise
April 6, 2016 at 3:35 pmLove the mural and the black buffet. I think that the ceiling is begging to be painted green like walls.
Fern
April 6, 2016 at 3:55 pmI love the black buffet, especially with the doors turned inside out. It looks very elegant and judging from your table, I think the more regal look of the black is better than the coral.
Looking forward to seeing more!
Nella
April 6, 2016 at 4:18 pmKristi…please don’t cover up the “wallpaper”. I know it was never meant to be a focal point in the room but I think it is stunning, and if I could I would ask you to come to my home and do the same to my dining area! Please use Command strips to hang the mirror just in case you change your mind 😉
I absolutely love love love the black buffet with the reversed doors. So elegant!
Lu Ann Gilliland
April 6, 2016 at 4:20 pmLove the color of your black buffet! I have one as well!It really stands out nicely…
Dottie
April 6, 2016 at 4:23 pmCan one ever have too much coral? Just sayin’.
Threadbare Cloak
April 6, 2016 at 4:42 pmLove Love Love the black buffet!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day
April 6, 2016 at 4:51 pmBeautiful! I love the tiny gold edging you added and the buffet looks wonderful black. I could say I was disappointed to see it painted because I’m a huge fan of coral, too. But… sometimes we need to make changes to fulfill our vision and yours is staring to wrap up beautifully. Way to go Kristi!
elaine
April 6, 2016 at 5:14 pmEvery room needs black, so the buffet works beautifully. Looking forward to where the coral will emerge as it is so gorgeous. I learn something in every one of your posts. Thank you for that!
Mad Margaret
April 6, 2016 at 5:54 pmI love the black. I love your drawing. I am inspired.
Nancy
April 6, 2016 at 6:17 pmWow, that. Is one beautiful room!
Sandy
April 6, 2016 at 8:30 pmLove!
You are so stinkin’ smart to flip those doors around.
The buffet with the gorgeous backdrop makes me think of tapestries and French country manors or an English stately 20 bedroom “summer home”. Elegant, with character, and classy. Not stuffy at all, fresh and modern versions of those. Really lovely!
Ellen W.
April 6, 2016 at 8:49 pmLove this direction! That wall is shaping up beautifully.
Annie
April 6, 2016 at 9:33 pmI think changing your buffet to black added such a nice level of elegance and makes your mural wallpaper pop. I love checking in to see what inspiration your new day has added to mine😊. Thank you for sharing.
Nancy
April 7, 2016 at 6:33 amKristi,
Have you seen this? It might be a great low cost solution for a mirror!
http://www.stonegableblog.com/beautiful-painted-medallion-mirror-diy/
Kim
April 7, 2016 at 2:08 pmDoes your husband every say Quit looking at Pinterest!! I bet he walks up in a new place everyday…lol!! My husband came to bed one night and the bed was on a different wall!
Gretchen Tucker
April 7, 2016 at 5:42 pmWhy not cover the lampshades in the coral? I think that would look amazing…and you’d still get to use the coral you love!
Nonna
April 11, 2016 at 4:58 pmI LOVE LOVE that black buffet…much more elegant than the other color
Jeanne
April 12, 2016 at 1:26 pmLove the black buffet! Did you spray it or brush it? I’d like to paint a few pieces and am not sure what works best. Your buffet looks like it came right from the factory!!
Kristi
April 12, 2016 at 2:49 pmI painted it with a brush, and then sprayed it with a clear coat (Polycrylic in a matte finish). Here are my painting tips:
https://www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-paint-cabinets-with-a-paint-brush-and-get-a-near-perfect-finish.html
Candy
May 25, 2016 at 4:08 amI Always read the previous comments to make sure my question wasn’t already answered, but after reading them I forgot my question. I can’t believe the things these people say to you. “I hate” this “I never liked” that… We all know you change your mind and if you want our opinion you’ll ask. You are a much more disciplined person than I. I love your style and enjoy your thought process. I can tell you were raised with “if you don’t have anything nice to say…” As I was. I wonder if they would say the same to your face.
Kim
September 24, 2016 at 11:27 amHi.. what a beautiful professional job .. i am refinishing a buffet. I sanded and stained the top leaving it wood looking.. will polycrylic that a few coats.. but did you polycrylic your whole piece or just the top?? and how long did you wait after you painted before you polycryliced your piece.. please respond asap as I need to start this finish asap.. Thank Kim