Help Me Decide About My Kitchen Mirror
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Today, I want you to help me decide what to do with the mirror in my kitchen. The other side of my galley kitchen, I should say.
You’ve really only seen one side of it. Now I want you to help me figure out the other side of this kitchen.
All suggestions are welcome.
You’ve seen the coffee bar, though I’ve hung more decor on the wall over there since then. And you’ve seen the section with the open doors and red and white dishes, etc.
The Other Side:
Now look across, and this is the other side of the kitchen.
As you can see, there is a mirror above the sink. I guess it’s to give the illusion of light and more open space.
I’ve been racking my brain about what to do there. It’s not in my nature to just leave it alone. And I really don’t like mirrors over a kitchen sink.
If I can’t have a window, then I’d rather just have a wall. At least I could choose a painting or wall decor if it was just an empty wall.
I considered hanging curtains over the mirror. I’ve ordered the hardware to hang curtains on the window that looks out to the front. I’m doing the same for the patio doors and the window behind my recliner.
The light above the mirror is not centered. Now why, if you’re putting a light in the ceiling over something, wouldn’t you center it? I don’t get it.
So that is one decision I’m trying to make.
Once again, here is the wall you’ve already seen, and I’m happy with it.
And here is the other side. What if I took off those two doors as well? On either side of this mirror.
Closed Cabinet Doors Or Open Ones:
Here’s my reasoning for why I’d consider doing this. Say I hang curtains over the mirror and kind of pretend it’s a window.
Then if the doors on either side were taken off, it would somewhat distract from what’s in the middle.
If I took off the doors, I could put more pretties up there to display, like my collection of white pitchers.
What’s up there now is just odds and ends. And I can always adjust the shelf height. Other ideas are swimming around in my head.
I could put a shelf in the middle of the mirror. But I’m thinking that might be a bit much.
I’d considered hanging my red pots and pans from hooks below a shelf if I put one there.
But that would mean going to Lowe’s or somewhere to have a board cut to size, then trying to hang it straight.
Then again, I’m kind of clumsy. What if I knocked one of the pots against the mirror and broke it? I don’t need 7 years of bad luck.
By the way, I ordered an unbreakable hand mirror from Amazon, and it arrived yesterday. I’m hoping to stave off any more bad luck.
I ordered it because one of the movers broke my small hand mirror while packing it. His buddies kidded him about all the bad luck he was going to have.
The Kitchen Question:
Back to the kitchen. I’m perfectly happy with the other side and the coffee bar. But the problem at hand is this other side.
So help me figure this out.
Cute Plants From Trader Joe’s:
Oh, I have to show you these three little cuties I picked up from Trader Joe’s the other day. I think each pot and plant was around $5. So about $15 total.
Just too adorable to pass up. Can you see the faces on the gray pots?
One Half Of The Master Gardener Couple Dies:
Steve, my next-door neighbor, knocked on the door a little while ago. I guess he saw me in the kitchen hammering nails and cursing the walls.
His wife died earlier this week. I didn’t know. He said they were going to cremate her and have a service in a town about an hour from here. Apparently their original home.
She never came home from the hospital.
I wasn’t here 2 weeks before my next-door neighbor died. I’d only seen her one time. She was 75. (Think I brought bad karma with me?)
Steve seemed fine. I guess he’s had about 4 days to adjust to her death. And when you get older, I suppose it’s less of a surprise. But still.
I had considered sending flowers to the hospital when I first knew she had gone there. But I don’t even know their last name. I remember the name “Steve”, but her name, which I think began with an “M”, escapes me.
I’ve met him a few times and talked a bit. Remember he shoveled snow off my sidewalk. Was that just a week ago? I forget.
But it’s sad that he’s lost the woman with whom he apparently (I’m assuming) had a son and a daughter, and spent a good part of his life.
So today I had kitchen questions and a sad death to share with you. There’s one-half of the master gardener couple gone, I suppose, to some great big garden in the sky.
I hope he stays here so he can help me a bit with my garden decisions in a few months.
Brenda, you could reach out to management and get a last name if you wanted to send a card or flowers. I’m sure, with a simple explanation on your part, they would help you with that. We had the same situation here… neighbor dying not long after we moved in. We sent a card in the mail, though I could have put it in their mailbox directly. We didn’t know them well, but it was a nice thing to do.
I agree! Such a lovely gesture for Brenda to offer, too. I think Steve will remain where he is and become a good friend and source of help to her.
So much more room in this apartment.
You could do so many things over the sink. Shelves, of course, with pretties or plants, a picture centered so just a bit of the mirror is exposed around the edges, even a textured wallpaper like grass cloth because you could change it whenever you want, even an interesting fabric or quilted piece could cover it. Attach it at the top and you could put a picture or something else of interest on top of the fabric or wallpaper.
Since you like and are good with plants I think shelves with plants in front of the mirror would be good. And if you do that I think you would want to leave the doors on.
Yes. I agree with Margery.
Nice idea for hanging plants. My personal opinion would be to definitely have kitchen cabinets closed. Do not remove.
Too many nick knacks to look at. Everything gets so dusty and difficult to keep clean.
Less is more.
It’s easy to over decorate.
I agree with Margery, shelves with plants on them in front of the mirror would look very nice! And leave the cabinet doors on!
How about taking the doors off ,that already looks good on the other side . Also creating balance, I thought you might frame the mirror with trim if there is enough space.Or maybe hang a plant from the over hang to distract some from the glass. Sorry to know of the loss of a neighbor , you mentioned sending flowers to his wife . A gift of flowers to him might be a nice way to let him know he is thought of during a time of grief.
Hi Brenda. First and foremost, you did not bring bad karma with you!! So please don’t give that any serious thought. I am really sorry to hear about your neighbor though. 75 years old, really is still pretty young. My condolences to your neighbor. He seems like a really nice person, and hopefully your shared love of gardening will give you both something to talk about and get to know each other better in time. As for your kitchen, it seems funny to have a mirror above the sink. In a bathroom, yes, of course, but a kitchen? I guess it was to help with lighting, but you also have a window at the end. I liked Claire’s idea too, of using the commands strips to hang a picture. Or perhaps, instead of shelves, you could hang a plant. With the light being off center, which really isn’t too bad, you could exactly center a hook and hang your plant. I thought the idea of a stained glass window was good too, but instead of painting it, I’d look into the peel and stick windows clings. They have lots of pretty designs. Lots of people used them on bathroom windows for privacy. When I look at that side of the kitchen compared to the side you’ve already decorated, what stands out the most to me is a lack of color. Maybe what you need is to add more color. Some red small appliances or hand towels, a hanging plant, etc. I think that might liven it up a bit. Can’t wait to see what you decide. Everything’s looking good so far. I’m glad Teri is feeling better and will be there soon to help you some more. Your 3 little plants are adorable. I had to zoom in to see the faces. They are too cute.
Have you thought about priming the mirror and painting it with blackboard paint? You could write cute poems or shopping lists. I’m not sure about returning UT back to a mirror when you leave. Your apartment is so darling.
I agree. A floral window cling film from Amazon would add color to the space, and they are removable.
I use tension rods for windows recessed in like where your mirror is so maybe try one there with a curtain so you aren’t having holes to fill in later if you don’t like it. I prefer the simplicity of the doors left on as it makes the kitchen appear larger to me.
Lots to think about here… first, I love love love the side of the kitchen that you’re happy with! I like the idea of black boarding that someone else mentioned. Maybe you could still use cute magnets to put up pics of the kittens? I’m not fond of the plants on shelves over the sink – I’m a klutz and definitely would knock something off. I like the idea of curtains on a tension rod, and maybe of just doing a curtain topper? So it covers part of the mirror but not all of it. I’m partial to closed cabinets, but I’m not as good as you are at making the open cabinets look pretty. That’s a big reason I like the other side. I don’t notice the offset light, although if I were right in front of it, I’m sure it would bug me, too!
Just my two cents, which is about all my decorating advice is worth! 😍
So sorry about your neighbor’s wife. Hopefully he will stay in the apartment. It would be nice for you to have a helpful friend like him around. As for the kitchen, I say do away with the cabinet doors. The space is small and narrow, and opening up the cabinets brings in the illusion of space, and continues that light, airy and cottage vibe you have going on in the living and dining room. The mirror, to me, is a bonus for bouncing around light. You just need to make it work for you. I see a shelf at the bottom between the cabinets. A white pitcher ( like the one you showed for sale on amazon with the textured design the other day that I am drooling over) filled with either real or faux greenery with a light sprinkling
of white babys breath or some other small, delicate white flower in the center of the shelf. It will give some height and take away from the light fixture as a focal point. Keeping it neutral will offset from the colors of decor used in the open cabinets. You will still have the benefit of light reflecting light from the mirror, but it won’t be just a big, blank square to look at. Maybe on the sides some candle holders and
candles, or small, framed pictures of Ivy and Gracie. Curtains might make the mirror area too closed in,
Unless it was maybe a very short, white, lacy curtain topper again lending to the cottage look and still allowing the mirror to reflect light. Keeping it interesting while simple is the key here.
For a quick fix, just put one of your canvas art pictures over it. For long term, I would use peel and stick tin tiles to make it farmhouse-like, then put a simple wood shelf between the doors for plants. Personally, I would leave those cabinet doors as is. You have to have a quiet resting place for your eyes and think it would be too much of a good thing. You could always do an open display bookcase in another room for vingettes. Love your big window in the kitchen. A boho style hanging plant would look cute in front of it.
Your kitchen is inviting. I believe the plants are too small for that large window. Curtains could make it smaller. I have two lights in my home that are not centered. The electrician took one down and could not replace it because a pipe was there. In the breakfast room that light is not centered on my table and hangs in the perfect spot for bumping my head. I have thought about replacing it with the type that is enclosed in the ceiling. The carpenter also put the faucet backward in my bath tub. I left it that way for several years. I could not accept the hot water on the right side. I would remove the mirror in the kitchen. So much work is done there. I would not like looking at myself doing it. You could use burlap to make a bulletin board or chalk paint to make a grocery list! The placemats on your cabinets at the other place were such a good idea there.
Brenda, your blog is my only ray of sunshine after just losing my only son, my boyfriend and little Chihuahua. I cry every day and have almost lost my interest in decorating. Thank God, following your blog is the only thing that has saved me. I’m not sure what the solution is for your kitchen but i do like the idea of open shelving. I know how Steve feels.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your son, significant other and fur baby. Praying that you find peace, healing, and eventually joy.
Janice,
I’m so very sorry for your losses! I can’t even imagine the pain you must be going through! I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. I, too, will pray for peace, and healing to your heart, and the strength you will need. I’m glad Brenda brings you comfort.
Adding my sympathies for your losses… sending hugs and love your way…
I’m so sorry for your losses Jan, my heart aches for you! You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers that your heart will heal in time and not be so sad!
Janice,
I, too, am so sorry for your losses! I pray that God would give you strength to get through his difficult time.
Janice, I am so sorry for your losses. I wish there was something to say to help. Do know that the next time you are crying, there are people here who care.
Okay, my two cents’ worth. I think we should just hang the curtains over the mirror first to let you see if it’s just annoying to look at something in your face. My sink faces the dining room window and I can see clear out into the pasture. I know one of my pet peeves is a sink over a wall, but the mirror at least lets you see behind you, thus opening up your view a bit. I like the idea of shelves in front of it and personally I’d like a collage of small pictures with the mirror still picking up reflected light between them. My other question would be if you move all the baking products in the right side cabinet where would you put them? It is a kitchen and may need to still provide a bit of utilitarian service and your pantry is pretty full. I think I’m well enough to come and help you Monday, so if you want to try the curtains or whatever you decide I can help you.
My advice is restraint. You have many lovely items, but a kitchen is already a “busy” room, so I suggest rotating decor to give a fresh feel from time to time.
Several weeks ago I read that various shades or green are “in” this year so I had fun going through my things and taking some stuff from a storage closet and relocating other items: a blanket, 2 pillows, 2 decorative dishes, candles, a knicknack and even a lamp. They will be in place until I make a spring switch. Like you, I love red but it can be a tiring color. Do your decorating and then remove several items is always good advice I find.
I would think about changing out that light fixture to something more like a pendant or with multiple bulbs in it. The light would reflect well in the mirror and it could be really pretty. I also like the idea of framing out the mirror or adding molding for a window pane effect.
I personally like the idea of leaving the doors on. When you have all of the shelves open, you lose you any kind of focal point. Then it’s just a lot of stuff everywhere for the eye to see. I think everyone has made some really good suggestions for the mirror, even doing something like covering it with the same peel and stick faux tiles that you’re going to use for your backsplash eventually
Brenda, one more thought. If you want more display space to see your pretties, then I suggest putting the doors back on the ones you’ve already removed, them remove the doors on both sides of the sink. That could give you more from without quite as much visual overload. Let the coffee bar be the star of the show on that side.
Looking back at your blog from 2016 showing all your collections….you definitely need the doors off to display all your lovely things….I have been shopping in my own house for Spring..changing things around just helps take the winter blahs away…your move gives a person inspiration.. if you could find a old window with empty panes…you could make it look like a real window or a shelf with your canning jars would reflect in the mirror or your bottles…all the ideas are good…sorry for your neighbor…so much loss in this world…bless you …take care💞
Your apartment is lovely! I read your posts but usually in a rush so today I have to key in with a comment, if you like the mirror you could frame it out with peel N stick wood look paper. Then you hang a pretty spring wreath on it or if your not liking the mirror at all you could cover it with a simple removable shiplap paper, hang a wreath or sign. Just a couple of thoughts. Love the kitties too! Sorry about your neighbor. Can’t wait to see your future decor. Happy day. Lisa @ Sweet Tea n’ Salty Air
Hello Brenda…..I have watched your site for years….never comment, but now am just glad you got moved and are happy there. It looks very nice. For your dilemma today, my idea would be to ( as others have said) to put a shelf directly under the mirror with maybe small plants (would break up the horizontal line look there too) and with command hooks put up a picture on the mirror, or a couple of smaller pictures spaced apart, but not covering the whole mirror. Cabinets….no opinion on that. I am kind of a closed cabinet person myself, but am a minority! Have a good weekend!
Love Trader Joe’s plants and flowers and they look great on the window sill. The other thing I love from Trader Joe’s is their shampoo bar. I know Home Depot sells a light weight molding that I’ve seen people trim out large plain bathroom mirrors. Even a panel of white light weight lattice would break up the mirror. I get the idea of the mirror reflecting light and as time goes on you will be able to decide if its needed. We have had temperatures in the 50’s the last 3 days. It was nice to do a little work outside. Tomorrow we will get an inch or two of snow.
what’s a shampoo bar?
A shampoo bar is a bar of soap for your hair that is wrapped in thick recyclable paper. I was very skeptical but curious to try it. Trader Joe’s smells wonderful and lathers up great and the price is reasonable.
I would be tempted to try and paint that mirror to look like a leaded glass window. You could hang a shelf under it for plants.
Congratulations on your move!!
I really like the idea of removing the doors on the kitchen cupboards. You have pretty things, why not display them, and make the kitchen more “you”. As for the mirror..well, that could be a problem, but I do think Claire’s idea of using command strips and a light weight piece of art, canvas, or whatever, is a wonderful idea. Maybe you could find something that would fit from the store where you bought your three new canvas’s. I can’t wait to see what you do, I know it will be perfect.
So sorry to hear about your neighbor’s wife. If the husband stays in the apartment, you and he may become good gardener buddies, and can learn from one another.
Anyway, nice to have a neighbor, you can call a “friend”. Good Luck with that mirror, I’ll be on the lookout to see how it turns out!
You mentioned a shelf across the mirror. I had an aunt who put glass shelves across her bathroom mirror. She displayed Lalique crystal on them and it was beautiful. That would allow light to flow through the glass shelf. Also, I do think removing those 2 doors would help distract from the mirror. Ivy on the glass mirror shelf would bring a pretty pop of green in with your red items too. It’s all so very nice. I’m sorry about the neighbor.
New idea: maybe some white shutters over the mirror with or without a wreath on top.
I agree to cover the mirror. A canvas picture is a good suggestion. Or get a tension rod to hang curtains between the cabinets and over the mirror. Maybe red and white check curtains? I think taking off the cabinet doors to display your wonderful white pitchers and other red and white decor items.
Oh, and maybe get Kendra’s opinion of putting a shelf, a simple board, under the mirror that could attach level to the cabinets on either side. Then you could put real or faux plants above the sink and they’d be reflected in the mirror.
Take the light down over the mirror. Unless that’s your only light? Frame around mirror with wood, paint frame red, then stencil mirror with transparent/frosted image(s). Shelf with plants sounds good too.
Hi Brenda,
I’m sorry to hear about Steve’s wife.
Your kitchen is really nice. I like your idea, and it kinda sounds like you’re headed that way, to remove the doors from the cabinets on either side of the mirror. It will make the area more “open” looking and you will enjoy arranging and rearranging your pretties. I can also visualize a red or red & white valance above the mirror. My previous home had a space above the sink with a self on the bottom. I think the previous people stuck their microwave in there. I measured and had a piece of mirror cut to fit, similar to your space. I didn’t like staring at the wall and having my back to the room. The mirror cost $12.00 to cut and it made a world of difference. I put pretties on the shelf.
The Trader Joe potted plants are cute and so are the little faces on the gray ones.
I think the stick on tiles would look fabulous. They look very real. Have seen some fancy kitchens in decor mags etc. where they hang a focal piece on the middle of the tile background over the stove. Could also hang a coordinating real tile or picture. Love the new apartment. Glad your kitties are happy. Don’t be in a hurry to get everything done. Enjoy the process!
The light above the mirror doesn’t look that off center, at least not in your picture. Think the doors off the cabinets would look great with more decorative items. And what about finding some neat trim and putting it on the mirror to make it more like a picture
Boy you weren’t kidding about the mirror! I thought it was just a small mirror. I have no suggestions. I’d be stumped as to what to do with it. If you had it taken off then you’d probably have to fix the plaster and paint. Can’t wait to hear other suggestions. I’m sure you didn’t bring bad karma. His wife could have had many medical issues.
I think taking down the doors first, then decide about the mirror.
Could you possibly hang a canvas picture on top of the mirror? They aren’t heavy and you can use one of the command strips.
If you did decide to put up a shelf you could put plants on it. I wonder if there is some way that you could put artwork over the mirror?