Well, it only took me 10 months to hang something on a wall in our new house. Every time I walked past the boxes of pictures and mirrors, I decided it wasn't time yet. I hadn't settled on furniture placement, colors for walls, etc. Okay, that's not totally true. I have hung mirrors and shelves in several places but no pictures and nothing on the walls of the main living spaces. There's no decor in the master bedroom yet either but that's another job for another time. Today, I worked on the living room. I still need to deal with a few finishing touches on my alcove wall but I am very happy with how it turned out so it was time to work on the very plain back wall and add a little something to the window wall.
I had the perfect mirror for this spot. It's a bit on the heavy side so I pulled out my favorite drywall anchors for the job.
The bigger ones can hold 50 lbs. The smaller ones can hold 40 lbs. These are my favorite because I don't have to pre drill a hole in the drywall. The anchors just screw right into the wall after you push them in a little bit. You can also remove them just as easily as they go in if you change your mind on placement.
It's amazing how much better it looks with the mirror.
Okay, that was simple. Time for the big, plain wall. I fell in love with a paint color about 5 1/2 years ago and have been waiting for the right time and place to use it. The living room, with all of it's bright sunlight, is the perfect place. The room is large and I am only painting one wall. It's called vintage wine and it's a very dark purple.
I took a picture when I was done painting and it just looks black. It was a snowy day so it wasn't very bright in the room. After I put all of the pictures up and when the sun is shining, I think it will look more purple in pictures. In person, it's just as beautiful as I wanted it to be.
Next, I started putting up my four ledge shelves. I like them because I can rearrange and switch out the pictures I put up without marking up the walls. I started with two, staggered above the chifforobe.
Then I had to stop and think about how to arrange the other two shelves. I had a few thoughts but decided to ask for help with ideas. My sister came up with a great design and I ran with it because it felt like the best option. I prefer to eyeball where to hang things but this required measuring and leveling. Thankfully, I have a 4' level.
I wanted everything to be exactly symmetrical and nice and even but I also value installing shelving into studs so I did my best with what I had. I would prefer to have the two top shelves either right up against each other or a bit more separated. Oh well! Pictures will make it look better.
First try on hanging the clock ended up a bit low.
I raised it up and then finally opened and emptied a box of pictures!
It's amazing what decor can do. My living room feels lived in now.
I'm itching to get some hardwood flooring in here! That requires a lot more money than we have at the moment so, for now, on to the next project. Now, where's my ladder?
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