Denton Sanatorium: Devil Is in the Details

So many details in this cabin experience--flooring, cabinetry, light fixtures, faucets, door handles. We're almost there, people!

While I loved this screen from the second I saw it, I never loved it hanging on the landing in my entry way. I convinced Brad after I'd bought it at an auction that it would be "perfect" there, and he spent hours figuring out how to suspend 100 pounds securely to the wall--just because he loves me.

It hung there for a few years, but what I've always wanted there is a beautiful paned mirror--this one, to be specific.

After working on him for a few weeks, I re-convinced him to remove the screen for a headboard on one of the beds at the cabin.

It does look a little different now. I thought it was a little too dark and would overwhelm a tiny bedroom if it stayed dark, so I taped off, painted, and distressed the frame. Now the center panels really pop, and I can't wait to see how it looks behind a bed.

A queen bed is only as wide as three of the panels, so I need to think of a good use for the fourth one. Suggestions?

This chair . . .

. . . is currently undergoing a very serious makeover at my upholsterer. I bought it at auction for $20, and he is going to be a showstopper when he finds his permanent home next to the fireplace up north.

Stay tuned for the after. Should be any day now.

Remember the shards of broken glass from this mirror and the miracle of the instant stitches?

I couldn't throw the frame away even after the glass was gone. This mirror has been permanently separated from my great-Grandma Humphrey's dresser, but I knew that one day I would find a place for it. For the rest of my life, it will hang above one of the bathroom sinks in our cabin.

These pieces were two of the earliest pieces of furniture I ever attempted to redo--and the paint job was horrible. I envisioned stripping and repainting it.

Well . . .

. . . it stripped okay, but the ancient stain below it didn't cooperate too well. It bled through but refused to be completely stripped away.

I worked for hours and hours on this tiny piece of wood, but it never looked better than this. Places were orange-tinged, while other places refused to let go of the white paint.

While I did want a distressed look, the end result was just wrong.

I don't know if you can tell between the above photo and this one below but in person, the difference is huge. The mirror frame was repainted and then waxed, while the stand (which won't be used) is my original hard work.

The stand will not be used at the cabin. Suggestions?

But what's that reflected in the mirror? you may be asking yourself.

I'll tell you. Actually, I'll show you. When I bought this piece of wrought iron fencing, the dealer told me it was a segment of a cemetery fence and showed me details to explain what a rare and great piece of work it was.

Brad was skeptical when I brought it home, but we talked to a welder today, and the welder caught my vision for the future of this fencing. He confirmed that it was indeed well made and one of a kind.