Window Wall

So, remember that project I mentioned in Monday's Post? Well, it's time to dish all the dirty--and I do mean dirty-- details.

As previously mentioned, I have been searching for an idea for behind my couch for months and recently became totally inspired by the ideas practically calling to me from this picture.

I just love the natural/teal color scheme and all of the DIY touches that make this room modern-eclectic--the exact look I strive to create in my own home. As a small-house-decorator, I know that the quickest way to make a room appear larger is to add reflective pieces. I have mirrors hanging in just about every room of my small home (including one above my kitchen sink) but I needed help coming up with more creative methods of bouncing light around my window-less walls, other than the obvious use of mirrors.

I had seen old window panes used as wall art before, but they always seemed to create a country-feel--a look I'm definitely not going for. 

I hit up a local antique store to see if I could find an old window to work with. Talking the lady into selling it to me for $10 was a definite score, but I still had my work cut out for me. The glass was still in tact and looked almost brand new after a bottle of Windex. The surrounding wood was white, but it was incredibly dirty and in serious need of some TLC-- nothing a can of white spray-paint couldn't fix.

Before giving my window pane a fresh new paint job, I wiped the whole window down with hot water and let it dry outside. Then, I taped up the glass with some frog tape, and covered the glass with resume paper before spray-painting. I felt like the resume paper was a little heavier and easier to work with. (Plus I'm hoping I never have to print another resume again. Fingers crossed!)

When I was finished, there were still a few parts of the wood that looked "old" but I didn't mind because if you know me at all, you know I romanticized this window in the home of a couple who was madly in love and gazed out this window at their children playing in the backyard. Did I mention they were poor and had nothing but their love to help them survive the harsh winters? Hey, it's my window. I can think whatever I want.

I was so excited to display my old/new window that I almost overlooked one minor detail that my very practical husband pointed out. 

"What are you going to do when that falls on someone's head?"

crap.

No fear. DP is an undercover DIYer and had a plan to prevent death-by-window for any of our future guests.We headed to the hardware store for a medium-sized hook and eye.

We attached the hook to the window and then secured it to the eye, which we carefully screwed  into the wall. This will prevent the window from sliding off the shelf or falling forward.

I just love the way it is reflecting the giant mirror on the opposite wall and bouncing some serious beams of sunlight from the small (real) window on the right. What do you think?