The Best Laid Plans, Part 1 . . .

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

A lot of the time when folks post question on here, (including me), we never get to find out what actually happened IRL. For me, what happens a lot of the time is things happen to delay my implementation schedule, or some issue comes up in the scheme of things and it doesn't go as planned. But to me, that's also interesting, and I still remain curious. So here's an update on one of my past posts and how it played out IRL. I posted for advice on reframing some antique Japanese picture I inherited from my mom. The frames were broken/wearing out and I thought they weren't very flattering so was looking for advice on how to do a better job of complimenting the delicate art. Here's the "Before" shot of the pictures:

I asked for advice on some chain framing store options but actually found out that a store in my new home town had a framing service in the back, so got it done locally! I thought a new color mat or different matting and a different frame would compliment the art better, but after trying lots and lots of options (even taking them home to try out in situ) I came up with something very similar, albeit MUCH better. The mats actually match the colors in the photos very well, and I tried all kinds of more elaborate frames or different colors, and the basic black was just the most complimentary. The new frames curve inward, which does draw the eye in better, and also have a bit more heft. Sometimes the best thing to do is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Here the picture are hung on the wall in my sitting room, which I am in the process of redoing. In the glass cabinets on the left, are my mom's collection of hand made Japanese dolls. Selections from my own doll collection will go under glass on the right. We're working on maybe putting up a bookshelf between the two cabinets, custom made to match them and extend between them. Not sure how that will affect the choice of art. Right now the pictures look great there but this sitting room is a work in progress.

Stay tuned for updates on my bathroom rug choice and couch slipcover!

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Comments (11)

Errant_gw
7 years ago
Thanks for the update! The new framing is perfect for them :)
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User
7 years ago
Beautiful frames! I think you could not have made a better choice.
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laughablemoments
7 years ago
They look wonderful, and make think very much of one of my children's favorite stories: A Pair of Red Clogs.

One very small idea is below, which you can feel free to ignore. : )

I think the arrangement would look very nice centered above the settee with wall sconces on either side and a small ottoman or coffee table in front, for a cup of something warm to be set out while reading.
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OutsidePlaying
7 years ago
I really love the update! They look so fresh with the new mats and frames! Nice job!
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Olychick
7 years ago
I love those pictures and think you did the right thing to keep the framing so similar. They look wonderful above your little sofa/settee. I'll confess that I thought exactly the same thing as laughablemoments about centering the pieces between the shelves and adding wall lighting of some kind, with a small table on each side if you need it, or a little coffee table if there is room.
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l pinkmountain
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
We plan on putting a shelf above the settee. Not sure about wall mounted lamps, not really into electric wiring at this point. A little coffee table would be nice, but this room is actually very tiny and just off the front entrance, so is a pass-through room to the dining room and back end of the house. I was standing in the entrance hall to the house when I took that picture.

I would like someday to get a tea cart that could be moved in there for "afternoon tea" which my mother loved. The room is going to be sort of an homage to her, since she loved to sit in there and read. I do need some kind of light on that wall though, since there is no overhead lighting in the room. There is a chair in a corner opposite the settee with an ottoman that can be moved to the center with a tea tray placed on top. It has torn upholstery and needs to be redone, which is next up on the docket.

I dunno, I am going to wait until I have the upper shelf mounted to see what I want to do next. I may end up moving the pictures. I like to use what I have for the most part, and acquire new pieces slowly with a lot of thought. Which is why it takes me forever to implement some of my ideas!
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l pinkmountain
Original Author
7 years ago
Here's a close up of mom's Japanese doll collection. Guinyin carrying a lotus in white porcelain, Momotaro (Peach pit boy, similar to Tom Thumb) in the middle, a laughing ivory Buddha, hand carved ballerinas and kabuki figures, and much more. Mom almost always had these packed away and I used to love it so much when I was a little girl and we would get them out and look at them. She had them on display for a while at my folks condo and then when they sold it they went back into the box. So happy/sad to get them out again. Calendar pictures from the 1950s that mom had, framed in back.
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ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
7 years ago
Great improvement on the picture frames, amazing what small changes can do. You mentioned putting up a shelf which I'm almost hoping you won't do, because this calm area contrasts against all the small pieces on either side in the cases. I would move the pictures down a bit so that the upper edges are below the lampshade on the left.
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l pinkmountain
Original Author
7 years ago
Yeah, I'm really debating on what to do. Right now whatever is above the settee is an ocean of calm in a sea of busy, which is good, but I also need the space for more books and envision that room as having kind of a "busy" library wall look. Oh, excuse me, I guess it is called "layered" or "curated" in the decorating trade, lol! It's only going to get busier once I fill in the other cabinet and bottom shelves with my dolls and books. The pictures of the Japanese kids playing is sort of a repeat of the whole "doll" theme of the cabinets and I actually have a nice picture of famous Zen garden that can go above the settee if need be, but I kind of like it where it is. So I'm just taking it one step at a time. A more elaborate lamp shade might add something to the mix, but honestly it doesn't look as off kilter IRL as it does in the photo.
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User
7 years ago
I love those prints and all the Asian collectibles!
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aprilneverends
7 years ago
love it

i'd be inclined to leave it like that.."a sea of calm"
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The Best Laid Plans, Part 1 . . .

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The Best Laid Plans, Part 1 . . .

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