DEBBIE TRAVIS: Some options for mirrored doors, please

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/01/2010 (5768 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Debbie: Our condo has mirrored closet doors in the bedrooms, which we really don’t like. What can I do to cover them? I’ve thought of papering or even painting them the same colour as the walls. The master is painted deep gold with Indian-style bedding that’s burgundy, rust, silk and gold accents and a wood floor.

— Cheryl

Dear Cheryl: This is a very common challenge in new condominiums and homes built in the ’80s. The mirrored doors are meant to create a feeling of space in these small rooms as well as reflect lots of light. But the size can be a bit much. Here are a few suggestions. There are glass films on the market that come in many colours and patterns. You have your choice of opaque or partial transparency depending on the look you want. These films peel off when you move or are ready for a new style. I wouldn’t paint, as it will chip in time and is difficult to remove.

Your room sounds rather exotic with the colour scheme and Indian-style bedding. Why not continue the bohemian style on the doors with some etched-glass designs? You will find etching cream or spray at craft stores. Buy or cut out a stencil and follow the manufacturer’s directions for using the cream. Because the cream eats away at the glass, this is not reversible. However, there is also an imitation etching fluid that will frost the mirror without permanently marking it. This is a good idea for rental spaces and windows, and would work well on your mirrors. Cut out your designs on sticky-backed paper and press firmly onto the mirror so the edges will be clean. Spray the imitation etching fluid over the whole surface of the mirror. Remove the pattern (use a sharp knife to lift the edges). The design will be clear, while the rest of the mirror will be frosted. You can clean the mirror with regular glass cleaner. If the frosting needs to be removed, a wipe with methyl hydrate will do the job.

Dear Debbie: I’m trying to make a decision about paint colours for a three-room cabin in New Mexico. Two of the rooms have high ceilings, both slanted. Someone suggested using a paint that has some red in it to pick up the sunsets. What is the effect of painting the ceilings and/or painting the long wall a different colour? I would greatly appreciate some colour choices and placement parameters.

— Jane

Dear Jane: New Mexico is known for its love of bright colours, vivid reds and blues, saturated earth and clay tones. I would start by giving the slanted ceilings a whitewash in driftwood whites. For the long wall, choose a fabulous shade of terracotta. The other walls can be as bold or subdued as you like. Try more pastel shades of blue, yellow or green for the bedroom. Or keep the walls white and add colour bursts with artwork and accessories.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis