If you have a sharp eye, you can still find these ornate door pulls in Italy. The pictures I am sharing are ones I have photographed from Venice.
There are still foundries in Venice that produce ornate decorative hardware from century old designs.
I love the blend of utilitarian and decorative function of these pulls.
While visiting
Carlo Marchiori in Calistoga, I purchased two door pulls, made in Venice, that Carlo was selling!
I wanted to mount them in my hallway. I bought thin plexiglass, mirrored it and antiqued it and added trim.
I then added the prized door pulls, one on each opposing door....
Now, I have to decide what to do with the space around the mirror...one thing at a time!
So, keep a sharp eye the next time you are in Venice and maybe you will see a door pull...made in Venice!
12 comments:
awesome. I wish we could find them in the US. also wish you'd share how you made that amazing plexiglass mirror finish. wow!
Kathryn,
The mirror was easy. I couldn't have the weight of a glass mirror on the door and didn't want the chance of glass breaking so , I used plexiglass bought at a hardware store. I used Krylon's "Looking Glass" spray paint. It took two cans per mirror. You alternate spraying the paint with spritzing the plexiglass with a mixture of water and vinegar.The painted side of the plexiglass goes against the door so the clear side is what gets the fingerprints and wear and tear , easy to clean. I kept it in place with trim and clear silicone.
Dear Theresa, You are a magician. Thank you for sharing your special mirror recipe. It looks fantastic.
What about affixing 2 panels of your grotesque paintings on top and on the bottom of your mirror and door pull installation?
ox, Gina
This is a great posting, Theresa, inspiring on several counts. First, I love those pulls! The later ones look floral, but that first image reminds me more of a seaweed, appropriate for Venice.
Your mirrored plexiglass is inspired! I've been thinking of adding a faux front door to the front of my house (to balance the real one that's off-center), so this could be a good solution for me . . .
Gina,
The grotessca panels would be a good thought. I am also considering a faux inlaid wood to tie in the floor...so many choices!
Mark,
I am glad this was inspiring! I first priced "safety" mirrors for children, basically the same thing and they were three times the money. I also wanted antiqued sooo....thanks to Krylon, I was able to pull it off! Just caulk your seams really well and you could easily do this.
Theresa I love, love these wonderful pulls! You are so creative in thinking out how to feature them in your home!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer Series
Ok those pulls are stunning! I can see why you couldn't pass them up. And the overall piece is beautiful and I too agree inspiring.
The first thing I thought of when I saw the door was faux bois with tromp inlaid marble panels.
If I ever make it to Venice I'll keep my eye out for your handles. ;-)
Love this and I love seeing more glimpses of your home. With all of these white/gray "ghost" rooms circling cyberspace, my eye gets bored. to. death. Always wonderful to see personal artistic spaces that come from passion and the heart.
In my rather modest home I've had the entire first floor clad in poplar bead board and I'm having it painted BLACK!!!! The 61 year old painter wants to paint it in oil. Don't report me to the EPA. The guy (a former tackle for KU) said the project is giving him goosebumps. "You know, you can't fake goosebumps." he said. My neighbors think I have finally gone round the bend. And you know what? The view is great from here!
Oh Pat! You made my day!
I am so glad you are having the bead board painted black! It will be stunning! And, yes, the view is great once you quit listening to others and follow your heart.
Theresa, all I can say right this moment is "I Love You"!
Thank you so much for sharing how you did this mirrored door. I've been wanting to make a distressed mirrored
treatment somewhere in my home and now I can do it!
I am so inspired by your knowledge,and generosity, and talent.
Thank you again.
Sincerely, Peggy Hunt
Peggy,
So glad I could help! Here is a link to help-http://www.katiesrosecottageblog.com/2012/02/mercury-glass-family-fun.html
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