Using mirrors to solve decorating problems

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the power of mirrors to solve common decorating problems.   Here are seven  fantastic uses of mirrors that might not be on your radar. <br /><br /><h4><b>1. To reflect light</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlep4xerdKE9fOvwN5mHJOqj3LhBoA5-JvE5dDv6SNoCAHXstJDLCyvRswi6LBbpHim5RguTHbcyqudykA3Cn35AuFEtQ6w6Z2hua5WLKSF0HCC26UP05kyqyvqncDE3surTOMy5TbmCgp/s1600/double+mirrors+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="mirrors, living room, reflecting light" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlep4xerdKE9fOvwN5mHJOqj3LhBoA5-JvE5dDv6SNoCAHXstJDLCyvRswi6LBbpHim5RguTHbcyqudykA3Cn35AuFEtQ6w6Z2hua5WLKSF0HCC26UP05kyqyvqncDE3surTOMy5TbmCgp/s1600/double+mirrors+living+room.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RH6zxtr-DpFgWTBmSOiHj_VzHl6pTG3BVcNec7ILccYthb0LNFJvjbTFwRdY6YAP1CFn9ADYMMDfd4fQGMu1G-M6b1Cr5nHlNY05BTqCuFsU1Xamv7DETWSGxVOkayOFokonObgS1EL1/s1600/mirror+beside+windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><br />This is one great space for a number of reasons, but the mirrors make it in my opinion.  Not only do they break up a dark wall and provide height to match the window, they reflect light in what might otherwise be a blah room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4><b>2. To create a window in a windowless room </b></h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb4QzwidDRHzizxkIT9wiy1Qk0ddhJoKPpmIej9oBMf8tO0lChWhGoO23G6qWuZ3_TmMEqaBvjyUmey8TfBhUWOfXNkoqqxduquvUGS5Bpd9K5MPejcCNiUz1ECw7Li9jmc4E-LpzzZq0/s1600/fake+window+mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mirrors, windowless room, living room mirror" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb4QzwidDRHzizxkIT9wiy1Qk0ddhJoKPpmIej9oBMf8tO0lChWhGoO23G6qWuZ3_TmMEqaBvjyUmey8TfBhUWOfXNkoqqxduquvUGS5Bpd9K5MPejcCNiUz1ECw7Li9jmc4E-LpzzZq0/s1600/fake+window+mirrors.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="236" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBTw06YWBA85IaUoGm2Snfh_9vK4oiGOqo0n4IhLq-v1e0W51EtPcJRNahGpRzHRsg1KErawcFR0GdEoglgDjBMT_d_xiqV9s8gxaVr6ahXCUCMPwvKRGwkoyQgAmviOPS910X9SEeNC_/s1600/triple+mirror+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img alt="dining room mirrors, windowless dining room, 3 large mirrors" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBTw06YWBA85IaUoGm2Snfh_9vK4oiGOqo0n4IhLq-v1e0W51EtPcJRNahGpRzHRsg1KErawcFR0GdEoglgDjBMT_d_xiqV9s8gxaVr6ahXCUCMPwvKRGwkoyQgAmviOPS910X9SEeNC_/s1600/triple+mirror+dining+room.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are often sections of a space that are dark and windowless.  Mirrors can give the illusion of a window and light without having to make architectural changes.  In both rooms above the mirrors also add dramatic focal points.<br /><br /><br /><h4><b>3. Add drama to an open space</b></h4><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL3mQNuJiYZUXB0arHx81_PXw2K7DFO5buaiVwBLxEctKI6IO_eAL52Ic1Vs8nYh-TT9nh_Rpd0zE4H3cYLnaOZzxNMZoSxJE1j0O0FXz-R33wgm5CafTcG3oJ3xM6zGHAbdE5GCOtOPm/s1600/foyer+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="foyer mirror, large foyer mirror, lucite table and mirror" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL3mQNuJiYZUXB0arHx81_PXw2K7DFO5buaiVwBLxEctKI6IO_eAL52Ic1Vs8nYh-TT9nh_Rpd0zE4H3cYLnaOZzxNMZoSxJE1j0O0FXz-R33wgm5CafTcG3oJ3xM6zGHAbdE5GCOtOPm/s1600/foyer+mirror.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="293" /></a></div><br />This high ceilinged space demands a large scale treatment.  This mirror fills the bill when it comes to matching the scale of the space.  The choice of a lucite table ensures that the lines of the mirror remain dominant.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4><br /><b>4. To replace art</b></h4><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKh7NVOexYAvyznVp5lnLlYDC5KO8KlxRvK2tR89Vdw06eJBAf4NSatovSlDOCTaKMzUhxs30S9Ib1ZE68tQeQYAaYlI7sfEE9HoxQZrKE_v7V6naiAa6JUeFC9ZhP_r6Xq6jZzBqGQe-9/s1600/mirror+over+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mirror over bed, mirror focal point" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKh7NVOexYAvyznVp5lnLlYDC5KO8KlxRvK2tR89Vdw06eJBAf4NSatovSlDOCTaKMzUhxs30S9Ib1ZE68tQeQYAaYlI7sfEE9HoxQZrKE_v7V6naiAa6JUeFC9ZhP_r6Xq6jZzBqGQe-9/s1600/mirror+over+bed.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="332" /></a></div><br /><br /> Sometimes a mirror when used well can replace art over a bed or mantle.  In this space the sculptural light is reflected in the mirror,  providing an interesting visual focus.<br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><h4><b>5. To highlight art/collections</b></h4><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxIC3Efu5pXVkn9EaKTy8ym6NRlCC7P52YKJl3I9woj_qrjdp_A2Abf_5mm0ZsU_NiIqgjsgHG8X_sZjCIIqQrxtTScoFAIBLHMBn7KdHpzTJQ6RauMPOcHptmMZE4_IabBMDKodKJtvN/s1600/mirrored+cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mirror behind art collection, three mirrors living room" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxIC3Efu5pXVkn9EaKTy8ym6NRlCC7P52YKJl3I9woj_qrjdp_A2Abf_5mm0ZsU_NiIqgjsgHG8X_sZjCIIqQrxtTScoFAIBLHMBn7KdHpzTJQ6RauMPOcHptmMZE4_IabBMDKodKJtvN/s1600/mirrored+cabinets.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="381" /></a></div><br /><br /><h4><b>6. To create</b><b> impact </b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP7ibx0V18_JhobQFVaXsy633_vb-7e4XRykYVPgpJ5_Wa6mnsi3M_nM15y-rrNyalCYBCyAuQA2pZr0zoCdvJcVIndndm71RomtPmFME4f4_BxxGLHvXjcZcB3-7nbDes_B1xnPCly0X/s1600/multiple+mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="repetition of arched mirrors, mirrors living room, mirrors impact" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP7ibx0V18_JhobQFVaXsy633_vb-7e4XRykYVPgpJ5_Wa6mnsi3M_nM15y-rrNyalCYBCyAuQA2pZr0zoCdvJcVIndndm71RomtPmFME4f4_BxxGLHvXjcZcB3-7nbDes_B1xnPCly0X/s1600/multiple+mirrors.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="266" /></a></div><br /> One of the best ways to create impact is through repetition.  Imagine the scene above if you just has three or four mirrors. <br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><h4><b>7. To balance large windows </b></h4><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEqFZ4b4WwE7nPMx35gVihwTRy3wWguOv4ii1-WhXeDBc2kAgKnzKfESCuTeBZeQs-AMdC-FS14mY0rCEZqZC7qy0NpGAuSovPzjif3uFhwnrhYFHSwN-0SpTYbwKwwpWffgDBByX-g2s/s1600/one+large+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mirror with large window, large mirror living room" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEqFZ4b4WwE7nPMx35gVihwTRy3wWguOv4ii1-WhXeDBc2kAgKnzKfESCuTeBZeQs-AMdC-FS14mY0rCEZqZC7qy0NpGAuSovPzjif3uFhwnrhYFHSwN-0SpTYbwKwwpWffgDBByX-g2s/s1600/one+large+mirror.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="266" /></a></div><br />I love how the mirror is large scale, soft with its rounded top, and the height relates well to the window.  The gold relates to the lamps and the table which also mimics the rounded top of the mirror. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QnPBkHcsiKAwWFGWwtsvBnLY8Ca1gscVh4Qo4lPO_XiHjhfQ_Rl63n5dKGS3JgmmGwcYIJUtQDWfrlyXG0r3FRIJdHHvO2moMFcdS1Zp-TH2kxjzrtc130kVi8qr2TpnwdtJIA-sUYSd/s1600/stacked+mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="large mirror fireplace" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QnPBkHcsiKAwWFGWwtsvBnLY8Ca1gscVh4Qo4lPO_XiHjhfQ_Rl63n5dKGS3JgmmGwcYIJUtQDWfrlyXG0r3FRIJdHHvO2moMFcdS1Zp-TH2kxjzrtc130kVi8qr2TpnwdtJIA-sUYSd/s1600/stacked+mirrors.jpg" title="Using mirrors to solve decorating problems" width="300" /></a></div><br />I am definitely interested in any solution that helps balance heights/scale  in a room.  One of the best things about this mirror treatment is how it relates to the window next to it and the furniture in the space.   You read the fireplace and mirrors as one unit. The fireplace alone is small and delicate.  Keeping the mirror frame lighter and gold helps it to relate to the other furnishings in the space.<br /><br />Seven reasons why you should have a mirror in your home apart from the obvious.  Who knew? Are you a mirror lover?  I'm sad to say my mirror choices are purely functional.  What about yours?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please find links to photos on my Pinterest board <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mryall/mirrors/">Mirrors</a>.</span></div>

Using mirrors to solve decorating problems

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the power of mirrors to solve common decorating problems.   Here are seven  fantastic uses of mirrors t...

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Designing Home Blog 2014

 I just wrote my 200th post on Designing Home and I've had a very laid back Christmas with lots of time to consider what is working on my  blog and what I might like to add, change, or improve.  Here are the results of my mini conference with self:<br /><h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA7O2_7RHtsXUviYJXHbxiZ7AHRWxdNcDqr_hP_OdvnWscJlQ71CPn7P0pK7YGhuTdfH9bDHkSLVD3c-wglabMk8a6xmqzVjdNMR3cxFLtPx0DuGgrKWl1bNwJ5cXMugp1yLslmCdmY5y/s1600/decorating-small-spaces-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="decorating small living room" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA7O2_7RHtsXUviYJXHbxiZ7AHRWxdNcDqr_hP_OdvnWscJlQ71CPn7P0pK7YGhuTdfH9bDHkSLVD3c-wglabMk8a6xmqzVjdNMR3cxFLtPx0DuGgrKWl1bNwJ5cXMugp1yLslmCdmY5y/s400/decorating-small-spaces-living-room.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></h4><br /><b>Practical posts for  homeowners</b><br /><br /> I usually write about  topics that I think  average homeowners are interested in as they go about refreshing  or designing new spaces.  I will still continue  to address these topics  because I can see from my stats that these are my most read posts especially any that address <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/10-tips-for-decorating-small-living.html">designing smaller spaces.</a> Aren't blog stats a wonderful thing? I also know that my  largest blog readership is in United States.  Hey, where are the Canadians?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Canadian designer Lori Harrison" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XnHB2QV6RM7RfKjUOC_a3pwVBucoJF2V4dQFAzioqYd-UZ3wQBewAMnGwZT4LJVM9xLwv-iUYzD__9KHZCOJVgKMiW_wMEVqFII8ZZYTYO0R1kV41K0_Nx7N4cE4AjY-H9tezmBdTPR1/s400/Lori-Harrison-+Collection_01.JPG" title="" width="276" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori Harrison Collection</td></tr></tbody></table>  <b>Canadian focus </b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I've decided it's time to seriously ramp up my Canadian content. Stay tuned to meet some great Canadian designers over the next year.   I will include product designers (furniture, textiles, housewares etc. ) and also Canadian interior designers and  visual artists. </span><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sQ4VdTthaJOaTOfg4JNscQVbsYjPsdNPEQeMN0RzLuXMw_QD5t7rBKAcTl2-oKwmmsQSIg3txg61_osLZd9Std2DqEhk1-ZuGSiDUBjug64ivQHKy_hqNrAI5PfKtPPatp6X9WlL-m01/s1600/Canadian-designer-Bev-Hisey_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><img alt="Canadian interior design bloggers list " border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4K6xngDUZVx6aUoU5ZvqYNoBVyB3afzW4Fm73LjWnW4DMEKkFAVcVxzwS7YFf8DVZSPyIcIMcv_pemib2jw00v_7NQXoxheu2lipvcZYxl0qrfG0Fpt_8lriCIq380AQqoDdnd3iDwbw/s320/Canadian-blogger-list_01.JPG" title="" width="320" /></h4><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I am also on the search to add more Canadian bloggers to my reading list and encourage you to do the same.  I found a good source on Pinterest (where you find everything) that I am wading through and choosing my favourites.  </span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="paterson woodworking fisher table NL" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnOLg7mL2RGJMdBlJpQelya8xDhnAkrE9SLZFjQr-gydLL3u13Ioh2kfxTKhkpsuVKu2yDLdc4jPQ8cE1HCYCuXQPgVtYuG9He3f0HECXmKSfGu1fooLM9nxzJmqYiU3L6_HHfnHbbEfB/s320/Paterson-Woodworking-Fisher-table-NL_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paterson Woodworking Fisher Table </td></tr></tbody></table><b>Local Design</b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Newfoundland Labrador has some very creative people and their products can enhance any living space.  You will meet some of them this year<b> </b>as I encourage  my NL readers to buy local, and other readers to spread their wings our way when purchasing.<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></b><br /><h4><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmihY2-RQThPaW6Qfbn2HLbHHb-GbnQiW8PofFoslG0uYBg505krk9e5vqrTqNgvPlrNnS9P9fOhbT-_erxrm4hd88_QOW82_CbUxWfZ5pdPeHTKCylfYaCJb5IHrH2WbpOrwaWkrGQg86/s1600/us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Carol Bajen-Gahm Vestiges " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmihY2-RQThPaW6Qfbn2HLbHHb-GbnQiW8PofFoslG0uYBg505krk9e5vqrTqNgvPlrNnS9P9fOhbT-_erxrm4hd88_QOW82_CbUxWfZ5pdPeHTKCylfYaCJb5IHrH2WbpOrwaWkrGQg86/s400/us.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></b></span></b></h4><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>  Fine art focus</b></span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anyone who knows me is aware that I am also a visual artist  with an art blog called <a href="http://margaretryall.blogspot.ca/">Painting On.</a>  It is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep both blogs current.  I am seeking solutions to this problem and I'm sure there will be cross posting or artist highlights on Designing Home. They will support my belief that no home is complete without art.  I also want to write more posts about the arrangement and display of art in your home.  </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Google+ </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I just took the plunge and joined <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113225853381577858531/posts">Google+</a> .  It's a little overwhelming right now, but I hope it will be a community where I can meet other  interior design bloggers.  </span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Welcome 2014</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>

Designing Home Blog 2014

 I just wrote my 200th post on Designing Home and I've had a very laid back Christmas with lots of time to consider what is working on m...

Read more »