Designing With Mirrors

Sometimes the simplest changes can create the greatest impact in your home – and adding mirrors to your design scheme is one of them. I’m not just referring to wall hung mirrors – although they are always beautiful – but introducing strategically placed mirrored surfaces in your foyer, kitchen, bath, living room, dining room or bedroom.  Reflective surfaces brighten a space and create that extra layer of sparkle and texture, at the same time visually increasing a sense of space. Here are some stunning ideas for adding that spectacular look to your room. Foyer
  • Mirroring the adjacent wall to the entry with a large oversized frame will transform a dark and dingy foyer into a bright and spectacular space.
  • Or take it a step further and adhere some beveled-mirrored tiles to the entire wall with a beautiful glass chandelier suspended from above.
  • If large mirrors aren’t for you then consider a mirrored chest at the entry with your favorite piece of art above highlighted with a crystal or glass table lamp and finished with an exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers.
Kitchen
  • Add some instant light and reflection in your kitchen with a mirrored backsplash.  Do you have a killer view of the ocean or a spectacular English garden?  What better way than to highlight it and integrate the interior with the exterior for a panoramic view.
  • For added texture apply either glass or mirrored mosaic tiles to the backsplash and you’ll still achieve that shimmer and shine.
Bath
  • The use of multiple mirrored surfaces will open up a small space and create a sense of elegance and glamour. Consider mirroring the entire wall from the top of the countertop material all the way to the ceiling.  It will visually double the size of a smaller bathroom and reflect the natural light.
  • A mirror placed across from the bathroom window also adds depth to the room.
  • Reflective backsplashes also work and will create a similar effect or antique mirrored tiles.
Living Room
  • In a more traditional home apply mirrored sections on the walls in framed in molding and paneling for a crisp classic style – enhancing your furniture and creating a bright beautiful space.
  • For a more contemporary flair introduce a crisp and cool fireplace surround to double the glow of the fire when lit.
  • Or add some beveled mirrors or tiles with glass rosette insets for a more traditional style.
  • Free standing glass screens will definitely add some drama along with a mirror mounted over a mirrored surface to provide you with a greater sense of detail and depth.
Bedroom
  • Whether you have a built in closet or a French wardrobe, mirror your closet doors to not only expand the light and space but to also provide you a sense of elegance
  • Introduce mirrored nightstands by adding glamour to your storage.
Incorporating mirrors into your interior design plans is an easy way to add light, space and airiness to your room . For larger rooms, it adds a new dimension to the space. Play around with different mirror shapes and reflective surfaces.  I know you’ll find the perfect solution to spicing up the ambiance of every room in your house. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.