Reflecting on Design

Welcome to 2018! It is a new year and definitely a time for reflection. But, I don’t want to bore you with my new year’s resolutions. Instead, let’s talk about what is known as the “‘aspirin of Feng Shui’ because in design, it can be used to ‘cure” so many problems” (source: Open Spaces: Feng Shui Mirrors – Do’s and Don’ts). And, that design elixir is – mirrors.

I believe mirrors are one of the most effective design elements and can be utilized in a variety of ways. They provide a dual purpose of function and fashion. Functionally, mirrors are needed in task areas such as bathrooms and dressing areas. From a fashion perspective – a mirror is the perfect decorative accessory. My three main reasons for using mirrors are to: expand the appearance of a space, add more light and, as Elle Decor’s 20 Brilliant Ideas for Decorating with Mirrors suggests, reflect “the beauty of any room.”

Let’s go on a tour and look at how mirrors can enhance the design of any room.

Entrance Foyer

One of the Feng Shui mirror “do’s” is to “hang a mirror near your entryway, both to activate the water element there as well as to give you a positive glimpse of yourself on your way out the door” (Open Spaces). Plus it is a good place to put on some lipstick and do a final outfit check :). This is a perfect example of mirrors serving both the function and the fashion purpose.

Living Rooms and Sitting Rooms

Using an interesting and decorative frame enhances the “fashion” element of any mirror. In a Chatham, New Jersey living room below, a leather strap is used to hang a mirror above a console table which transforms the mirror into a decorative element as well as serving to reflect the opposite window and bring light into the room.

For this living room redesign, I placed a round feathered gold mirror above the fireplace to add dimension. The decorative frame makes this mirror feel like a piece of jewelry enhancing the design in this Summit, NJ living room. The coffee table has an antique mirror top that provides a reflective surface and adds another layer of dimension.

For a master bedroom sitting area, I designed a custom antique mirror cabinet above the fireplace to house and conceal the television. When the doors are closed, it is a beautiful reflective cabinet and the mirrors amplify the light in this room adding spaciousness to this intimate space.

Dining Rooms

The opportunity to utilize a large blank space for a statement piece is often found above sideboards in a dining room creating a perfect spot for a unique mirror. The shape and frame should be used to complement the space and add an interesting design element to enhance the decor.

Dressing Rooms & Bathrooms

Making sure your mirrors are up for the task in a dressing room or bathroom does not mean you have to forsake fashion. A great example is the area above the custom built dresser on the left, below. Functionally, a mirror is serves a purpose in this location. To add a more decorative element, the layered gold mirror also serves as an accessory to the decor. You can see how the accent mirror which was applied on top of the wall mirror creates a multi-dimensional impact. In the powder room on the right, a custom framed mirror was installed above the sink in a mirrored alcove outlined with a metal grommet surround. The layering of the mirrors here creates interest and complexity in a small space.

Strategically placing full length mirrors in dressing areas is possibly the room where mirrors serve the greatest function.  If you plan the mirror locations appropriately you can see yourself from all angles. Make sure you use good quality mirrors that do not distort images (unless, of course, it’s the perfect skinny mirror). In both of these dressing rooms, doors and walls were used for floor to ceiling reflection.

I am thinking that this year instead of reflecting on what has already transpired, I am choosing to look forward to what is yet to come.

Looking forward to good things in the new year!