I've been shopping around for a mirror to replace one that broke last month, and keep coming across trumeau mirrors. Trumeau mirrors (pronounced troo-MO) are set in tall wooden frames with a large section of painted or sculptural decoration at the top. But what are these unusual mirrors, and where did they come from? More
The fluid colors in the Francis wall mirror by French design company Petite Friture (or Small Fry in English) are created using water color techniques on the unique surface that the mirror provides. The colors on the Francis mirror are a unique take on the look of aged mirrors that is so popular at the moment.
They make the room look bigger. They add a new layer of complexity and dimension. They are beautiful objects. And (mixed blessing here) you can see your entire body head-to-toe reflected back in them (gasp!). What's not to love about big and tall floor mirrors?
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We all know that mirrors are great for adding bling and indulging our vanity, but even more important than the mirror itself is where it's placed and what areas of the home it reflects. Even a simply-framed but perfectly-placed mirror has the magical quality of amplifying the good and capturing it like a photograph. Our house tours are full of inspiration! More
At a time of year when decorating tends toward the ornate and elaborate, I am drawn to simpler things, like these understated, pared down, metal mirrors. Whether vintage or reproductions, these simple beauties are reminiscent of old bathroom mirrors. I think they look pretty in any setting, either alone or in lovely little clusters.
Many urban dwellers, especially in cities like San Francisco and New York, must contend with long and often narrow hallways. Decorating such reedy, elongated spaces can be daunting. At worst, such corridors can resemble those in trains or boring motels. There are various ways one can transform long hallways by playing with scale and perspective so as to draw attention to the walls, the ceiling or the floor, thereby breaking up the monotonous expanse into smaller fragments.
When it comes to the geometry of interior design, rectangles are king. Perhaps that is why I love the look of round mirrors so much. Circular mirrors provide a striking contrast against the sharp angles of a desk, table or fireplace.
Sometimes I torture myself by doing a search for Art Nouveau furnishings on 1stDibs. I covet the impossibly beautiful lamps, mirrors, plates and furniture — all impossibly priced. You won't impress your purist collector friends (and some of these pieces are very loose interpretations of the style!), but these pieces can give your room a bit of Art Nouveau-esque whimsy and fun.
Have you jumped on the recent plastic animal bandwagon yet? It's easy to join in - just look at the bottom of your child's toy bins and you're sure to find some plastic toys that are makings of a good looking project. More
Colorful mirrors are formal with a fun edgy twist. They look great in every room and can be an easy DIY weekend project, even for those of us who aren't exactly crafty. More


























































