Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...How Do I Decorate with Mirrors?

I have been decorating homes and offices for over 11 years, and one of the most common mistakes I see is the placement and use of mirrors.  I must admit, hanging a mirror can be a quick and easy fix for your empty wall. It doesn't clash with your wall color, right?

One common place I often find mirrors is over a mantel.  This can work in some cases, however, like with any mirror placement, look at what is reflecting back? What are you bringing back into your decorated room?  If your mantel is too high, you're most likely reflecting your white ceiling. 

Try placing a mirror across from a window looking out on your beautiful yard, or your favorite flowering tree! How about across your favorite piece of artwork? This way you're reflecting the beauty of the piece back into your room.

Try thinking out of the box a bit when choosing a mirror for your bath or powder room. Why match your vanity exactly, when you can have your mirror appear like a piece of art on its own? Don't be afraid to turn a square mirror on an angle for a more artistic look – just be sure that your space can accommodate the mirror hung that way. And remember, if you're 6'5" or 4' 11", have  a friend of a more average height to help hang your mirror – you'll be glad you did!



Is your accent color truly 'accenting' your room?

We all know that painting a room is the easiest and least expensive way to bring change to a space, and clients often ask me if one wall should be painted a different color for an accent wall. Here are a few things to think about before buying that extra can of paint.

Stand in your doorway to view your room, and get a feel of what an accent wall will do for your space as you enter. An accent colored wall will draw your eye and attention to that wall. If this wall has a focal point that you enjoy, and is large enough to handle the different color, it should look great providing the accent color compliments the other three walls.

If you're unsure of what color to use, you can draw ideas from your furnishings in that room for some inspiration. Start with your window treatments, area rugs, or accent pillows. It's a good idea to get several paint chips from your local paint store and hold them next to one another in your space, not the paint store. The lighting in the store will be totally different than your space. Always be sure to see how the colors look both in the natural daylight as well as the evening lights in your home. You may be surprised how much colors can change with lighting.

Remember to take your time. Did you know that 40% of paint sales are due to buying the wrong color? These mistakes not only costly to consumers, but costly to our environment! 



Redesign? What a concept!

 

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Credit Janice Weinstein

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Photos (2)

Photos

Credit Janice Weinstein

Credit Janice Weinstein

 

"I remember it well...it was the summer of 2003. We just entered the cottage we had rented on the Cape, and although it was cute, something just didn't feel quite right. By the end of that first day, I had rearranged the living room as well as the bedroom.

Although I knew I had created a better flow of furniture and balance in the rooms, I also knew that I had to switch it all back before leaving! It was that summer I knew I wanted to learn more about the art of redesign, and incorporate this service into my business! 

The key to redesigning a space is clearing the entire room. This allows me a different perspective to "see" and evaluate the space. After deciding what the focal point in the space will be, I can arrange the furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories to create beautiful balance in the room.

If you're bored with a room, try angling a chair in a different direction, and remember, your furniture does not all need to be against a wall for an anchor. Bring the furniture "inside" the room; this change alone, will allow you the freedom to then reposition an area rug and tables to create a more intimate conversation area. 

If you're looking for smaller changes to perk up your space, think of the seasons. With the heat of summer, think lighter colors and fabrics. Some may just change the comforter on a bed, while others might take it a step further, and change from heavier panels to sheers, and linen like pillow covers over your existing pillows.

Redesigning a room, is virtually "no cost" decorating! Does it get any better than that?  Happy Summer decorating, or even better – redesigning!



Gray ... the new neutral?

 

  

In the world of home decor, our main living spaces have been painted different shades of tans, golds, and sage. The gray palette was reserved for the modern and contemporary home – not any more!

No worries, and no need to change out every wall in your home. If you are looking for ways to incorporate these beautiful shades of gray without feeling too trendy, why not try some fun and simple solutions to update your space?

When chosen carefully, certain shades of grays and tans compliment each other beautifully. You can consider painting a gray accent wall in your space. If this change feels overwhelming, or is not an option, start with small changes to bring a new color into a space.

Keep a paint swatch of your current neutral wall color with you as you shop. Look for gray hues in accent pillows, throws, trim, area rugs, and accessories. Need a little push for inspiration? Spend a few minutes browsing in your local fabric store, and you will be inspired! Beautiful color combinations are around us all the time ... you just have to stop and notice. I've been inspired by greeting cards, wrapping paper, and more obvious items like towels and bedding.

After I completed my last interior redesign, I felt bored with my own living room. I switched out an area rug, one chair, and a few pillows, and felt like I had a new room! I had added new colors to the room – and I didn't paint a thing!

I enjoy your comments, as well as answering your questions, so please feel free to share how you've made small changes with a big impact in your spaces. 

As always, Thank you for allowing me to "bring your rooms to life!" You can find The Spirited Design on Facebook, and www.thespiriteddesign.com