Designers use tricks, “trompe l oeil” – ever heard of it? Parlez-vous français? It’s a trick of the eye – and how handy is that to create an effect? Often murals are painted to give the illusion of depth or a scene that is not real, yet might fool you into thinking it is. Similarly, mirrors can create the illusion of dimension and improve spaces – especially small spaces or rooms that feel particularly one-sided. Like the idea? Want to hear some fun designer tips?
Large decorative mirrors expand the dining space in this restaurant. Faux finish composite material give the impression of hand-carved wood – not!
Mirrors in the Bath We know mirrors are commonly used for practical purposes such as bathroom vanities. They can be simple over-the-sink functional elements or framed versions for decorative pizzazz.
Below, a built-in tiled surround is nearly a full-wall treatment but with a little relief.
an a more encapsulated/inset mirror shown here
or full wall-to wall treatments that “go away” leaving only the illusion that the room continues beyond…you don’t really “see” the mirror, you see the illusion of space that it creates.
Bathrooms can be intimate spaces of decorative interest
or expanded to be grand spaces of extraordinary volume.
Dining Room Décor and Expansion Other rooms of the house can benefit from mirrors too. Often mirrors are placed in dining rooms over buffets to once again give the illusion of space to a room that is often small for the number of furniture pieces and people that gather there. It is an opportunity to add a decorative element as well as expand the space.
Mixing Geometrics A rectangular console table, sideboard, buffet or dresser enjoys the contrast of a round mirror
Mirrors as Artistic Accessories There are also fun additions to existing pieces like this framed grill-work which is given a new element of interest by adding a mirror behind the iron, set into the frame. Depth and interest instantly change the nature of this decorative wall piece.
Yes, the mirror becomes the decorative focal point. Large framed mirrors can become just that – a great focal point AND provide an illusion of depth. Notice too, the entire wall was tiled behind this focal piece adding further drama and interest.
The limitless options for frames and shapes makes mirrors a valuable accessory similar to a piece of artwork!
Kitchen Surprises Here’s a little trick…rather than looking into a tiled wall behind your cook-top, insert a mirror into the back-splash! It will give the illusion of an opening passing through to another room!!
Wish for a Window Add a “window” where you have none. A “fake window” adds dimension to an otherwise encapsulated interior space. This can be with an actual window to which you add mirrored glass to replace existing or merely a grouping of mirrors to suggest a window to the world.
Embellish with Crafts Here we added white shells to have a little DIY fun!
Make it BIGGER – Make it Better Expand your living space, add value and create perceived square-footage!! Truly enlarging a room with a trick of design expertise is to know where to mirror an entire wall to achieve that illusion of a much larger space.
Consider what is being reflected. You won’t want it reflecting an open bathroom door necessarily…You can even enhance the area that will be reflected to maximize the effect.
Theatrical/Dramatic Lighting Effects and Mirrors
ART & Technology As is true with our fast-paced word today, the art of creating mirrors has gone from fine craft to commodity. Phenomenal prices are now available for what once was a luxury item. Certainly, there are exquisite hand carved, fantastically finished and even gilded wood frames still being designed and handcrafted by artisans around the world,
but the offerings for production pieces of man-made faux wood and other interesting composites are now on the market. Beveling used to be an art. It was performed by hand (and still is – but it is a lost art and it’s not as necessary a trade with the advances in technology to achieve the detail).
Difficult to see the hand-beveled work on this amazing hand-carved mirror.
The effects of a bevel either on the mirror within a frame or here as a frame itself, bevels add detail of angular reflection that add interest to a mirror’s single-plane depth providing the angular plane to reflect other surrounding facets of the scene.
Mirrors are one of the most versatile and effective design components. Look at them, look into them, use them, play with them – they will expand your world!!
I was touched and photographed it to share with my instagram followers, which lead me down the #paintedrock hashtag. The first artist’s post I clicked on – she does amazing mandala dot art – shared what kind of paint she used and gave other general tips. By that afternoon I had a rainbow of colors and was painting my first rocks.
Although Kim’s photography still plays a significant and pleasurable career role in her life, this quest to explore other of her creative energies and talents is proving to be an exciting and potentially lucrative path.
