Creative Decorating Ideas

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

A shadow box border? They look like shadow boxes judging by the depth of the side profile. Either that or it's just very deep frames, because it does look like there are images in them? Either way, I like it...

T Keller Donovan/Michael Price Photography via DecorPad

I've talked more than once about updating chandeliers (and ceiling fan lights) by surrounding them with a drum shade. But... I haven't talked about doing small drum shades on chandeliers yet, have I? I think the exaggerated cylindrical shape of the shades in the image below makes them more interesting and the mixed up fabric adds a whimsical designer touch.

harlequin

(I can't remember if I've talked about table lamps yet, but putting a drum shade on a lamp can instantly give it a fresher, more updated look too!)

I like the way designer Thom Filicia seamlessly blends the TV into the decor by putting it into this niche with art above it. Placing a cozy secondary seating area in front of it makes it even less of a focal point (especially when the TV is off of course!).

House Beautiful photo Thomas Loof

I've been trying to figure out if it's an optical illusion or if the sconces in this image are actually mounted directly on the mirror. If so, I think it's a clever idea.

House Beautiful photo David Tsay

P.S. I had a question on a source for fresh, modern wallpaper that is not to the trade only. I haven't had occasion to shop for any recently and am wondering if any of you have any suggestions/sources? Thanks!

10/7/2010: For those of you not checking comments, I thought I would add this suggestion that I gave to someone there in case it might be something you would want to try. Here's what I said in answer to a question on wallpaper: "I'm hoping we'll get some answers on the wallpaper resources. I'll try to do some research on it too when I get a chance. Have you found any fabric that you like? I'm not sure about applying it onto paneling but I know it can be applied to sheetrock. Might be another option to consider if you can't find wallpaper as soon as you would like. BHG.com has a tutorial here: http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/fabric-walls/ ."

Decorating with Mirrors

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

I'm a fan of walls accessorized with mirrors. Whether it's one...

Designer Sally Steponkus via Coco+Kelley

or two...

Designer Tobi Fairley

or a grouping...

Real Simple

or a complete wall of mirrors...

Roberts Erickson Designs via House of Turquoise

I'm especially liking sunburst mirrors right now...

Country Living

If you like sunburst mirrors too and would prefer to DIY rather than purchase, here are some great tutorial links for you:

Three Men and a Lady

Isabella and Max Rooms

Do you like accessorizing with mirrors? You can find more inspiration here.

Chests, Shelves, A Headboard and Mirrors

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

I'm sure that's one of the more creative post titles you've ever seen, isn't it? :-)

I'm still debating as to whether I would actually ever do this or not, but of course I like the fact that it's different and creative. Using two chests to the sides behind the sofa rather than a sofa table behind and end tables on the sides? What do you think? (image from CR Laine)

I wanted to include this image in my shelf inspiration post, but couldn't find it at the time. Isn't it interesting the way they created these shelves to follow the curve of the window? (image from BHG.com)

If you have an awkward corner in your bedroom, this idea from BHG.com might work for you. Rather than ignoring the corner, they maximized the space by creating a corner headboard storage unit. They've included reading-light wall sconces and electrical outlets, and the plug-ins are close at hand for alarm clocks, cell phone chargers, etc.

I know many of you have seen this already, but for those of you who haven't - Jenny at Pearl Street Interiors hung two inexpensive unframed IKEA mirrors (love the shape!) over the plain sheet mirror in her parent's bathroom using 3M hanging strips. I love the idea and the dimension that it adds, don't you? To see the rest of this makeover, click here...

This isn't really a mirror, but I like the shape of this Ghost Mirror from Country Living. Template and tutorial here.

Don't forget to enter the $125 CSN Shopping Spree Giveaway!

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend...

Creative Decorating for a Tuesday

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

Use two (or three) tablerunners horizontally across a table. Gives you a different look and they can double as placemats.

marthastewart.com

So let's just say that it's Tuesday (because it is :-) ) and you're looking around your house wondering what little thing you could do today to shake up your decorating a bit. Just a little. Not much. Just something fun or different that you may not have tried before. The list of things you could do is actually unending, but here are some ideas...

If you've never layered art on your fireplace mantel, why not try it for a different look?...

myhomeideas.com

If your artwork is too small, make it bigger by attaching a thin piece of painted wood to the back like Just A Girl did for her spring mantel...

Paint a chalkboard on a door...

Country Living Photo Keith Scott Morton

We've talked about painting the backs of bookshelves and papering the backs of bookshelves, but why not make it a little more interesting by doing a little of both and mixing up the patterns?...

idealhomemagazine.co.uk

Arrange your books by color...

Style At Home

Paint a funky mirror a fabulous color...

marthastewart.com

Add some lace to your favorite pillow...

Style At Home

Mix up your bar stools with different finishes or paint colors...

Style At Home

Update your family photos and make them a focal wall in one of your rooms or hallways...

myhomeideas.com

Think outside the box on a new way to accessorize your dining room walls. This dining room wall would be a great one to use for inspiration!...

Photo by Michael Partenio via House Of Turquoise

Paint your front door a bold or just different color...

houseandhome.com

There was a question in the comments on my decorating with mirrors post on whether I knew how to make a new mirror look old. I actually didn't, but found some sources that do....

e-how article How Do I Faux Antique a Mirror?
marthastewart.com How to Antique a Mirror
HGTV.com How To Distress a Mirror

Have an awesome day!

Decorating With Mirrors

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

Coastal Living Designer Jill Johnson; Photographer Grey Crawford

Mirrors can be a great way to expand a space, add interest, make a statement, reflect light or a great view and generally add sparkle. Here are some ideas for incorporating mirrors into your space...

Designer Jeffrey Billhuber layered an antique mirror over the window for use with this floating dressing table.

Architectural Digest Photo: Peter Vanderwarker

Stylist and designer Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo of ABCD Design created this huge dramatic wall with black paint and 48 rectangular mirrors (via Canadian House and Home)

Framed mirrors also make a dramatic statement in this bedroom...

Coastal Living Photo: Jean-Philippe Piter

House Beautiful photo credit: Lisa Cregan

Designer Vincent Wolf likes using massive, over-scaled mirrors leaning against walls, as you can see in the bedrooms he designed above and below. This is some of what he told House Beautiful about that. "It's taking an architectural approach to a decorative object — like cutting open a wall onto a space beyond. It's also more casual and interesting to lean something than to hang it. Once a mirror is hung, it's isolated on the wall. But when it leans, the floor runs right into the glass."

I love the idea of layering mirrors like designer Mary McGee did in her living room. You could also just layer a great frame over a mirror and it would work just as well.

House Beautiful Photo: Miguel Flores Vianna

The mirror used in this bedroom designed by Gary McBourne (House Beautiful - Photo: James Merrell) was too small so they added what Gary calls a "sash" to give it scale. I'll admit that, even though this room is beautifully designed, it isn't my style but that doesn't matter. The basic idea can be used in any room from casual to formal and contemporary to traditional and there are a variety of items (fabric, ribbon, rope, etc.) you could use to make your "sash". Just hang the mirror on the wall and then attach the "sash" to the back of the mirror and the hook.

In this Coastal Living idea house they mirrored the doors of this dual vanity which draws your eye to the detail. (Photo: Tria Giovan)


This is much more subtle but these vanity doors and drawers are also mirrored.

Coastal Living Photo Dominique Vorillon

Mirrored night stands are so pretty, aren't they?

BHG.com

The next four images are from Homes and Gardens. You can see the rest of their slideshow, How to Decorate Using Mirrors, on their site. (Photos: Carolyn Barber)

Displaying a variety of mirrors on ledges is a creative and fun idea to punch up your space.

Adding mirrors to an armoire in a bedroom is a great idea, especially if you're short on space to add one anywhere else.

Reflective drum shades could be stunning in the right space!


Using a mercury glass mat for a centerpiece. I've used a framed mirror in the same way in the past, which also works well.

Just for fun... Can you tell what this frame is made from? I'm sure you probably can. Colored plastic spoons! :-) Country Living


Cute tennis racket mirrors from Country Living. Imagine how many different things you could repurpose as mirrors once you start thinking outside the box...


Hmmm... Any ideas on how I can get my mirror to reflect the same view that this mirror is reflecting? :-)

myhomeideas Photo Keith Scott Morton

If you're interested in more inspiration for decorating with mirrors, check out the mirror image post that I did back in August.

Mirror Image

Phoebe Howard

We all know that mirrors have their function, but they can also provide a great design element in a room.

Layered...

Phoebe Howard

Adds architectural interest,

makes a design statement,

expands the room,

reflects the light and the view. Source: MarthaStewart.com

yes. in the kitchen.

Source -Canadian House and Home Photo - Janis Nickolay

Making a statement,

adding some sparkle,

expanding the space. Source: Canadian House and Home

Both the folding screen and the table add a little glitz to this space. Source: Canadian House and Home Photo; Michael Graydon

Adds architectural interest,

reflects the light and view from outsideSource: MarthaStewart.com

Glitz and glamour Source: MarthaStewart.com

Interesting use of a mirror on built-ins. Amanda Nisbet Design

Adds structure and interest in place of a headboard

Coastal Living Photo: Richard Leo Johnson

I love the unique use of mirrors on this porch. Amanda Nisbet Design