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Less or More: Venetian Mirrors

casasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:35 -0800

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these Venetian mirrors and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Diet Tip: Hang Mirrors Where You Eat

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to losing weight, we all find different tricks that help motivate us to reach our goals. Some may seem a little bizarre, but it doesn't mean they don't work. Here's a weird one for you. Hang a mirror in your kitchen or dining room, on the wall opposite your chair. That way you can watch yourself during mealtimes, and studies show that it can reduce your desire to overeat. People in the study actually ended up eating one-third less food than those with no mirror.

This little tip isn't meant to make you obsessed about food or feel bad about yourself. Think of it instead as a friendly reminder of your weight-loss goals. A mirror will help heighten your awareness of what you look like, and what positive changes you're making in regards to food.

Before and After: Erin84's Bathroom Makeover

casasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:45:00 -0700

Su Casa member Erin84 recently gave the "ugly 70's-style bathroom" in her new condo a major overhaul, and the transformation is a vast improvement. She gutted the space, and then "used subway tiles on the floor and ceramic tiles on the walls." She says, "A new vanity and chandelier make it look like a completely different space." While the original bathroom may not be the biggest eyesore you've ever seen, the new vanity and tiles certainly are much more sophisticated and classic, and the chandelier adds a touch of glamour. Replacing the original trifold mirror with a single wall mirror opens up the space, relieving the bathroom's former cramped feeling. To see the after,

Steal of the Day: Iron Work Wall Mirror

casasugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:15:15 -0700

If you're over the starburst mirror trend, but are still digging its celebratory shape and retro vibe, don't go anywhere. There is hope for your home. The Urban Outfitters Iron Work Wall Mirror ($29.99, reduced from $48.00) has that same bursting shape, but is decorated with a filigree of white palm leaves in classic Hollywood Regency style. You might not be able to use it for more than applying a little lipstick, but it will certainly add a fabulous decorative element to your home. Doesn't it just scream Palm Springs? I'd love to hang it on some retro wallpaper near a mid-century credenza.

Crave Worthy: BDDW Captain's Mirror

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:46 -0700

Starburst mirrors, ornate, Rococo mirrors, mother of pearl inlaid mirrors, Venetian mirrors. I'm kind of over them all. I liked the whole Dorothy Draper/Kelly Wearstler Hollywood Regency thing for a while, but now I thinking if I'm going to drop a small fortune on a mirror, I want it to be timelessly stylish, not trendy. I suppose I could say that about a lot of furnishings, but who am I kidding? Each year I fall hard for plenty of trends. That's not the case with the BDDW Captain's Mirror ($1600, $1199 on sale), though. I ache for its uncomplicated round shape, distressed leather frame, and how it hangs with perfect posture from a cast bronze puck. But, it's not a bit ephemeral, it hasn't a stitch of trend appeal. That's what I'm talking about.

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:30:34 -0700

This Swedish Pier Mirror ($3,900) would bring a touch of shabby chic to any interior. Decorated with a frieze of molded swags of fruit and foliage, this mirror might look lovely in your entry in its current condition.

But let's not be boring, shall we? For this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd liven up this piece. What would you use? Paint? Wallpaper? Mosaic tiles? Gold leaf? What type of objects or art would complement it? In which room do you imagine it hanging? Tell me by commenting below!

Love It or Hate It? Wiper Mirror

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:00:46 -0700

I love design that solves minute daily frustrations, like wiping off the condensation of my mirror after every morning shower. But a pet peeve of mine has always been that car wipers don't wipe off the entire surface of the window. So while I think the Suck UK Wiper Mirror (inquire for price) is clever, I haven't been won over by it. I think I'd just prefer a heated bathroom mirror instead.

Love It or Hate It? Wiper Mirror

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Nice and New: Klaus Rosburg Cuckoo Clock

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:45:28 -0700

I'm not quite sure if I'm sick of the cuckoo clock trend or not, but I must admit I like the Klaus Rosburg Cuckoo Clock ($95). While there's been a proliferation of die-cut mirrors, something about the mirrored silhouette shape of a cuckoo clock against this exposed brick wall caught my eye. The ornate, three-dimensional design of traditional cuckoo clocks gives them a lively, kitschy feel, but seeing one in silhouette form made me appreciate them in a whole new way. This clock may not have a (sometimes obnoxious) bird popping out of its façade on the hour, but its interesting curves and
shapes are enough to make me chirp. What do you think? Are you a fan?

Love It or Hate It? Tord Boontje Transglass Mirror

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:30:48 -0700

Who would have ever thought that Dutch designer Tord Boontje would be inspired to create a mirror based on Guatemalan tribal masks? The Dog Mask Mirror ($2,200) is just that: one big woof of Guatemalan inspiration. I'm a big Boontje fan but I'm kind of thinking there's a reason why the Atlantic separates Europe and Central America; maybe Boontje should consider making some mirrored klompen instead.

Love It or Hate It? Tord Boontje Transglass Mirror

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror With Birds

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:33 -0700

I thought I was over faux bois mirrors, but then some sweet little birdies chirped when I came upon this beautiful Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror (inquire for price), making me fall for them all over again. This gilt wood mirror from the late 20th century was carved by the Carvers Guild of Massachusetts, a company run by a couple recognized for their old-world craftsmanship and exceptional design. The Carver's Guild began in 1970 but they could have fooled me: this hand-carved mirror looks like it dates back to Colonial Williamsburg. It's nice to see that some designs transcend time.