CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

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.

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.

Casa Quickie: Mirrored Furniture That Doesn't Shatter the Bank

casasugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:15:57 -0700

If you love mirrored furniture as much as I do, but don't have the dolla dolla bills to make it happen in your living room, there is hope. Find a piece of furniture you already own, or thrift one, and have a local glass cutter custom cut you a mirror (or several pieces of mirror) to the measurements of your table, dresser, etc. Sand the surface of your table lightly and adhere the mirror to your table with mirror adhesive like Liquid Nails. Presto! Your very own art deco-style furnishing. For detailed instructions, check out iVillage.
Source

Steal of the Day: West Elm Faux Bois Mirror

casasugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:00:54 -0700

If you've yet to have your fill of faux bois, or my recent Less or More post on faux bois mirrors has added one to your wish list, check out the West Elm Faux Bois Mirror ($169, reduced from $249). The mirror, first made in white, is now available in black resin, and both are on sale! I've seen it used in an Upper West Side bedroom and find it sophisticated, despite its potentially fading trend appeal. The black frame seems more classic and dude-worthy, though. Right? What do you think?

Less or More: Faux Bois Mirrors

casasugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:00:05 -0700

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

Room Therapy: A Full-Length Mirror That Won't Break the Bank?

casasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:20 -0700

Dear Casa,

Hi! I'm in the market for a full-length mirror for the master bedroom in our new house and figured that you and your readers might have some ideas. (I want something that won't break the bank but also something that doesn't look like it's for a college dorm.)

Thanks!
Zulkey

Hi Zulkey,

I wasn't sure what you had in mind, in terms of color or style, so I decided to round up a bunch of mirrors to play it safe.

To see the mirrors, and to leave a suggestion of your own,

Before and After: A Mirrored Makeover

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:27:32 -0700

Apartment Therapy co-founder, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, recently wrote about a new addition to his dining room that really impressed me with its simplicity. He had a Room & Board Infinity Mirror custom ordered a bit larger than the width of his dining room table. He hung the mirror beside the table and below it, a handsome clock, a little off-kilter. Since it's Small Changes month, I wanted to highlight this simple but effective update, and encourage you to consider it for your home. He wrote that mirrors, "add sparkle, liveliness and a sense of enlarged space in as much time as it takes to hang a photograph," and I whole-heartedly agree. If you didn't catch it, I recently wrote a How-To on opening up a space with mirrors, which gives some tips on this topic, as well as some product suggestions if you'd like to pick up a mirror for yourself. To see what Maxwell's wall room looks like after this small change,

Less or More: Sixteen Panelled Mirrors

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:00:23 -0700

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

How-To: Opening Up a Room With Mirrors

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:15:53 -0700

If, like me, you live in a home that has fairly small rooms, you're always looking for ways to make the space seem more expansive. An easy way to affect a small but significant change is by decorating with wall mirrors. Wall mirrors are often quite inexpensive, and their careful placement can definitely open up a room.

Here are a few hints for decorating with wall mirrors:

Try hanging a series of smaller mirrors in a narrow foyer to make it seem less cramped.
If your living room lacks a focal point, an antique mirror in a central location will bring a sense of balance to the room.
If you have a problem room in your house that's deficient in natural light, mirrors can brighten up the room.
Instead of a headboard, try placing a mirror above your bed.
Several vintage beveled-edge mirrors would look stunning over a vanity, and would also expand the space around this piece of furniture.

How have you opened up a room with wall mirrors?

Source

Steal of the Day: Bianca Gilt Mirror

casasugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:00:12 -0700

It's not too often that I find a Steal of the Day that might also qualify as a Crave Worthy. But, that is the case today, as I bring you the Pottery Barn Bianca Gilt Mirror ($299, reduced from $399). Dramatic, elegant, chic, classic, eye catching, feminine, and much more, it makes a statement without crossing boundaries. It's the kind of addition to your home that will instantly exhibit your good taste to all who see it on your foyer wall. It's also one of the few final-sale items that I can almost guarantee you won't regret purchasing. You might regret, though, not buying two; don't you love how it's used as a headboard here?

Less or More: Branch Vanity Mirrors

casasugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:19 -0700

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

Steal of the Day: Starburst Wire Wall Mirror

casasugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:00:09 -0700

I must admit I'm very much over the starburst mirror trend. But, if you're still feelin' 'em and you want to get your hands on one, you might as well buy it on sale. The Wrapables Starburst Wire Wall Mirror ($29.99) will do the trick, and save you some dollars to spend on more happening trends, like ombré or mercury glass. Then, toss in some classics, so you're not such a slave to the flavor of the month.

Cool Idea: A Sophisticated Mirror on the Cheap

casasugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:00:28 -0700

Willie and Nicola, who submitted their cool project to Ikea Hacker, were discouraged by an overpriced mirror at a local home decor store, so they decided to DIY one of their own. Using Ikea mirrors, which run $4.99 a pack, gorilla glue, Krazy glue, and a strip of wood, they made an impressively sophisticated looking piece of wall part for very little green. I think this project looks great — and it's yet another in a series of ongoing inspirations that Ikea Hacker has provided its readers with. I'm going to have to go hack my own mirror! You can check out all of the steps here.
Source

Good, Better, Best: Triptych Mirrors

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:00:19 -0800

A while ago, I fell in love with Sfgirlbybay's folding vanity mirror (seen here and here), which I suspect she may have picked up at a flea market. I have since been on the hunt for a triptych vanity mirror, but I've not yet made the final splurge. I've come across several options that fit the bill and that I have mixed feelings about, because a part of me is still holding out for an antique one. I think all three are wonderful choices, if you can afford them. It often surprises me how expensive mirrors can be, though. To see the three choices I've come up with,

DIY: An Etched Mirror

casasugar — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 08:22:34 -0800

I've been reflecting on this Budget Living Etched Mirror DIY project that I saw on A Room Somewhere, and I think you can really make a statement with it, or just something pretty to match your reflection. I like the silhouette idea, but the one shown is a little amateur. A bit more detail would up the intrigue. Personally, I'd like to do an ornate frame shape. What shape would you make?

Supplies:

A sheet of Con-tact Paper
A mirror
Scissors/X-acto Knife
Etching cream

To learn the steps,

Midday Muse: Another Reason Why Mirrored Furniture Is Cool

casasugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:54:37 -0700

You might have noticed that I'm a huge fan of mirrored furniture, particularly mirrored coffee tables. Well, flipping through old photos of a night at the W Hotel in New Orleans, I found a snapshot of a friend applying rouge via—what else?—a mirrored coffee table!

Nice and New: west elm Mirror Coffee Table

casasugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:02:10 -0700

Remember the mirrored furniture trend that I alerted you to in August? Well, the trend is still in, and west elm has just come out with a chic mirror coffee table ($449), so your living room can be dressed in the latest fashion. The table is pretty similar in shape to their popular Parsons table as well. They're calling it, "Something for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and holiday décor to reflect on." What could be better?

To see some of their other stylish new items, click the images below.

Source

Love It or Hate It? "Half a Portion" Mirror with Shelf

casasugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:03:37 -0700

Keys? Check. Cell phone? Check. If it’s your routine to run through a must-have checklist before leaving home, you might understand the appeal of this "Half a Portion" Mirror with Shelf ($198). I’ll admit that I think the half-plate/mirror combo makes for a fun play on the eyes. But handy or not, and all visual trickery aside, would you want this in your home?

Love It or Hate It? "Half a Portion" Mirror with Shelf

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Love It or Hate It? Dressing Up Mirror

casasugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:15:00 -0700

The Susan Bradley Dressing Up Mirror ($595) is a mirror that hangs on a coat hanger that looks like a garment that would hang on a coat hanger until tried on in front of a mirror. It's a lot to process, but I'll admit, it's actually a pretty clever design. From a functional perspective though, it doesn't make sense. I'd personally prefer a mirror that can reflect more than just the shape of my favorite party dress. What do you think: Love It or Hate It?

Love It or Hate It? Dressing Up Mirror

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Su Casa: A Trendsetting Sunburst Mirror

casasugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:00:57 -0700

After seeing my post about starburst mirrors, reader Audreystar decided to share photos of her own sunburst mirror in Su Casa group. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to join Su Casa.) So for today's Su Casa I give you this stunning piece of wall decor that Audreystar's husband gave her for their 9-year anniversary. What trendsetters!