Mirror Hunt

I've been hunting for a mirror for my bathroom and it needs to be a certain size (around 30" wide and over 40" tall) and it must be shapely (i.e. not a plain rectangle). It will go over my makeup vanity and I want it to have some personality and preferably cost less than $1,000! Here are a few that I've been eyeing...

1) Bethany Grey Mirror - 34.25"W x 48.25"H - $1,870

2 Scallop Edge Mirror - 25"W x 40"H - $187

3) Ebony Hand Carved Arche Mirror - 32"W x 52"H - $509

4) Jonathan Adler Rococo Mirror - 40"H x 28"W - $595

5) Framed Rectangular Mirror - 30"W x 40"H - $643

6) Bunny Williams for Mirror Image Home Lotus Mirror - 34"W x 60"H - $1,099

7) Venetian Arche Mirror - 29"W x 43"H - $599

8) Audrey Mirror - 30"W x 43"H - $702 

Any favorites? #1, #5, and #7 are at the top of my list. Unfortunately #1 is way more than I wanted to spend!

Using Mirrors to Amplify Your Lighting

Over on the HomeGoods blog today I've posted about mirrors and some of the key places you can use them so pop on over there and check it out! The dining room is one place that didn't make my top 5, but I do think it's a great room for a big, fabulous mirror. The ironic thing about it not being included on that post is that I actually have a huge mirror from HomeGoods in my dining room!

Anyhow, I'll briefly elaborate on why a chandelier works so well in a dining space. Basically, a mirror of the right shape and size can amplify the impact of a dramatic light fixture. If you have a glittering chandelier and align a massive beveled edge mirror with it, that chandelier will feel twice as sparkly and bright thanks to the mirror.

This tactic can be applied to basically any light source. I use mirrors behind lamps all of the time because the mirror doubles the light output. Here in my bedroom, my mirrors work double-time in that capacity because they reflect the natural light from the opposing French doors during the day and the lamp light at night.

Do any of you employ mirror tricks like this in your house? If so, tell me about them!

And go check out my HomeGoods post for more mirror chatter :)

Bone Inlay Obsession

I'm really into the look of bone inlay goods...whether it be on a mirror or on furniture, it's such a dynamic adornment. The craftsmanship blows me away, especially on the high end pieces. In a perfect world, my dining room buffet/console table would be black and white inlaid bone...if I take enough crazy pills one day, maybe I'll get one custom made in India via Alibaba!

Ximon Mirror by Made Goods

This comes in a 36"H x 79"W size...that's my kind of full-length dressing mirror!

Wisteria also has its fair share of inlaid bone wares...besides what is on their website, I've seen lots of neat pieces in their outlet such as a huge desk and chests in fun colors like pink, orange, and blue.

I would like to get my hands on this tray

 

What a fabulous chest for an entryway!

And this mirror, which I bought two of at the outlet...

  

They used to have this bench that I would trade a kidney for...hopefully they bring it back into the product line-up!

While scouring the interwebs for an alternate source for the bench above, I ran across this AMAZING settee and the blue chair. Too bad the site doesn't seem to offer any purchasing options.

 

Finally, here's a coffee table I saw at H.D. Buttercup a while back...I loved it but didn't really have the right place for it. The pattern is awesome.

In with the New

I've been making the rounds, checking out online retailers' new goods. Here's what I like best from Horchow:

Welded Iron Cocktail Table

Industrial yet refined...casters also come in handy for vacuuming :)

Sideboard - this shape is so pretty. 

It's deeper (and more expensive, of course) than what I had in mind, but it would look great in my dining room!

Chant Linens 

Looks like Lulu DK! Really cute stuff.

Bone-Inlaid Tissue Box

 

Quilted Ivory Leather-Framed Mirror 

"Baroque" Mirror - love that yellow lamp too.

Fortune Teller Sconce

My list of sconces I want is out of control.

Chelsea Table Lamp - also comes in black. 

I adore this...neutral but still unique and whimsical.

Greek Key Placemat

Great concept though I wish it came in fun lacquered colors a la Jonathan Adler. If they weren't a whopping $85 a pop, I'd probably be inclined to spray paint + poly them myself.

Their prices are a bit inflated, in my humble opinion. So, if you can't live without something from above, be sure to sign up for their emails because they often have sales (sometimes up to 30% off) and free shipping events!

New at Ballard

I clicked through an email today to preview Ballard Designs' 2010 collection. Favorites...

Love the print on these drapes

Of course, more geometric fabric...and it's linen!

For an industrial touch, there's the Weston Floor Lamp

Wish there were more size options in this Athene Rug

The Geneve Indoor/Outdoor Rug is in the running to be put in my breakfast room

This one's cute too: Farrah Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Durham End Table, seems like a pretty good value at $249

Bone Mirror - such a pretty shape and color.

Lily Mirror...would look SO good against black/dark walls!

Cavaillon Chain Mirror, very interesting. Comes in three different sizes...thus the LARGE label.

While out shopping

It's the shopping time of year, so while out browsing for Christmas presents and decor, I spotted some other fun things.

First, at the Wisteria Outlet...

These garden stools were the prettiest shade of blue.

Nice settee despite the aesthetically challenged pillows. Thought about getting this for our living room. I think it was about $700 compared the the normal price of $1,099.

No joking around with this mirror!

I'd like to see this chest under the mirror shown above.

Would also be great in a nursery or a little girl's room.

On to Target...

This is such a great little ottoman/stool! I'm a dummy and forgot to note the price, but I remember it was definitely under $50. The fabric was a nice neutral color and the texture was good. Added bonus - the top comes off so you can store magazines, etc. in the middle.

I'd love to get a bunch of these and hang them all together in a grid on the wall.

 

Williams-Sonoma Home

The cutest little stool e-v-e-r! The top is an ivory pebbled leather.

 

White tufted benches, I love you. Especially when on sale!

 

Really liked this zebra crewel rug...am considering it for the den.

 

Looks kind of like a diamond, eh?

 

Gorgeous curvy side table with marble insert.

 

They had these great photos of Euro bridges at night. I loved this one from Rome.

 

Revere bowl - such a great classic.

 

Mirrored placemats were so festive. Also would be easy to clean!

 

On to IKEA...

Great rug for $149...it's got a nice pattern, low pile, and versatile color palette in gray and black.

Finally, HomeGoods....

As always, they have tons of good lamps like this one that has a cool pewter finish.

 

Love me some gourd lamps.

 

 

 

Like the ones I have in my den :)

 

 

They had colanders in every size and color. Super cheap prices too.

 

Affordable, snazzy accessories...love those white urns and the foo dogs (which are currently at Z Gallerie for $119, I think these were about $50).

 

Mirrored boxes in geometric patterns that are right up my alley. These also came in other colors like red and green.

 

For about $20, this pillow could make a boring room a little more fun!