You have carefully decorated your master bath retreat with towels, lighting, and the perfect accessories and now that plain Jane mirror looks worse than ever.  For my clients there are two options: tear down the existing mirror; or have a carpenter frame out the mirror with a custom trim and then have my faux painter finish it.  The first option is messy, dangerous and the drywall often has to be repaired.  The second option is fantastic but it’s a costly venture.  So, what’s your alternative?

Well, I have a stylish solution that will bring your mirror from sad to superb.  It’s called Mirror Makeover and it’s an economical solution with designer results.  It’s the brain child of expert framers who thought of a new use for an old product.  Mirror Makeover offers you a selection of 16 frames that can be custom sized to fit your mirror.  They are crystal clear about the pricing and the installation is very easy.  The frame is simply applied directly to your mirror with very strong adhesive tape.  Take a look at their “before and after” gallery as well as the short installation video.

A couple of designer tips:

• Take advantage of their frame samples so you can confidently confirm your selection. 
• Make sure the frame will not interfere with any lighting or switches.
• Consider the finish on  your sink faucets when selecting a frame finish.  They have options in the silver, gold and bronze families.

Visit Mirror Makeover and put a new spin on your bathroom!

Mirrors are such an attractive and valuable accessory.  They add a bit of life to any room and they come in so many different shapes, sizes and styles.  You are sure to find something that suits your own particular Style.  Lately, I have run across some very unusual ones like the porcupine quill mirror above from Horchow.  Surely you can find one that perfectly reflects your personality in My Secret Database.

Lacking Windows? - Mirrors are a great way to bring light and life into a room.  If you live in a small space or are lacking in the window department, they are a great replacement.  Mirrors also help brighten up a long, narrow hallway, making it feel more spacious.

What about Feng Shui? - Think twice before putting a mirror in your bedroom.  Mirrors bounce energy and light around a room so it could cause restlessness and poor sleep.  Also, you should not be able to see yourself in the mirror when you are in the bed, nor should the mirror be at the foot of the bed.  Good energy can be sucked out of the room with poor mirror placement.  (I have simplified the feng shui principles here, but in the future, my friend, Michele, who is a feng shui consultant, will be enlightening us with some feng shui education!)

Can’t find the size you need? - Your local frame shop is an excellent place to get a custom sized mirror.  Most shops have a fantastic selection of frames and you can specify the exact size you need.  This way you avoid shipping costs that can be quite steep if the mirror is heavy.  Not to mention the reduced risk of breakage!

Happy Hunting!

I am not talking about a dog but rather something that could make your home just as warm and inviting.  Stray Dog Designs carries a stellar selection of home furnishings and they have a unique back-story.  Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were newly-weds in Mexico in 1994 “figuring it out” when they came upon a small, sad looking pup that needed a good home.  They took La Princessa in as their first joint project and things just took off from there.  They started importing pottery to the States and that soon evolved into having a tinsmith bring Jane’s artistic visions to life in the form of lamps, mirrors, urns and other cool stuff.  In 1995 they were very warmly received at the Atlanta Gift Show and the rest, as they say, is history. 

They now live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee with 3 kids and a houseful of pets which of course includes a former Stray Dog (a Great Dane named Big Girl).  They carry accessories, lighting, furniture and cool holiday stuff.  I would say their style has a Dr. Seusslike quality to it but with a bit of modern polish.  In their words: “Stray Dog Designs’ core design principles are simple: all items are handmade with careful construction from quality and recycled materials, melding quirky charm and true artistry, and providing fair wages for local workers.”  The vivid colors and whimsical shapes are the product of two people who run a company with a lot of heart and soul.

Come Visit Stray Dog Designs on My Design Secrets!

Bamboo is making itself at home everywhere, from your bedroom to your kitchen to your dining room.  We may compare it to wood, but technically bamboo is a grass.  It is the fastest growing woody plant in the world; making it nature’s most sustainable resource.  It can reach maturity in 4 years.  One species has been clocked at growing 47 inches in 24 hours!

The more obvious uses of bamboo are seen in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and cutting boards.  There are also new items making the scene that incorporate fabric that is made from bamboo.  Examples include supple sheets and towels, fashionable clothing, and light and airy drapery sheers. There are oodles of options.

Let’s not forget that the bamboo motif is ultra attractive and adds an exotic flair to any room.  Chandeliers, mirrors, pillows, wallpaper and chairs look fantastic in a multitude of colors and patterns. 

Bamboo is a double duty design item that can add a terrific twist to your home!

You will find many items with Bamboo motifs in My Secret Database. The Eco-Friendly companies are indicated with this symbol!

I love the Boatwood Mirror from VivaTerra with it’s beautiful washed out beachy hues. This mirror is decorated with wood panels from Thai fishing boats and the re-use of materials makes it eco-friendly. There is a history to that weathered patina and it gives it a lot of character. This would look great in your powder room or a mostly white bedroom that has accents of sea and sand.

I am a big fan of incorporating eco-friendly elements into interior design. I understand that Green and Eco-friendly is coming at you from all directions but I want to share some information with you that you might not be aware of. You know that antique table you inherited from your grandmother? And that cool watercolor painting you grabbed for $3 at the garage sale? What about the TV a friend gave you when they were moving?

I have great news for you, you are being eco-friendly and you did not even know it! Any time we can re-use, pass on, or trade items, we are doing the earth a favor. The name of the game is to avoid putting non-biodegradable items in landfills! If you cannot find a new home for an old item, donate it to Goodwill , The Salvation Army or Freecycle and don’t forget you can find great things there yourself. And it all goes to a good cause.