Sculptural mirrors and high shine finishes were one of the key interior trends seen at leading design show Salon Del Mobile during this year’s Milan Design Week.
Here’s why mirrors are an essential element in a home’s décor according to interior experts Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi and Beth Pickford from Shabby.co.uk.
“A mirror is an interior designer’s top trick for adding character and impact to an overall scheme, says Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi.
“Reflections were a huge focus of Milan Design Week – with sculptural mirrors and high shine furniture trending throughout the show. However this designer look doesn’t have to be done on a designer budget. A bit of careful planning can give your home an instant uplift that is bang on trend for 2022.
“We all know that mirrors are great for making a room feel bigger, or to add more light into a room, and of course – to look at your own reflection to check your appearance, but mirrors can offer much more in terms of interior design.
- Reflect on something fantastic
“One of the most crucial considerations you need to take into account when making a statement mirror part of your design is what you want it to reflect,” explains Lucy Mather.
“To showcase your favourite design feature within your space, such as fabulous wallpaper or a piece of art use a mirror to reflect it back to you even if you have your back to it while seated. For example a mirror hung on the mantelpiece will reflect the space and design feature behind you.
“The same rule can be applied for emphasising texture within a space – a mirror which reflects back a piece of rustic furniture, tactile cushions or throw will create the illusion of added texture, creating interesting spatial illusions and reflecting your design details around the room.
“To bring in more natural light or to bring the outdoors in (without filling a room with more plants) hang your mirror opposite or adjacent to a window.
“And want your dinner party to feel bigger, then place a mirror at the end of the table!”
Lucy Mecklenburgh added a leaning mirror within a small living area to bring the outdoors in while Adam and Caroline Thomas super charged their dining table with a large feature mirror.
2. Sculptured mirrors become pieces of art
“Every home will have at least one or two mirrors, but many people forget that they are not just functional pieces – a decorative mirror can have an instant design impact on your home’s overall aesthetic”, says Beth Pickford from Shabby.co.uk.
“Sculptural mirrors with standout frames or interesting shapes have become huge in interiors, so don’t be afraid to go bigger and bolder when it comes to choosing the size and shape of your mirror.
And moving on from the popular photo gallery trend, mirror feature wall galleries have become extremely popular among interior designers as a design element. Create a statement piece of wall art by displaying a number of different mirrors together or create a mirror wall with a 3 x 3 formation of square mirrors.
“Choose a design which literally stands out from the wall for a 3D art effect. Fun mirrored accessories can also add to this overall aesthetic.”
3. Curate your perfect selfie with an Instagramable mirror
“Of course not only can mirrors be used to add light and create the illusion of space – they are the perfect selfie accessory,” says Lucy Mathers from Arighi Bianchi.
A key thing to consider if you’re a regular selfie taker is what else will be included in the shot – position your mirror with a background that shows off your style.
If you’re using a mirror to take pictures just of your head and shoulders – you might want to choose something with a statement frame that adds to the overall impact of the piece. Or curate some items or accessories in front of the mirror to add a little bit of interest and design flair.”
If you’re using a full length mirror to tale full length selfies you may spend more time curating your background than taking the picture itself. Make sure that anything you don’t want to be shown is removed from the shot. If you take pictures regularly then make sure you hang it in a position that is aesthetically pleasing or consider a leaning mirror which you could move around a room.
Also available from ArighiBianchi.co.uk.
Isaac Black Metal Mirror – £166.50 – Goteborg Mirror £157.50.
Small Irregular Shaped Champagne Mirror – £215.10 – Round Brass Mirror Curve – £278.10 .
Hipster Oval Mirror – £310.50 – Soft Black Ombre Mirror – £148.50.
Also available from Shabby.co.uk.
Round Mirror with Square frame – £118 – Black Round Wall Mirror – £150.00.
Gold Abstract Wall Mirror – £400.00 – Everleigh Geometric Round Wall Mirror in Champagne – £295.00.
For more information visit: www.arighibianchi.co.uk or www.shabby.co.uk.
