Don't waste a view; reflect it.
Q. We built our new home to take advantage of the great water views … except in the kitchen where we — duh — designed things so that when the cook (that's usually me) is working at the main counter, her back is turned to the scenery. The same is true for the dining area. What to do, short of remodeling? (We're now short on funds!)
A. Ahem, reflect on the kitchen we show here, pun intended. The photo shows an apartment on New York City's Upper East Side that, like you, has terrific views of the water — in this case, the East River and upper Manhattan.
Clever kitchen designer Joy Young (owner of Townhouse Kitchens, townhousekitchensnyc.com) has evoked the oldest trick in the professional designer's book: She used mirrors — no smoke — to double the impact of the view for both the cook and guests at the dining table next door.
By mirroring the front of the refrigerator and the door of the tall pantry, Joy bounces those spectacular views back into the apartment. So now even diners seated with their backs to the windows can enjoy the million-dollar scenery.
Here's more magic from mirrors, which can create the illusion of expanded space and add light and sparkle to any dark area in your home:
• Narrow, dark hallway? Conjure your own Hall of Mirrors by hanging both sides with a variety of mirrors, hung frame close to frame. Seek them out for a song at secondhand stores and charity recycling centers.
• Small, dingy bedroom? Mirror the back of its door with a large panel and line the inside of the window reveal with mirror strips, cut to fit.
• Room looks too crowded with a regular bedside table? Hunt up a smallish mirrored chest that fits the available space. Mirroring makes it almost vanish from sight — and adds a 1930s touch of glam.
• Kitchen feel dark and cramped? Mirroring the backsplashes gives a visual lift.
• Dull bookshelves? Mirror the backs of the shelves. A tiny lamp or two will maximize the effect.
• Giving a festive dinner party? Use square mirror tiles as place mats. Find them at sources like Home Depot.
Back when Louis XIV dazzled the world with his mirrors in Versailles, they cost a king's ransom, quite literally. Today, happily, such $1 million looks come with very affordable price tags.
Q. Our guest bedroom is really tiny! My mother-in-law is coming to stay a month at Christmas and I want to make it nice for her. There are two windows and just enough room for the double bed, a night stand and narrow dresser. Should I go for pastels? Will they make the room feel bigger?
A. I may have a better idea for you to consider: instead of painting, choose wallpaper, one with a light ground color and smallish, allover pattern. Use the matching fabric to cover both the windows and the bed.
Sounds radical, you say? Actually, pattern, pattern everywhere will make the space, well, more spacious looking. It's a design trick that works especially well with a traditional blue-and-white toile. Tres charmant!
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