#DesignDilemma: Mirror Above Console

Everyone has questions as they navigate their space spruce ups.  Sometimes you end up with a list and decide to call in for professional back-up, but sometimes you just have one question that is plaguing you.  I can help!

#DesignDilemma: Mirror Above Console

"Ok, so here's my design challenge...My husband and I got this mirror at an art/antique fair over Memorial Day weekend. It is a 19th Century French piece. We like the spot in our living room where we hung it, but are unsure of how to "style" around it. Would love your thoughts! Our style is contemporary casual and we want this room to have an effortless elegant vibe. We love the scale, look and story of this mirror, but it feels "weird" to us right now. We have existing lamps in front of it, but are open to change."  -Chicago Couple

These are my thoughts: 

I love that you are mixing styles and periods in your home!  It makes your space so much more interesting.  The mirror has a great classical style and is very symmetrical so you need to either play into the symmetry (which is what you are doing now) or go for an asymmetrical composition for a complete departure and make it really stand out.   

For starters I would consider scootching the mirror down.  It might be about 3" too high, which is TOTALLY nit-picky but I'm just throwing it out there!  I would shoot for the middle to be around 5'6" from the floor (or just 3"-4.5" above the top of the console).  Here are two quick sketches...they might look like a crazy person drew them, but don't be afraid.

1) Symmetrical:  Since you already have a pair of lamps this might be the quickest fix.  Your current lamps shades are the culprit in the "weird feeling" you mention since they over hang the decorative side panels.  It creates an awkward break for your eye.  If you replaced the shade with something smaller to fit within the confines of the side portions, your eye will be pleased!  See buffet lamps and lamp shades: http://www.horchow.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=buffet+lamp&_requestid=1620

2) Asymmetrical: I lean toward this for you because the style of your console (and the rest of your house from what I can see) is more contemporary than this mirror.  If you depart from its classic cues, I think you'll make it stand out as an art piece.  I drew a little swooping line to represent how the composition should be higher on one side and float down to the other.

I've drawn it with a larger lamp to anchor the arrangement.  It would be amazing if it was a warm neutral color to play against the cool color of the mirror and pull out the golden colors in the frame.  Try it with a sleek glazed pottery or glass for an added texture (like the above.)

I would then put two smaller objects that vary in size next to lamp like these great coral pieces (like the attachment labeled collection).  On the opposite side stack a couple of great coffee table books and atop place a small vessel potted with a succulent or something earthy…like moss or driftwood.

You have to send some picture when you are done:  Its going to be so special!

Fab 5: MIA Blogger

So, you will be relieved to learn that I am not actually Missing in Action!  Just blessed beyond belief (BBB for short....) with great clients the past few months!  So, it seemed only fitting that for July's Fab 5, I'll be giving you a recap!

Fab 5: Where have you been?

1) Moving a "Fabulous Couple"

Earlier this summer, I had the excellent opportunity to work with a young couple that bought their first home!  They were also celebrating their first wedding anniversary abroad and already had the trip booked during their impending move.  What is a Fabulous Couple to do?  Call in reinforcements!  While they were away, I coordinated new floors installation, electrical updates and refreshed the paint.  On move day, they left for work from their current residence and came home to their new house.  Everything was set in place and ready to use.  I couldn't have done it without my team of awesome movers.  We are working now to spruce up some of their formal spaces!

2) New Projects!

I'm working with a hip Austin resident to "Keep Austin Chic!"  I like weird as much as the next gal, but I much prefer a chic living space.  The guy that inhabits these walls has a great style and isn't afraid to mix styles to create something that has an Austin vibe.  Above is the progress on his dining space.  I see poker nights in his near future!

It's no secret that I adore working on rooms for the pint size population, but I was able to expand my horizons to create an awesome space for a Teenage Gal.  The whole family is so full of life and I loved being a part of this spruce up.  Here is a small sneak peak.  I'll post more pictures later, but I can't give away everything here!

3) Sprucing up HQ for BR Interior Designs

One of my favorite phrases to describe my house is "The cobblers children have no shoes...."  Don't get me wrong, I love, love my abode, but as a designer I know there are so many projects that have yet to come to fruition. I keep them tucked nicely in my head and the second I get a few extra dollars (or let’s be frank...when my husband goes out of town...) I execute a few projects.  My latest overhaul is in my office... AKA "BRHQ"  The image above is just a teaser of one of the great elements.

4) Winning!

I won an award for my Hip Family Dining Room Project!  I am honored to be named alongside great Dallas designers with an Honorable Mention by American Society of Interior Designers in their Design Ovation Awards.  I continue to be so proud of the spaces I design and receiving outside recognition is stellar.  Check out the list of other winners as well!

5) Dwell with Dignity

Charity work is something I am very passionate about.  After all, I am BBB, so I think its necessary to spread the love around and to stay constantly thankful for everything in my life.  What better way than to share my talent and passion!  I've mentioned Dwell with Dignity before and most recently I'm working on a team from the American Society of Interior Designers to complete an apartment install for a family on a journey toward a fresh start.  Check out their website!

I promise to be a better blogger, but if you find yourself needing a design fix, check me out on other media too!

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