Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, on the table, the bed, and the chest....

Photo via Bluetramontanastyle
Mirrors speak to me. Beyond reminding me each morning those fine lines and wrinkles are NOT 'noticeably improved' by the ridiculously expensive cream I religiously pat around my eyes each night, the sultry shimmer of a beautiful mirror seduces me every time.

Large-scale mirrors are always stunning, but with geometric styles, small mirrors can be placed together to create an oversized mirror. Mirrors from Global Views.

This modern "Grayson"venetian mirror is from Oly Studio, and I love the touch of brass!

Wisteria's Peacock mirror is handmade with german silver and has an inlaid feel.

Photo courtesy of thelennoxx. A mirror on a mirror is maximum drama! What other accessory throws around so much power? A shimmery, sophisticated mirror can enlarge a room, double the lighting, bring the outdoors in, and look shiny and beautiful all the while. Major multi-tasking!

Photo courtesy of Rajeesood. This floor to ceiling framed mirror gives the illusion of another room beyond the dining table.

Photo courtesy icandystyles. A large venetian mirror adds a vintage look to this bathroom.

Photo courtesy Rebecca Greenfield via Elle Decor.

The magnificant mirrored bathroom of Miles Redd.

Photo courtesy Neiman Marcus. This symmetrical repetitious arrangement of mirrors is the focus in this dining room, and adds to the ornate entry. Below, the simple rectangular mirror repeated makes a bold statement.

Photo from Global Views.

Photo courtesy Decorpad. Mirror panels on doors make the upper cabinets disappear.

In Feng Shui, the mirror represents the element of water. They bring a sense of refreshment and tranquility (with three busy kids in my house, it's no wonder I have them hung throughout!)

Mirrors expand a space, as well as to draw in the Chi, or positive feng shui energy.
They're a magic pill of feng shui; with proper placement, they can dramatically shift positive energy in any given space.

Take inventory in your space to see where your mirrors are located:

Best Feng Shui areas of your home to have a mirror-
East (Health & Family)
Southeast (Wealth & Abundance)
North (Career & Path in Life)

Feng Shui areas to avoid placing a mirror-
South (Fame & Reputation)
on the wall directly facing the main door
on the wall facing your bed.


The look of mirrors is illuminating the lighting scene, in polished chrome and other reflective surfaces. Mirrors in lighting magnify the light. If you don't want shiny light fixtures but have a room with minimal lighting, a mirror opposite a window can double the daylight, and if positioned near a lamp, will magnify the light emitted from the lamps. Here's what's shimmery in fixtures right now:

Pierced metal pendant light from Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy Euroluce. Studio Italia has introduced a modern twist on the disco ball, designed by Brian Rasmussen.

Photo courtesy Global Views. Classic pendants in polished chrome, and a modern chrome chandelier.

Mirrors are also moving into tile. A sophisticated application of mirrored subway tile is found at the Quattro Bar in South Beach.

Photo courtesy Luxury Insider.

Inside the Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel in South Beach...the reception desk is tiled -pure bling!

Photo courtesy bellemaison
Offset mirror tiles, used for the applications at the Mondrian Hotel.

A devinely notorious mirrored room is the Hall of Mirrors at Palais de Versailles, France.

The above photo is one I snapped when I visited: the grand scale and repetition of the windows with their filtered sunlight and ornate candelabras was to die for! Below is a complete photo of this decadent room, which looks quite bright, but without the mirrors, it would be quite dark and dismal. The mirrored panels directly reflect the daylight of the windows and their sheer draperies, and at night, the mirrors double the chandelier light.

'Mirrors have come to mean much more than the original 'looking glass.' They are now a part of the decorative scheme of a modern home. By using them, there are no dark, gloomy corners, no drab caverns for halls. There can be a feeling of freedom, light, air, space.'
Quote from Designer Dorothy Draper - 1942

Gone are the days of bifold mirrored closet doors!! Here is a fresh take on the mirrored closet door, via lovinglivingsmall.

The designs above and below are creations of design Diva Kelly Wearstler, courtesy adesignista.



Photo via StepfordMommyCreates. Love these unique wall panels! Mirrors are great if they are reflecting something gorgeous, but placement is critical - a mirrored kitchen backsplash can double your kitchen size, but it is not so effective if it also doubles the collection of dirty dishes on your counter!

Mirrored Technology:this stunning fireplace mirror television is from OX Home.

Photo courtesy Decorpad.

Beyond a large wall mirror or a mirrored wall treatment as the one above, mirror is finding its way into all aspects of furniture. Here are some wonderful pieces to enjoy!
Niermann Weeks Valois Canapo.

Photo courtesy Decorpad.


Photo courtesy Decorpad.

Mirrored Armoire from Lyle and Umbach.

Photo courtesy LifeinaVentiCup.
This amazing Cleo Cabinet is from Hickory Chair.

Photo courtesy LaDolceVita.
Is a mirror paired with mirrored furniture too much? Not at all, if done well, as in this photo...even with mirrored accessories!

Black mirrored cabinet with brass inlay via decorfair.


Bethel has introduced black mirrored furniture to their extensive array of mirrored pieces. The pieces are stunning!

M.T. Italia's kitchen in a luxurious black mirror finish, called Dark Symphony.

Ralph Lauren's Modern Metropolis Collection of barware via Interior Design Ideas.

Consider other shiny chrome and silver accents: photo frames, bar and tableware, a silver tray, silver vases. The reflective properties of polished metal deliver the same impact in small doses. It's time to bring on the bling!

Add luxurious shimmer and shine to your home with mirrors. Beyond the beauty, they can brighten and enlarge your space! We're enamoured with mirrors this week; check out what others are hooked on here.

Colour Focus - Seeing Red!

Here we are, a few sunsets from Labour Day!!! Summer has been a hive of activity for Housewears, swarming with B's - basements, bathrooms, and bedrooms! Fall promises to be even busier, but fear not, dear readers, we'll just have to take you with us on some of the special projects we're working on! This week, we're focusing on the hottest trend, the ravishing power of red!


Red=Drama. Love, war, heat, courage, patriotism, anger, passion...it's all in there, an emotional entourage in one intense little colour. Historically, when times were tough and economic constraints were prevalent, colour brightened the horizon. Hence, fall's colour forecast is red hot!

Pantone reveals a pink-red hue appropriately named 'American Beauty' as the colour of the season. Fresh, vivid and flattering, this red looks glamourous and adds punch to black, white, and any neutral.

Photo courtesy of Newlyweddiaries.
Analysis of the psychology of colour reveals red is a colour of excitement, ambition, and activity. A red environment invigorates the senses, and the dining room usually comes to mind for this bold hue, as red is said to stimulate the appetite. In Feng Shui, the Chinese believe red is a colour of luck, and a red door implies an entry to happiness. The doors above and below are true bliss!

Shoe designer Bruno Frisoni's office via Domino Magazine. Red is ideal for a high activity space like a home office.

Photo from Metropolitan Home via SimpleNest.
Often, a hit or two of red is enough to evoke huge impact, as in this room with this stunning red chandelier!

Valentino's Collection Fall 2009

Katie Holmes likes accents of red, and I love oversized, but this looks a bit challenging to carry!photo via FabSugar

Eva Longoria looks regal with her red Verdura earrings at the 2009 SAG awards.


Your stylish red investment for this season may be as simple as OPI's rich new Espana nail colour collection. Above is a rich berry red called 'Manicurist of Seville'.

Donna Karan debuts her fierce looks at Fall Fashion Week 2009/2010....be on the lookout for the accents in red- gloves, scarves, bold collars, belts, and tights!

This baroque-inspired ad from Christian Louboutin shows off sexy red platform slingbacks for Fall/Winter 2010. Photo by Peter Lippmann.

In Feng Shui, a room decorated with elements of red symbolizes wealth and luxury, but too much red can create anger and agitation. How can you effectively add the drama of red to your rooms? A little goes a long way, and if you're thinking of paint, keep in mind red is energizing and stimulating, so a red room should be an area of activity, not a space for relaxing. Before you paint an entire room red, consider some alternatives.

Great red wallpaper hung on feature wall, such as Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis wallpaper in Cinnabar Gloss.

Neisha Crosland's Dotted Ovals wallpaper in Raspberry would be stunning in a bathroom!

Add high drama with a piece of red furniture, like this Red Lola table from Arteriors Home.

Reupholster a cozy chair or add some pillows in Chagall cut velvet fabric from Designer Fabrics.

Add these Hermes plates to a plain white table setting....instant drama and luxury!

And now, a collection of rooms with red for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!

Photo courtesy Decorpad. Red is low cost but high impact in this bedroom.

A fabulous colour-blocked red wall is softened by a large grouping of prints - design by Ashley Wittaker, photo via odietamoblog.

Jonathan Adler's Brit room.

Black,white,and red bedroom from Stephen Shubel.

Red bedroom from Domino, May 2008. Love the red frames and red bolsters!!!

This red office by Sarah Richardson looks inviting and ready for business!

A cheery red kitchen by Sarah Richardson. photo courtesy the Globe and Mail.

Romo drapery fabric. Photo by UKTV.

Interior by Jamie Drake.Photo by Joseph De Leo.

Housewears created a neutral room with accents of red and plum for a busy family.

Photo courtesy Desire to Inspire.

Red dining room via Desire to Inspire.

Candice Olsen's design of a basement lounge, in red, gray, brown, black and white, via
Decorpad.

House Beautiful featured this persimmon red foyer. Photo via Sproost.

Photographer James Merrell's home office, via Cococozy.

Room by M Design Interiors via Cococozy.

photo courtesy glitterinared
These glossy red walls magnify the beauty of the chandelier.

Living room via kabmurungraya

Bathroom from Design Sponge.

Add some drama to your life... red shoes, a red bag, a red wall and some red accessories....this fall is about pumping up the excitement in your life with red!
We're hooked on the colour Red! Check out what others are hooked on this Friday here!

The Hunt is On! Accessory Shopping at Trade Shows

Accessories from 18 Karat, via Apartment Therapy

Accessories display from Global Views Inc.

Accessories in decorating can really make or break a room. Can you imagine the two rooms above without them? Blah!!

Accessorizing a room isn't rocket science, but it's definitely an art that requires a critical eye and a sense of restraint. Twenty years ago it was tough for homeowners to find those special, unique items...and so we saw a lack of accessories. Now the selection is endless, but the opposite problem has occurred....there's accessory overkill. Homeowners sift through the tons of options on the shelves of Pottery Barn,Target and Homegoods (or Homesense in Canada), buy too much of it, plunk it everywhere around the room, and still aren't sure what really works. Price isn't the issue, either; a multitude of expensive tchotchkes still looks like clutter. It's wonderful to see high end items mixed with inexpensive, basic items, because the look is authentic.

I'm obsessive about accessories; like an outfit, too many, too few, or poorly chosen accessories can ruin the look completely. Sadly, people often think of these items as an afterthought, because by the time accessories are needed in a newly built home or a renovation, there's not much left in the budget.

Trends forcast 2010 display from Global Views

There are many versatile decor staples I like that are not always easy to find. I purchase them at trade shows to keep stock for many projects, and there are always those elusive accessories needed for someone's space that are a challenge to uncover.
This month, the trade shows in New York and Toronto for accessories are marked on my calendar, so I'm on the hunt.

Trade Display for Global Views.

Trade shows are exciting and exhausting. There's so much eye candy and so much walking and various copies of items, so items need to be scrutinized for price and quality. If it's everywhere, I don't want it! Vendors try to squeeze in as many accessories as possible to show the possibilities of their products, so the look is maximalist!

Las Vegas Gift Show display, Global Views

Showroom by Royal Green Enterprises.

Accessories by Canfloyd Trading.

Many of my current clients know I'm going Gift Show shopping, so I have a list of your items to track down. If you're a client in need of something we haven't discussed, email me with your request! We here at Housewears have tossed around the idea of adding some little decor trinkets for purchase on our website so you have access to some of our favourite things that are challenging to find. What decor item are you looking for, but you can't seem to find?

I'm hooked on Trade Show Shopping this week! Find out what others are hooked on at http://www.hookedonhouses.net/.

Outdoor Rooms- The best seat in the house may not be IN the house!

Oh July, parting is such sweet sorrow, already we're saying goodbye! Dear readers, my apologies you've not heard from me in a while, it's been a crazy month! Although the summer is swiftly sailing away, I hope it's been enjoyable for you! I'm assisting some of my clients with outdoor spaces this summer, and so I thought I'd share some outdoor rooms with you! For me, little bits of downtime are enjoyed here, in my backyard, sipping coffee on a sunny Sunday morning, or unwinding with a glass of wine after dinner.

Truth be told, I had never been a fan of 'hanging in the backyard'. This changed when my husband and I decided to create an outdoor living room to be comfortable while watching our kids in the pool.
While many of us enjoy a getaway to the cottage, the decision to create a resort in the backyard is a daily pleasure that is a worthwhile investment. Whether your space is large or small, creating a lounging area beyond an umbrella table and chairs is the way to go. Here are some wonderful outdoor rooms to enjoy!

Outdoor room via Decorpad

Photo courtesy of pointclickhome.

Kriess Furniture via Design New Jersey

Outdoor room via Decorpad

Photo from Houseandhome

photo by rowhousecreative

photo from Coastal Living via Apartment Therapy

Photo from Mimi and Meg

Photo by William Waldron for Southern Accents

Photo courtesy of Southern Accents

Six Inch polyurethane outdoor furniture.

photo via RoomEnvy

photo via Country Living

photo via rowhousecreative

photo via stylebeats

photo via livingboneul.ca

Photo via Decorpad

Outdoor room from Calgary Herald

Beyond the beauty, there are definitely many practical considerations. Some essentials:

Adequate seating - there should be areas to sit and eat, and somewhere to lounge, so guests need not sit in folding lawnchairs....and for lounging, a sofa or chaise is best.

Always beautiful, the furniture of Dedon.

Outdoor furniture from Six Inch.

Outdoor Furniture from Brocade Home via Apartment Therapy

Coverage - Shelter from the elements and hot sun is imperative. Umbrellas, pergolas, vines, awnings, or an actual roof are possibilities.

Softness - cushions on hard chairs and an outdoor rug...these elements, in my opinion, make the difference: guests sit, kick off their shoes and want to stay all night! Mildew resistant fabrics are needed, such as Sunbrella. Think chair pads on the chairs around your table, as well as some larger arm chairs, ottomans, chaises, and sofas. Rugs add softness underfoot and floor cushions on the rug are another option.

Outdoor pillows from William Sonoma Home

Dining - Lots of space for putting down drinks and appetizers, as well as for dinners.

a table setting by Housewears for a local Kitchen and Garden Show

Lighting - Adequate lighting for night, and lights in the yard to add drama to landscaping, pool, or feature areas.

Water feature - a pool with a waterfall, a bubbling pond, a small water fountain, or waves of the lake add to the resort feel of a backyard.

Domino Outdoor Garden from Sara Gleeab

Fire feature - an outdoor fireplace, patio heaters, or an outdoor fire pit are wonderful for chilly nights.

Gandia Blasco Brasero Modern Outdoor Firepit by Jose A Gandia

Firepit from Cooke Furniture.

AV equipment - A flat screen tv, and a sound system with speakers around the property is ideal for entertaining.

Privacy - a fence, a private screen, a tented wall, trees and shrubs, draperies, all of these make us feel enclosed and removed from the neighbours. This is essential, as many clients of mine with new homes don't have established landscaping, and they feel uncomfortable and 'exposed'.

Room Separator by Dedon

Some other luxurious ammenities:

An Outdoor kitchen


Cheope Outdoor Kitchen via Elite Choice

A Bar

Kitchenaid's 6 cubic ft outdoor refrigerator.

A cabana keeps wet guests out of the house, and is equipped with towels and hooks for clothing.

Cabana by Ruthie Somers.

Hideaway for storage- area to house garbage, pool toys, equipment, etc.

So what do you wear to lounge in your backyard room? I love a comfortable cotton beach coverup - I add a pair of cropped yoga pants to hit the store to buy supplies for a weekend barbecue.

Echo South Beach coverup
The shoes I live in these days - some comfortable Cole Haan patent leather thongs.

Cole Haan air capri buckle thongs

Cheers to beautiful outdoor rooms! If you haven't created one already, think about it! Outdoor furniture is now on sale and there's still time to enjoy the summer in your own backyard!

Photo by Craig Lee

This week, we're hooked on outdoor rooms! Check out http://www.hookedonhouses.net/ this Friday to find out what others are hooked on.

Design By 5: Housewears Interviews City TV's Ramsin Khachi

We've come to the fifth and final designer of our 'Design By 5' series of interviews! I had the pleasure of attending an interior design seminar led by Ramsin Khachi of Cityline fame, and spent time chatting about interiors with him. Ramsin was charming and friendly, and was kind enough to contact me after our chat with additional information for the interview.


First, some background - Ramsin's endeavour in television began when his daughter's "princess" bedroom, which he designed and built in 1999, was featured on Cityline. Since then, he's made regular appearances on City TV's Cityline and Breakfast Television, dispensing common-sense advice on home improvement projects, and also bringing the hottest in home products and gadgets to viewers.

Ramsin's daughter Brianna's 'princess' bedroom.

Ramsin is principal of Khachi Design Group and its sister company Khachi Interiors Inc. located in Oakville, Ontario, specializing in both residential and commercial projects. Known for unparalleled integrity for quality and extensive knowledge for construction, Ramsin has grown a one-man construction company into a full service design/build firm, and he's recognized as a leader in his field. He is a frequent lecturer at public forums and to professional organizations such as 'IDS' and The Ontario Home Builders Association, where he also judges annual award entries for all of its members.

Find out more about Ramsin in a great article from West of the City Magazine by clicking here. As a devoted husband and father, family is a huge priority for Ramsin. He shares his design talents with other families for charity, creating room makeovers for children with life-threatening illnesses through the 'Make-A-Wish' organization.

And now, the interview:

Housewears: The HRTC (Home Renovation Tax Credit) allows Canadians to save money on home renovations until February of 2010, so what renovations would you suggest a homeowner do for $10, 000 to create a 'wow' factor?

Ramsin: There are all kinds of amazing wallpapers out right now, and that's a great way to create a statement! Here are 3 wall coverings I like from the Maya Romanoff Collection.





Housewears: What are some of your favourite materials to utilize in a bathroom renovation?

Ramsin: I love many of the latest natural stones as well as the porcelain tiles. The high polished look in both is very hot right now. Two of my favourite stones are Calacatta marble and Eramosa limestone.


Vein cut Eramosa limestone from Stone Source.

A photo of a recent bathroom project by Khachi Design Group, with a stunning Calacatta marble floor.

Housewears: Ramsin, you're known for enlightening people about the latest and greatest gadgets and technology for the home- what's hot in bathrooms?


Ramsin: I just returned from the Hans Grohe Aquademie in Atlanta, and had the chance to personally try all of the new Hans Grohe products. One of the new amazing products in the Raindance E shower head.


There's also some fantastic electronic thermostatic systems for showers such as the Ondus by Grohe,

And the Hansgrohe Rainbrain. Keep your eyes open for some great new innovations and designs.

I'm also really excited about two other technology systems for the home, Sonos, and Schlage's Link. Sonos is a multi-room, multi-source audio system for the home, an amazing wireless system at a very affordable price. Go to http://www.sonos.com/ for more information.

Schlage's Link is an interactive keypad lock using z-wave technology to provide secure remote access and control of the lock....you can lock your doors from your cell phone! This is a great way to provide a simple means of creating an automated home. For more information on this product, visit http://www.schlage.com/.

Housewears: These products sound incredible! In terms of colour, what are your favourites in paint colours right now?

Ramsin: I like neutrals, specifically grays, and some of my newest favourites are Benjamin Moore Thunder (AF685) - a soft gray, Edgecomb Gray (HC-173), Natural Linen (CC-90), and on the bold side, Black Beauty (2128-10), Black Bean Soup (2130-10), and Metropolis (CC-546). All are from Benjamin Moore.

Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray, HC-173

Housewears: What exciting projects are you currently working on?

Ramsin: As you know, Jill, we're working on the Dove Spa project, and we've just completed the second location at Yonge and St. Clair in Toronto. A third location is being considered for Bloor West Village, and there are plans for building 50 Dove Spa locations across Canada. We've also completed a state of the art 'medical office of tomorrow', with paperless office technology and HP touchsmart touchscreen computers. We're also looking into adding to our own office with a retail furniture and accessory showroom and a retail innovative product website.

Thanks so much, Ramsin, for sharing your ideas with us! Here are more photos of Ramsin's wonderful work to enjoy!

A photo of a lounge inside Dove Spa.

Dove Spa photos above and below.

Click here and type in a name under the new"Search Housewears Blog" icon on the right to find Housewears' interviews with the other 4 Canadian designers - Sarah Richardson, Tommy Smythe, Emmanuel Belliveau, and William MacDonald.

Today we're hooked on Ramsin Khachi's design! Check out what others are hooked on at http://www.hookedonhouses.net/.