Style & Decor Blog

Making a statement in a home’s entryway is so important. It’s the first glimpse a guest has of your interior, and as such, it’s got to make an immediate impression. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get away with something daring, as it’s a space that you don’t spend a great deal of time in, and can afford to go beyond beige without getting sick of it too quickly.

The pairing of a console table and mirror in the front hallway is a tried-and-true formula that is both practical (your last chance to check your lippy before you dash out the door, and a surface to toss your keys) and an opportunity to inject some “pretty”.

I was struck by the pretty pairings of consoles and mirrors this morning while touring the showroom of Barrymore Furniture. Their visual merchandisers have really got a handle on how to pair these two front hall furnishings without falling into the “matchy-matchy” trap. Just look at these stunning vignettes…

I love the exotic eastern flavour achieved by pairing the glamorous gold leaf bombe chest with an artisanal painted glass mirror. The radiant metallic chest would be a perfect solution to a dark and dreary foyer.

 

 

Ooh, shiny! (I’m such a magpie!) Mirrored furniture is still so hot, and against a backdrop of luscious lilac, it brings the notion of a beautiful boudoir to the front hall. I like the subtle nod to trendy chain-link in the mirror frame.

 

 

Stunning Chinoiserie wallpaper from Cole & Son frames the white lacquer pairing of Christopher Guy console and mirror. Gotta love those curves! 

 

 

A similar pairing, but in black. I like how the striped-paint treatment on the demi-lune chest redefines the traditional form of the piece.

 

 

Alright, so this is a piece of art in lieu of a mirror, but the idea’s the same. The symmetry makes for a truly arresting arrangement.

All pieces, Barrymore Furniture, Toronto, 416-532-2891

 

 

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Stretching your decorating dollar has never been more important, and there are very few retailers that allow you to stretch that dollar quite like Bouclair. Bouclair’s spring look-book is a revelation for “Style For Less” hunters, like myself — light, bright and airy, and with a price tag that won’t break the bank. I’m absolutely in love with the ridiculously inexpensive glass table lamps flanking the bed. The clear glass obelisk bases are a total breath of fresh air, especially if — like me — you’re sick of those overdone lucite bubble base lamps, but still covet that look of breezy transparency. The overscale print on the duvet cover is so spring-fresh, and the symmetrically arranged mirrors are great cheap n’ chic statement pieces. Bring on Spring!

Sun mirrors, $100 each

Glass lamps, $50 each

Marigold duvet cover (double), $80

Cushions, from $17 each

Available at: Bouclair, 800-268-2524

I think deep down, everyone’s got a soft-spot for Hollywood Regency — think girlie and glamorous mirrored vanities — and the style continues to be a strong seller according to my peeps in retail. But I’m always on the lookout for what’s next, and that’s why I was so pumped to find this beauty at the CGTA this week. I like to think of it as a new direction for mirrored furniture, despite not being mirrored at all. This chest is in brushed metal, accented with leather strapping, for a look that’s refreshingly masculine — a “boy-friendly” answer to the over-the-top femininity of Hollywood glam. It reminds me of a rugged suitcase that’s been around the world a couple of times, but maintains a refined air. 

Contact for retailers near you: Camilla House Imports, 800-661-0257; Mississauga, Ont., 905-564-5433

One of my favourite tasks as a Style Sleuth is finding out what’s flying out of the showrooms of Canada’s hottest decor retailers. When I recently spoke with Suanne de Boer, General Manager of DeBoer’s, she noted that mirrored surfaces continue to be a big hit on everything from furnishings to accents, and running the gamut from traditional to modern styles. Here’s the Gotham Mirrored Single Dresser from DeBoer’s Trump Home Collection - yes, that’s The Donald’s own line. I admire the substantial, masculine design of this piece - it’s a great counterpoint to the delicate mirrored finish.

Price: $1,039

Available at: DeBoer’s