Interior Design
How to Get the Modern Bathroom Look
When taking on a remodel project in your home, either to add value or flair, the bathroom is one of the most popular choices. Over the last decade, one of the most popular bathroom styles has been “Modern.” Simplistic lines and geometric shapes and patterns highlight this style. It is not too difficult to pull off, and it gives off a very clean and sophisticated feel. The concept of the modern bathroom isn’t limited by space either and can take your bathroom from frumpy to fantastic easily.
What is Modern?
Modern is dictated by the mid-century modern design movement, which incorporates geometric shapes and patterns, straight lines, and natural colors. Bathroom furniture is also prevalent in the design mixture. You can easily create a great focal point simply by implementing a modern style in one corner of your bathroom. Square sinks, tubs with strong geometric lines, and faucets that complement are what you should be looking for.
Keep it Simple
Simple is the rule for modern design. There is no room for clutter in this style. Focus on open space and minimalist features like built-in shelves and cabinets that hide personal items. Incorporate tile backsplashes and hidden spaces for toiletries to give the appearance of a clutter-free room.
Simplistic Design Examples
- Arrange a collage of geometric mirrors to create a pattern.
- Set small white pots on built-in shelves to give a floral feel.
- Decorate walls minimally with modern prints.
- Add a Full-Length mirror to add the appearance of extra room.
- Incorporate wood and cement features when feasible.
- Keep colors white and gray and all variant gradients in between.
Standalone Tub
Standalone tubs are a hallmark of modern bathroom designs. The key is to keep the placement and size geometrically balanced. Strategically place the tub in a spot that provides a sense of continuity with the other elements in the room. Skip the traditional oval shape and go for rectangular if you really want to jazz it up.
Add a Touch of Nature
Adding a small green plant to your modern bathroom design will add a slight but not overpowering pop of color. It connects the indoor accents to the outdoors.
Lighting is Key
Keeping with the geometric shapes and patterns, choose your light fixtures accordingly. Fixtures with definitive hard lines, rectangular or spherical shapes work best. Also, consider adding in a skylight for refreshing natural light. Natural light helps to enhance the clean and simple look of your bathroom and also nicely reflects off the neutral whites and gray accents. LED lights will also give a much better feel to the room as well as help you save one energy costs
Once you have your plan all drawn up, simply tie all these design cues together and create the modern bathroom you’ve always dreamed of. It it makes you want to spend all of your time in the bathroom, then you know you have done it right.
Mirrorcle Frames is at the forefront of mirror design. To give a special touch to your modern bathroom design, contact us for more information on our unique mirror framing solutions. From traditional to contemporary, we have designs fit for any project!
Interior Design
3 Room Remodels that Will Boost Your Home’s Value
If you are considering some renovations to add value to your home, either just to boost your investment or to prepare to sell, there are a few things to know. Naturally, the first question most people ask themselves when diving into a remodel is “Will I boost my home value or at least break even?” There really is not a universal or easy answer to that question. The value a buyer sees in your remodel is influenced by a lot of factors. It could be influenced by the room you choose to renovate, the materials or design used, as well as the current values of other similar homes in the area. You can, however, improve your chances of putting a SOLD sign on your house if you choose to renovate one or all of these three sale-boosting rooms in your home.
Make Your Remodel Count
Not all renovation projects are going to garner much interest from a buyer. How many people do you know walk into a house and notice that newly renovated laundry room? No, it just doesn’t happen. Buyers consistently look at bathrooms, kitchens, and master bedrooms first. These rooms are sources of comfort, practicality, and see heavy use. Naturally, they are going to be the most important on a buyer’s checklist. If you really want to go all out, adding a room such as a great room or master suite will also give you a good return since homes with more square feet tend to go for higher prices.
When considering renovation ideas, keep in mind that just because a project costs a lot of money, that doesn’t mean it is going to add more value than a more conservative project. You would be surprised how simple improvements can deliver major returns. For example, when you compare the cost of a full kitchen redesign and a kitchen refresher, (painting, upgrading appliances, refinishing cabinetry) the kitchen refresher will return more value. Keep that in mind, and realize a little can go a long way. Just remember that the products you choose and the design are the keys to maximizing value.
Kitchen Refresher
Unlike a full kitchen redesign, which literally guts the entire kitchen and starts from scratch, a kitchen refresher works with the existing design and cleans it up a bit. Cabinet re-facing, adding an updated appliance set, re-painting and new floor covering can yield amazing results. Scout your local builder’s surplus stores for cabinet hardware and flooring and save some money, and consider Craigslist for updated appliances that are in good shape.
Bathroom Expansion
If your home has a small bathroom and you have some room to expand it, consider expansion to add value to your home. Small bathrooms are often seen in a negative light by buyers. If expansion is an option for you, consider expanding to offer enough room for a tub and shower as well as a large vanity area. Remodeling can also pay off big. Look to replace showers, tubs, tile, and flooring. If you have a stock mirror, you can improve its appearance by adding a frame such as the models we carry here at Mirrorcle Frames.
Family Room Addition
As mentioned before, a larger home fetches a higher price. If you have the budget and the space to extend out your home, adding a family room can do wonders for your home value. Consider an open floor plan design that opens up to your existing kitchen and flows together. Create spaces for entertainment that feature plenty of seating for guests. If additions are not possible, there are ways to give rooms a larger appearance such as hanging mirrors on the opposite side of windows. The reflected light makes the room appear larger. Sometimes selling your home is just a matter of staging. Framed mirrors, artwork, and furniture arrangements can go a long way in making your home appealing to buyers.
Design Is Key
As you can see, it really doesn’t take a lot to add value to your home. There are projects for every budget. Choosing to remodel rooms that capture the attention of buyers and using universally appealing designs are important.
Framing mirror a part of your remodel project? Contact Mirrorcle Frames for mirror frames that are simple to install, affordable, and can completely transform the look of any room.
Interior Design
Why Doing it Yourself Won’t Always Work
We all have seen countless DIY shows on TV that make every home or office renovation project seem overly simple (and fast, they’re usually done in thirty minutes or less!). Yes, doing it yourself can save you a lot of money, but sometimes DIY is not the best route to go. Here are some pros and cons to doing bathroom renovations yourself.
Why You Should Hire A Professional
The need to hire a professional depends on the type of work you want to have done. Things that can cause significant monetary and structural damage should always be left to the professionals. For example, plumbing is something that is best left to professionals since a botched job can cause leaks and other trouble. If you are having some doubt or don’t exactly have the knowledge for the project at hand, hire a professional.
Should I DIY?
Other tasks can seem more simple and better suited to do-it-yourself projects, like redoing bathroom flooring or updating the finish on bathroom cabinets. But depending on your skill level, the jobs could turn out less than ideal. Also, when you do a job yourself, there is no warranty on the installation. If you do the flooring yourself, and it turns out there is a problem, you can’t just call someone to come fix it. You have to take the time off of work and spend the money to fix the problem yourself. So know your own skill level before you attempt to do a renovation project on your own as you may regret it down the road.
An Example Job – Framing a Mirror
Many of the mirrors that come standard in a home are frameless and plain. A mirror frame can do a lot to improve the overall look of your bathroom. Framing a mirror can be a DIY project. In fact, you can easily find mirror framing kits on the market. However, there is definitely some skills that are required to pull off the task. First off, alignment and measurement are critical to the project. You don’t want your frame to sit crooked on the mirror. Secondly, you will need to have a good eye for design to ensure that the frame you choose will be a tasteful addition to your bathroom. Both off these tasks are easier said than done. Also, you have to remember that mirrors are fragile. Minor mistakes can cause damage.
So while it is possible to do this project on your own, there are also specialized companies that can take care of this job for you. Our own company, Mirrorcle Frames, is one such company. We have developed a process that ensures the right style and fit every single time. First, we go to your home with our entire collection of frames and have an interior designer help you pick out a frame. Next, we take measurements and schedule a date for installation. Installation is always quick and clean, and the look of the room is always transformed for the better.
To wrap things up, many projects can be completed by do-it-yourselfers. And many DIYers have the skills to get the job done, but a quality job is not always guaranteed. On the other hand, professionals have the tools, knowledge, and experience to make sure that your project gets done on time and with good results.
For your mirror framing needs, contact Mirrorcle Frames for affordable and professional results that will transform your room in minutes!
Interior Design
4 Tips to Remodel Your Bedroom
People spend upwards of 1/3 of their lives in their bedroom. It’s a place where people go to relax, sleep, study, watch movies, and much more. Since much time is spent in the bedroom, it should be a visually attractive room that you enjoy being in. The color, style, layout, and furniture create the look and feel of the room. If you aren’t satisfied with the current look of your bedroom, here are four tips to get your started with an overhaul.
1. Declutter the Room
Oftentimes a room doesn’t look as good as it can simply because there is too much stuff inside. Decluttering your room and creating space can go long way in improving the appearance of your bedroom. Sometimes you don’t even have to get rid of anything. You may just need to shift some things around or organize better using shelving and other space savers. While you are decluttering your room, it’s also a good idea to go through the closet, getting rid of unused clothing and shoes. You can sell off some of your unused items or simply donate them.
2. Paint the Walls
The tried and true method of remodeling is repainting. Any room in any part of the house can benefit from a fresh coat of paint. It’s very inexpensive to paint a bedroom, and it can go a long way in changing the feel and look of your room. Pick a color that matches the vibe that you are trying to create in the room. Are you going for cozy and warm, minimalism, traditional, or something loud and modern? Also, keep your décor and furniture in mind when selecting a color. You don’t want to pick something that will clash with what you already have. On the other hand, if you plan to replace everything, then paint away!
3. Replace Your Furniture
While this is one of the more expensive ways of remodeling your bedroom, replacing your furniture can completely change the way that your room looks. Perhaps you have some traditional furniture that you’ve had for many years, and you want to go with something more modern. Before you invest in new furniture, keep in mind that there are also inexpensive ways of revamping your furniture. Applying a new coat of paint of varnish to your current furniture can give it a very different look. If your furniture has some slight damage, polishing and covering up can improve their appearance.
4. Frame the Mirrors and Get the Decor Just Right
One of the main keys to making your bedroom look great is getting the accent pieces right. Pick a few art pieces that you like and that match with the style of the room and place them in prominent areas. Pick out a nice rug that will pop and compliment your other colors and patterns. Even window coverings can make a big difference. You can choose between curtains, blinds, or shades in all sorts of colors and designs.
If you have large mirrors in your bedroom, you can also dress them up with a mirror frame. Mirror frames come in multiple colors and designs from traditional to modern and everything in between. It’s one of those remodel options that can be done quickly for a relatively low price while making a significant difference.
That wraps up our four tips for remodeling a bedroom. Spend some time thinking about and planning out how you want your bedroom to look. Look at pictures of bedrooms that you like for inspiration. Implement these tips, and you should be well on your way to the bedroom of your dreams.
Uncategorized
Make Your Living Room Mirror Stand Out
A mirror is an essential piece for your living room. They can do so much for your space in terms of decoration, detail and function. Not any mirror will do, and you can’t just hang it anywhere. There are a few tricks that you can implement to get the most out of your mirror. Here’s what our experts have to say.
Find the Right Mirror
There is a mirror for every living room. You have to find the right mirror that nicely complements the style of the room. Don’t just head out to the nearest big-box store and grab any mirror. Take the time to find a unique mirror that has the right size, shape and design. If you are the handy type of person, you can even make your own mirror. Some companies, such as our own Mirrorcle Frames, can cut mirrors to the correct size and frame them, which can help you obtain just the right mirror for your space.
Find the Right Position
If you can find just the right position, a mirror can add a lot to your living room. Mirrors are especially useful for brightening up the place and making it seem bigger. In order to brighten up your room, don’t place it on the same wall as your windows. Hang it on the opposite side so that it can reflect the sunlight and really brighten up the room with natural light. Mirrors can make smaller living rooms feel bigger. Hang a large mirror on a big wall, and the room will seem bigger than it really is.
Match with Other Décor
A mirror doesn’t have to be a solitary piece. Mirrors and other décor can pair nicely together. For a classic, sophisticated look, mount a couple of candle holders on both sides of the mirror. Artwork also makes a great companion to mirrors. Fit a mirror in with a wall of art. Alternatively, placing a mirror along with a single painting or print can still make a bold statement. Yet another idea is using multiple mirrors. Use the same type of mirror in a pattern or fill up a whole wall with different types and size of mirrors.
The frame of the mirror is really going to determine how well it matches with the other pieces in your living room. Make sure that the colors of the walls and of the décor complement each other well and that the frame matches the style of the room. If you have a bare mirror, you can have a frame installed that matches the personality of the room.
To find what works best for your living room, experiment with all the tips above and try out your own ideas. If you need help with framing a mirror, contact Mirrorcle Frames. We’ll send out one of our interior designers to help you pick out the right frame.
Interior Design
Bathroom Mirror Frame Ideas
If you are looking for a way to enhance your bathroom, a bathroom mirror frame may be just what you need. There are several reasons why a mirror frame is your best bet for upgrading the look of that often used room. A mirror frame is easy to install; it is secured right on your existing mirror using a special adhesive. One of our teams will perform the installation for you using one of our mirror framing kits. This means that you won’t have to destroy your bathroom or make any holes in the walls in the process of upgrading. Secondly, installing a mirror frame is cost and time effective. You can have a beautifully upgraded bathroom in under an hour and for a relatively cheap price compared to other bathroom projects. Perhaps the most important reason for choosing to install a bathroom mirror frame is that it can have a profound effect on the look and feel of your bathroom.
One of the great effects of getting a new mirror frame installed is that it can complete the look of your existing bathroom style. If you are like many home décor enthusiasts, the chances are that you have your bathroom decked out with a theme with carefully picked pieces. If you still feel like something is missing after taking the time and effort to decorate your bathroom, you might be surprised at the difference that a simple frame can make. Alternatively, you can use a mirror frame as a foundation for your decoration ideas. If you have a bare bathroom, have a modern or elegant frame installed and build around it. A well-chosen frame can bring a plethora of inspiring ideas.
Stylish Designs
No bathroom mirror frame discussion is complete without the mention of stylish designs. In the world of mirror frames, there is no shortage of styles. In other words, there is a style for every taste out there. If you are installing a frame in a bathroom that already has an existing style, the first step is to analyze the style of your bathroom. Take a step back and try to look at the big picture of your bathroom. Ask yourself, “What does this room’s style say to me?” Is it modern, traditional, or somewhere in between? Once you have got a feel for your bathroom, browse through the designs and choose a few that you think will compliment your bathroom’s style. Here at Mirrorcle Frames, we provide our customers with an interior designer and samples to help in the selection process.
When you are looking at a design, there are several considerations you should keep in mind. Many frame styles have designs engraved into the material. You will want to make sure that these designs do not conflict with your existing bathroom style. If you are going for a modern look, you may not want to go with a frame that is more suitable for a bathroom with a rustic or antique vibe. Secondly, you will want to consider the color of the mirror frame. Does the color compliment the other décor? The color of the frame does not necessarily have to be the same color as the other décor. In most cases, it should be complimentary, however. All things considered, the most important thing is that the mirror frame looks good in your bathroom and that you are happy with the end result.
Trendy Design Ideas
Many bathrooms contain just one large mirror, but there are still many things you can do to make your room and frame appear trendy. In addition to the tips mentioned above (color and style considerations), you can tweak your room to accent your bathroom mirror frame. Possibly the best method is to repaint the walls of your bathroom. A fresh coat of paint can bring any room to life. Frames with a goldish color look great against a burgundy wall. Silver-colored frames pair well with blue hues. Bronze and natural frame finishes can be matched with lighter, neutral colors. Keep in mind that these are starting points. Experiment to find what works best for your style and color scheme.
If you are building out a space from the ground up or have more flexibility in your design, you can implement some unique ideas. Instead of the more common single large mirror, you can opt for a multiple mirror design that can provide an interesting look and help you view your reflection from multiple angles more easily. You can also get creative with your bathroom mirror frame choices. If you are using a three-mirror design, try one design for the middle mirror and another design for the two outside mirrors. The options are only limited by your creativity.
If you are looking for a bathroom mirror frame in the Houston area, contact Mirrorcle Frames today! We’ll have your frame installed quickly and cleanly and aid you in the selection process by sending one of our interior designers to your home.
Interior Design
The Perfect Master Bedroom Remodel
Your master bedroom is one of the most personal and important rooms in your house. It is where you and, in some cases, your dog rejuvenates. Its style is a very personal reflection of your style and can easily enhance or bring down your mood. What about when your bedroom doesn’t give you that certain feeling of a nightly escape? The hottest trend in master bedroom remodel over the last few years has been influenced by posh hotels and their designs. People are trying to turn their bedrooms into mini “staycation” paradises. If you are preparing to get into a master bedroom remodel and want a look like this, simply follow along. We’ll give you some style cues.
BED, BATH & BEYOND
More and more people are connecting the master bathroom to their bedroom, making it a convenient short walk to get a hot shower. It makes sense as nothing is more relaxing than laying down after a fresh hot shower. This should be first on your design checklist; it will pay off in stress reduction.
MULTITASK IN YOUR PJ’S
Being able to turn on the TV without having to leave the comfort of your bed is becoming more and more important as many use the TV to wind down. The newest trend is not only having the TV but also a dressing table or work desk to plan out the next day.
When it comes to the design of the interior, it is safe to aim for luxury hotel standards and design cues. Natural woods such as mahogany are wildly popular because of it’s look and ambiance. Most master bedroom designs now incorporate a mini-fridge filled with your beverage of choice. The mini-fridge and TV combo make it easy to relax and confine yourself to your comfy bed without having to trek through the house.
ADD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE
The color scheme is very important here. Some people prefer vibrant, colorful bedroom walls while other prefer a calm, subtle pastel palette. The most popular through the years tend to be natural light greens or blues and rose colored interiors. This adds to the tranquility of the bedroom, defining it as a retreat space. Window treatments, natural light, and framed mirrors also help the open design feel more spacious while different textiles add variety.
TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR
In any luxury hotel, you will notice a common element– stylish full-body length mirrors. If you room isn’t already adorned with a mirror, consider adding one in and framing it with one of Mirrorcle Frames’ very own beautiful mirror frame designs. One of our design consultants can help you choose a mirror frame that will complement your room’s existing style perfectly. Give us a call today for more information.
Uncategorized
4 Ways to Save on a Bathroom Remodel
With Spring finally here many homeowners are ready to take Spring Cleaning into full swing. Many even go one step further and take advantage of the nice weather to begin remodel projects on their homes. One room often done on a budget is the bathroom. Typically, because the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in a house, it is the least expensive to update. That being said you can save even more if you are smart about your bathroom upgrade. Here’s just a few tips to get your gears turning.
Luxury Surfaces, Budget Prices
It’s very popular with bathrooms to go a bit extravagant on countertops by going granite. The investment isn’t as large as you might think since most bathroom counters are relatively small. That being said you can still save significantly on granite countertops. Neutral colors tend to be more popular because they blend with anything, but they are also more expensive. Being open to a larger variety of colors could save you money on less popular hues. Another viable option is buying seconds; that is slabs with imperfections. Typically the more visible the imperfections, the bigger the discount. If the imperfection is around where the sink and fixtures will be installed, GO FOR IT! You won’t see the imperfections anyway. If you want to go the hot and trending “Shabby Chic” route, find an old used dresser and repurpose it as a sink pedestal. These are manufactured in this style as well and go for thousands of dollars retail. Spend a fraction of that and a bit of time and effort and you will have a real bargain on your hands.
Think Before You Paint
If you are constrained by budget, repainting your bathroom will be the most cost effective solution in most cases. The new color will give your bathroom a refreshed look but there are some things to consider. Your bathroom will have the least area of space to paint, but you have a lot of things to paint carefully AROUND. Fixtures, tubs, mirrors and toilets can be very tedious to work around. You will also want to buy high-quality satin finish paint due to the humidity and inconsistent temperature in a bathroom. The ceiling should also be coated with special bathroom paint that is resistant to mold growth.
Frame That Mirror, Don’t Buy New
Believe it or not, large bathroom mirrors that are high quality and give a solid reflection can get expensive. Sure you can go and buy that large mirror glass on the cheap, but look at the reflection, look at the silver coating on the back, is it thick is it well distributed? Just like there is a difference in photo lens glass, the same goes for mirrors. Unless you want to step out of your shower and do your hair in a funhouse mirror reflection, don’t go replacing your high-quality mirror just because it’s dated.
Reframing old mirrors is one of the hottest trends in home improvement. Mirror Frame companies like Mirrocle Frames will custom design and cut a beautiful frame to fit any existing mirror. You can have styles ranging from minimalist concepts such as the Mirrocle Apotele Frame, with simple lines and contemporary finishes to Luxurious, ornate models like the Akera. The installation of these frames is quick and simple and will add great value to your bathroom with minimal investment.
Update Those Old Fixtures
While replacing fixtures may not seem like it would make much difference, you would be surprised how big of an impact it makes, and with little investment. Light fixtures, faucets, and lighting can be had on the cheap from surplus stores and are as good as new. You can also be creative here and re-purpose things like old plumbing pipes and joints for things like towel racks. With a bit of time and effort, you can save a bundle.
Get Moving!
There is no better time than nice spring weather to begin a bathroom remodel. The pleasant climate allows you to work outdoors and with open windows. Keep this in mind as you don’t want to start a project like this at the peak of a Texas Summer. Contact Mirrocle Frames today if you are interested in framing your old mirror, or purchasing a new mirror with a custom cut frame.
Interior Design
Why Should I Frame My Existing Mirror?
Whether you are moving into a new home or looking for a way to reinvent your well-lived in home, a bathroom makeover can make a big impact. There is a lot of ways that you can approach a bathroom remodel. You can do something as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint or as serious as replacing your plumbing fixtures, but there is another option you should consider; installing a custom mirror frame over your existing mirror. “Why should I frame my existing mirror?” you may ask. Because it’s simple, affordable, and transformative.
A Simple Bathroom Upgrade
One of the words we use in our mirror frame motto is “Simple.” Framing your mirror really is a simple bathroom upgrade. It doesn’t involve any serious remodeling work. The frame is placed onto your existing mirror using a special adhesive. The mirror clips that hold your mirror up aren’t a problem because the frame installs over them. It’s also not a time-consuming project because the installation takes place in minutes and involves almost no clean-up.
Framing Your Mirror is Affordable
According to Angie’s List, their members reported an average cost of $18, 417 for a master bathroom remodel. Of course, you don’t have to upgrade everything at once, but most experts recommend tackling larger tasks at the same time to save on labor costs. The main point is that bathroom remodels can quickly become expensive. On the other hand, framing your existing mirror is not only simple, but it’s also affordable. While the cost depends on the size of your mirrors and the selected style of frame, 2 or 3 mirrors typically run less than $800 including installation.
Transform Your Bathroom
The big question is “Can a mirror frame really make a difference?” While lots of people are a bit skeptical at first, the results speak for themselves. When you take a bare mirror and dress it with a frame selected with the help of a design consultant, it transforms your bathroom. For modern tastes, opt for a clean and minimalistic frame. For a more traditional look, go for more ornate, detailed, and familiar designs. There are even frames that blend traditional and contemporary styles.
Want your own simple and affordable bathroom transformation? Contact Mirrorcle Frames at 281-915-1250 to get your own custom bathroom mirror frame today!