Through the Looking Glass

Miles Redd

So we are all very familiar with this photo of Miles Redd in his now famous David Adler designed mirrored bathroom, which was originally installed at the Armour residence outside Chicago. I adore this photo, and this bathroom, and it works perfectly today as my thoughts are running towards mirror. Specifically mirrored doors, and even more specifically french doors with mirrored panes instead of glass. 

chateauversailles.fr

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. See how the mirrors on one side of the room are imitating the french doors at the opposite side of the room? I absolutely love this.   

Fairfax & Sammons

The idea behind a french door is that they let in light, and give a much more airy feeling than just simply installing a regular door. The trouble is, if you have things that you don't want people to see behind the french door, it tends to look a bit messy. Here, in a Park Avenue apartment by Fairfax & Sammons, mirrored french doors are installed as closet doors. This way you get the architectural interest of a french door, without having to keep your clothes neat and tidy at all times. Very chic. 

House Beautiful

Although not french doors, here mirror is used in cabinet fronts in a small kitchen. The mirrors make the small kitchen feel larger, and yet you can still have a messy condiment cabinet! (for those of you whose condiment cabinet is not messy, please email me with tips!)

House Beautiful

In this bathroom, an armoire is faced in mirror and reflects the light beautifully, again concealing whatever is hidden behind its doors.  

House Beautiful

In this bedroom, the french door to the bathroom has mirrored panes. I think this is a lovely idea, especially when the door is open as it is here. It reflects the light coming in from the bathroom, creating a wonderful affect.  I also see a mirrored french door working well at the end of a hallway in an apartment, perhaps separating the private living spaces from the more public entertaining rooms. Knowing my pension for pocket doors, I would also double french doors with mirrored panes separating two rooms such as a living room and dining room or study.