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Big. Large-scale mirrors can trick the eye into seeing a more open, expanded room. They also help lighten up a darker area. This mirror, flanked by sconces for another layer of light, is grounded by a handy bench for pulling off or putting on shoes.Browse sconces by style and finish
Within this Atlanta loft’s open floor plan, a round mirror over a console creates an entry area. Its gold frame picks up the gold in the staircase railing. Wall color: Kendall Charcoal, Benjamin Moore
Perhaps you have a square, flat backyard with a nondescript fence. By thinking outside the box, the designer of this space created meaning by turning the seating area diagonally. The space now has a sense of journey with a defined destination that is reinforced by the horizontal timber screen. Running the lumber horizontally instead of vertically spread out the garden visually, making it seem larger. You might never notice that the fence enclosing the garden is chain link.Additionally, by turning the paved area on axis, the designer created planting pockets so that visitors have a meaningful interaction with the garden. The square pavers also create a sense of rhythm that captivates the mind.
1. Bookshelves. By using tall, skinny bookshelves that go to the ceiling, you draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.
7. Mirrors. Use full-height mirrors wherever you can to create the illusion of higher ceilings. As every magician knows, mirrors are amazing at creating false appearances.Discover how to use mirrors for more light and style
11. Transoms. Transoms above doors and windows add a sense of height and allow more light in as well, which will make your space feel even more spacious.Explore more ways to use transom windows
Consider MaterialsConcrete. Concrete has long been the most popular pathway material. It’s safe to navigate and easy to maintain. But it doesn’t have to be boring. Concrete can be tinted at the time of installation or easily stained at a later date. It can also be poured or cut into unexpected configurations, as shown here. The turf inserts provide interest and rhythm for visitors and passers-by. For safety, inserts should always be low or out of the traffic flow.Guide: Pros and cons of cast-in-place concrete and precast concrete paving
Serpentine. A serpentine line creates a feeling of tranquillity because it’s natural and organic. It pulls your eye forward to create curiosity about what’s just around the bend, which is intentionally out of sight. Consider this shape if you enjoy creating garden vignettes or have several pieces of garden art that aren’t meant to be viewed all at once.
3. Layered lighting. It cannot be stressed enough: Lighting should come from more than one source in any room. Those well-spaced recessed lights won’t be enough to eliminate the shadowing that inevitably harshens a room.Try to include task lights or spotlights, hanging lights, and table or floor lamps to get light from different directions. An extra advantage is that you can go full bright (as in this photo), then turn off a few lights for a more dim and moody atmosphere in the evening.See more on creating a lighting plan
Provide understated screening. Far less stark than white, black can be a more effective color for subtle privacy and screening. Here, black fences enclose an urban terrace to screen surrounding buildings and create an intimate gathering place.
7. Front and Back in FloridaThis beach home on Amelia Island, just north of Jacksonville, Florida, has two porches for very different purposes. The front porch, shown here, is set up for easy conversation, with a bamboo love seat facing a pair of white-washed chairs. The space feels like an extension of the living room, thanks to indoor-style table lamps, a soft rug underfoot and a potted fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata) moved outside.
9. Front doors. If your budget lets you update just one thing at a time, you may want to start with your front door. Consider choosing something that lets light into the interior of your house. That serves dual purposes, by changing the feel of the outside of your home and altering the inside too.
7. Paint. A simple paint job for the front of your home can work wonders. There are a lot of computer programs that let you see the exterior of your house in various color combinations. Find the combo you love most and go for it. If you grow tired of it, you can always change it.
38. Two custom-made swings frame this porch in Homewood, Alabama, inviting the homeowners to relax outside. The seat cushions are crib mattresses, and the pillows are from Ikea and Target.
20. Taking the swing out into the garden gives you an opportunity to really get away from it all, as this rustic swing with a distressed finish shows.
1. This porch in Georgia may be low on color, but it is high in texture and layers, with lots of natural materials coming together to create a relaxing, boho space. The design was inspired by a safari in South Africa. The rug is from West Elm, the chairs are by Ballard Designs and the swing is custom. Read more about this porch
Mirrored doors. A reflective surface on a door offers another way to incorporate a large mirror in a narrow entryway.
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