I get what you mean about satin—sometimes it does catch the light a bit too much, especially in smaller rooms. I usually lean eggshell for walls and save satin for trim or kitchens. Mirrors are great, but yeah, too many and suddenly it feels like a funhouse. I try to stick to one big statement mirror or a couple of smaller ones, just enough to reflect light without making things feel chaotic.
I usually lean eggshell for walls and save satin for trim or kitchens.
Funny, I actually had a client last year who insisted on satin everywhere—bedrooms, hallways, even the ceiling. It was... a lot. Ended up toning it down with some big plants and textured curtains to absorb some of that glare. Eggshell's definitely more forgiving, especially if you've got kids or pets bumping into the walls.
Mirrors are tricky too. I once installed three in a narrow entryway thinking it'd open things up, but it just made everyone dizzy walking through. Now I usually stick with a single mirror opposite a window if possible—gets you that light bounce without feeling like you're in a dressing room.
Natural wood accents help too, by the way. Even just swapping out a coffee table or adding a few wooden shelves can make things feel warmer and brighter without any shine overload.
I once installed three in a narrow entryway thinking it'd open things up, but it just made everyone dizzy walking through.
Haha, mirrors can be a wild card. I had a client who wanted mirrored closet doors everywhere—her place ended up feeling like a funhouse. Agree about the wood accents, though. Even just a little natural texture makes a huge difference, especially when everything else is light and airy. Sometimes I’ll even sneak in a rattan basket or two just for that little bit of earthiness.
Funny you mention rattan baskets—I've started using woven trays on coffee tables and even as wall decor, and it's wild how much warmth they add.
—been there, and yeah, too many mirrors can totally backfire. Has anyone tried swapping out heavy curtains for sheer ones? I swear it changes the whole vibe, but I wonder if it ever feels too exposed for some folks.her place ended up feeling like a funhouse
Has anyone tried swapping out heavy curtains for sheer ones? I swear it changes the whole vibe, but I wonder if it ever feels too exposed for some folks.
Sheer curtains are a total game changer, I agree. I swapped out my old velvet ones last spring and it felt like I’d doubled the daylight in my living room. I get the “too exposed” thing, though—my neighbor’s dog is nosy, so I ended up layering sheers with bamboo blinds for a bit more privacy. It’s a nice balance and still keeps things bright.
