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Nate Berkus' Stunning Feature Wall Idea Will Make A Small Room Look Grand
Celebrity designer Nate Berkus, known for his expertise in transforming small spaces, advocates for the use of antiqued mirror statement walls to create an illusion of grandeur and increased space. Berkus's approach stems from his early career on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," where he consistently tackled challenges associated with small dwellings, such as redesigning a 319-square-foot condo into a chic and highly functional living area. Over the years, his methods for making limited square footage appear airy and expansive have evolved, with the antiqued mirror wall becoming a favorite technique.
This specific design strategy addresses the common issue of small rooms feeling uninspired or confined. By incorporating a large, antiqued mirror wall, a significant focal point is established, making the space feel memorable and grand. The reflective properties of the mirrors are crucial, as they bounce light around the room, thereby creating an optical illusion that expands the perceived size of the area and reduces the feeling of crampedness. Berkus emphasizes that mirrors interact with a room's light to create these spatial illusions.
The implementation of this mirror wall can involve covering an entire wall or selectively tiling an area, such as between two large furniture pieces or built-ins, to conserve materials while still achieving the desired effect. Berkus has personally applied this technique in multiple residences, including the entryway of his former New York City home, his current dining room, and his New York City powder room. In the powder room, the glass is strategically placed on the upper half of a board and batten wall, effectively doubling the apparent size of the space.
For individuals looking to replicate this design, a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is feasible. Affordable mirror tiles, such as the BLODLÖNN mirrors from IKEA, can be used. To achieve the antiqued, weathered look, a mixture of black, brown, and silver paint combined with water in a spray bottle is applied to the mirrors. This metallic-brown mixture is sprayed across the mirror, with particular attention to the edges, to mimic the natural aging process of a real mirror. After spraying, the droplets are dabbed with a paper towel, and after a five-minute drying period, a damp bristle brush is dragged across the mirror to blur the paint and create a faux-patina. For enhanced authenticity, a wax brush can be used to add textured dabs of bronze paint to the edges, simulating a rusting effect. It is important to vary the patina placement on each mirror to avoid a manufactured appearance. Once dry, these custom-patinaed mirrors can be hung to form an impressive accent wall.
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