Reflections of Exoticism

When summer rolls around, our thoughts turn to travel–often to exotic locales. But when it is too hot to visit India or China, we can travel by simply using our imagination. Influenced by their alluring artistic history, we are inspired by these fabulous places to create rooms or elements within rooms. Here is a small sampling of mirrors that we designed for various projects, all of which add a surprising and exotic touch to the rooms we created.

For an early 20th century, east coast, dining room, we created a Chinoiserie fantasy in silver, blue and white–thanks to our client’s enthusiasm for the style. We started the design of the over-mantle mirror after finding a small collection of blue and white porcelain pots in Shanghai. Upon our return, we finalized the design, which includes a silvered pagoda top, leafy tendrils and dangling bells–all created to show off the miniature porcelains. The result is our own exuberant reflection of Chinoisierie style.

A few years ago, we designed a sitting room in what was a tiny cloak room in a rather grand house. We had just been to the Christie’s sale of the Tony Duquette estate and came away dazzled by the magical world he created, often with objects and textiles from India. And so the concept of this paisley room was born. Central to the space are a pair of mirrors we designed, each incorporating 19th century, Indian, miniature paintings. The gilded wood, antiqued glass and stunning little paintings come together to create the jeweled effect of a Mughal retreat.

In this cozy but chic New York living room, we designed a painted, paneled wall to highlight a modern sofa. Within the panels we hung a collection of our own India Starmirrors. These shimmery mirrors, with their exotic pointed arches, create a glamorous, reflective effect–a modern take on rooms we’ve seen in India. Part of our Iron Collection, the frame’s clean and rather minimal styling is embellished with etched glass for a bit of added sparkle.

Used for more than checking one’s hair, mirrors have a long history of being art objects in their own right. By blending the magic of mirrors with an exotic style, one’s imagination can be transported to distant, romantic and exotic lands. And what could be more appropriate for those Summer dreams?