MirrorMate Frames

Vote for MIrrorMate to Win an Interior Design Best of Year Award!

2010-10-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

MirrorMate is thrilled to be up for Interior Design Magazine's Best of Year: Product Design award! The winners will be selected by industry professionals, so if you're a designer, architect or in commercial facilities management, your vote can help us win! Visit Best of the Year Awards today to vote! Thanks in advance for your support!

New styles for fall

2010-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

MirrorMate has added even more new styles to the collection, including Chelsea in Pewter Bronze and the Casco Bay line that combines wood tones with metallics. Best of all, these new styles as well as those that debuted this summer - Providence, Cherokee Slim & Bellemeade - are on sale through October 21!

Winners Announced in the 2010 MirorMate Makeover Contest!

2010-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer we asked..."Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" And today, after 66 mirror makeover entries showcasing some amazing before and after photos, we're so pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 MirrorMate "Rate My Makeover & Win" Contest. Amazingly, two makeover from Texas took home top prize, one for the consumer category and the other for the professional category - and both used the Tribeca frame in Burnished Brown! You can see those makeovers, as well as the second and third prize winners below. In addition to cash prizes, the makeovers are also featured on MirrorMate's homepage!

Congratulations to all the winners! You can read more about the Grand Prize makeovers here. Thank you to all who participated - we love seeing all those bare mirrors become oh-so beautiful! If you'd like to see some of the other entries and makeovers as well visit the MirrorMate Forum where the entries were submitted. Enjoy!

Color Trends 2010

2010-08-24T09:05:00.001-07:00

The Color Marketing Group (CMG) recently gathered to discuss color trends for 2010. Larson-Juhl, maker of high-end framing materials used by professional framers, including MirrorMate, participated in the CMG meeting. Their North American Color Marketing Group representative, Sherran Arthur shared some interesting insights on color coming out of the meeting:

There are two major influences to the 2010 color palette. The first being environment, and the second, economy.
"Coastal-inspired colors are incorporated to respect the environment and bring a bit of the outdoors in."
"Happy colors are incorporated to move out of a downward economy"

Particularly of note with regard to the increasing popularity of gold tones in framing, "gold is influencing metallics as cool metals are slightly touched by yellow. White nickel and toned down subtle gold reflect elegance."

Sherran also notes the following shifts in colors:

- Reds: Shifting to a truer red with blue influences

- Oranges: More organic, cross cultural, global infusion

- Yellows: Moving to lighter sunny tones with a hint of natural green, very happy

- Greens: Fresher, regenerated, evoking a sense of renewal; Think Earth

- Blues: Calming blue tones, inspired by the sky and sea

- Purples: Ranging from orchid to deep eggplant

- Browns: Nature inspired hybrid neutrals; chameleon tones

Golden Rules

2010-08-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Kitchen & Bath Business today featured an article, "A Warm Front in the Bathroom," on the increasing popularity of gold, brass and bronze finishes. They note the trend, particularly for oil-rubbed bronze, in everything from faucets to sinks. We wanted to share some frame options that can complete the look. The new Bellemeade frame in Champagne has a golden hue, while there's the traditional Old World Gold in Permaquid Slim and Permaquid, and Antique Gold in the Naples style. And for bronze, try the Bronze Wave in the Venetian style or the Grandezza frame in Bronze. They're all styles that will add warmth to the bath.

Pemaquid in Old World Gold

MirrorMate Featured on Canada's City Line Talk Show

2010-07-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Designer Jackie Glass of J. Glass & Associates in Ontario is a regular on Canada's national talk show, City Line. She's also a fan of MirrorMate. On Thursday, she took viewers through a demo of how a MirrorMate frame is assembled and some of the range of finishes for the frames. The entire show is online for viewing and featured home improvement ideas throughout - so it is fun to watch. The MirrorMate segment is about 25 minutes in too if you want to skip right through! Enjoy! http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/260879096001.000000/CityLine-July-29-2010-Home-Day/

MirrorMate's New Styles: Providence, Cherokee Slim & Bellemeade

2010-07-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

MirrorMate has added eight new frame options to the line. There are now more than 45 styles to choose from, ensuring there is a frame for every style and decor!

The Providence frame is a traditional style full of detail, including beading, ribbing and the ever-classic egg and dart pattern. This frame is available in both bronze and silver.

The Cherokee Slim line adds four rich finishes for deliciously different looks, including nougat, dark chocolate, licorice and cherry chocolate. These looks are simple and can go from modern in the dark, and currently offered chrome styles, to downright beachy in the vanilla nougat color. These styles are value-priced, too.

Finally, the Bellemeade line now features a new design with bead and scroll edges in either champagne or cherry finishes, for a rich look in a classic frame. Silver will also be coming soon in this ever-popular line.

We’re seeing growing interest from customers in slimmer, simpler styles. Cherokee Slim has widths of just two inches and are an excellent choice for the commercial sector, including hotels and condos.

Metallic and rich wood finishes are also extremely popular. We’re adding more metallic options with the Providence line and deep, warm tones with Bellemeade and Cherokee Slim.

And coming this fall...Casco Bay. More info to come!

"Say Goodby to the '90s"

2010-07-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

A great new high-gloss, heavy stock, home remodeling magazine for Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the South Coast of Massachusetts called "home remodeling," included MirrorMate in the "Just In" section of their Summer 2010 issue. If you can get a copy, I promise you'll LOVE perusing all the pretty photos and info on New England home remodels. Who knew an outdoor shower could be so pretty! In the meantime, here's the MirrorMate snip it from page 14 of the issue...

Infarrantly Creative Gets Creative with a MirrorMate Makeover

2010-06-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Beckie at Infarrantly Creative recently made over her bare bathroom mirror with a MirrorMate frame in Venetian Silver Wave and shared it on her blog at http://infarrantlycreative.blogspot.com/2010/06/mirrormate-frame.html

You can see a quick preview of the beautiful end result below - but don't miss all the details on just how she did it at Infarrantly Creative! Great work Beckie!

An Inch of Gray Blog Bathroom Makeover

2010-06-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

An Inch of Gray completed her bathroom makeover with a MirrorMate frame in Acadia White. Lisa helped to select the frame featured in the makeover. Check out the before and after images, courtesy of an Inch of Gray, and for the full makeover visit http://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/2010/05/you-complete-me.html

Reinvented blog reinvents her MirrorMate frame...

2010-05-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of MirrorMate makeovers happening in the blogosphere lately and we love it! Our friend Kimm at Reinvented just reinvented her bare bathroom mirror with a MirrorMate frame in the Pemaquid style in Porcelean White. Here's a sneak peek below and you can see the whole step-by-step process on her blog. Great job Kimm!

Under the Table and Dreaming Blog's MirrorMate Transformation

2010-05-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Blogger Stephanie Lynn recently showcased her addition of a MirrorMate frame to the bare mirror in her son's bathroom in her blog "Under the Table and Dreaming." It was the start of a bathroom makeover project which she'll continue to showcase in the coming weeks - and what a great start it was! Click here to see the step-by-step transformation in her blog posting. Stephanie Lynn used Pemaquid in Porcelain White to frame the mirror in the before and after seen below (photos courtesy of the Under the Table and Dreaming blog).

'Tis the Season for Decorating

2010-05-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

We're just coming off the heels of National Decorating Month, and isn't it true? The spring just makes you feel like sprucing things up! Take off those extra blankets, dark bedding and heavy drapes. Open the doors and windows and place some fresh flowers at the table. The extra day light and warmer temperatures inspire us to finish up those projects we've been meaning to do. What easier project than freshening up the bathroom with a quick coat of paint and a MirrorMate frame. If it's been on your to-do list, now's the time. Through May 18 at http://www.mirrormate.com/ you can get 15% off the first frame and - as an added bonus - 20% off additional frames. Happy Spring!

A Soft Place to Land Features MirrorMate

2010-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today's A Soft Place to Land blog featured a great MirrorMate transformation done in Acacia Dove White. It's always so fun to see the before and after...pretty!!

To see more on the step-by-step transformation, check out Kimba's blog! (She's also got a MirrorMate coupon code for her readers!)

Before & After Photos from the Centsational Girl Blog

2010-04-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share these beautiful before & after photos from the Centsational Girl blog! Check out her entire post with her step-by-step detail of how she did and and what else she has planned for her bathroom makeover, as well as all the wonderful reader comments at Centsational Girl.

More on removing mirrored trim...

2010-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Jane at Finding Fabulous wowed us with her removal of the mirrored trim around her vanity mirror and replacement with a MirrorMate frame on her blog last week. That dated trim CAN be removed. In the case of her mirror it was simply taped on. Jane was kind enough to share her step-by-step photos with us as well - and you can see them on her blog where we are so thrilled with the results, and wonderful comments from so many readers.

You can see how she gently pulled the trim away from the mirror and then removed the tape strips and wiped it down with rubbing alcohol to clean off any residue.

Once finished, the standard installation of the MirrorMate frame took place - putting together the corners and taping it to the plate glass mirror. Here is the before & after to showcase the transformation!

Did you know you can remove the mirrored trim?!

2010-03-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Jane at Finding Fabulous did a wonderful job detailing her MirrorMate transformation - that included first removing the mirrored trim from her vanity mirror - and what a difference it makes! Check out her blog at...

http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/03/mirrormatea-mirror-transformation.html

A Design Delight...

2010-03-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am so happy HGTV finally has some new decorating shows. I know my sister loves watching people look for a house, but I think it is b-o-r-i-n-g! I love the new Australian gardener guy, Jamie Durie. He's brilliant and cute! And of course there's our favorite, Candace Olson. There's also the new show Home Rules, that gets your life and house in order- two things that really do go hand in hand. Don't you just feel better when your home looks good?

Lisa's Guidance for Choosing a Frame Style

2010-03-10T07:10:00.001-08:00

We get a lot of calls about what frame styles to choose for your bathroom - after all we have 40 to choose from! Not that I'm a designer, I sure do pretend I am one! What I tell people is to frame their mirrors in the same style they would choose to frame a piece of art and put it in that room. You do not have to match your faucets especially if you do not like their color. Bring up a color from your floor, your vanity, or countertops instead. Some of the most popular selections today? Metallics and black - they're always in style. And order samples to be sure you're selecting the one you like best. If you have questions or thoughts comment here, call us or email becky@mirrormate.com. We're always happy to help!

A special TGIF Sale just for you...

2010-02-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

As a blog, Facebook or Twitter fan, we wanted to welcome you to the weekend with a special sale, just for you. At www.mirrormate.com, just enter HOUSE at checkout and receive 15% off everything at the site this weekend. Happy weekend & happy shopping!

Reuse That Mirror!

2010-02-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

I talked about my bathroom remodel, but you may be wondering -- what did she do with her old MirrorMate frames and mirrors? Well, my dining room really needed a larger mirror, so I had my handyman install my MirrorMate frame and mirror from my bathroom above the buffet in my dining room. it made the room look so much bigger. Here's the before from my old bathroom, and the after from my current dining room!

If you have a room that tends to be dark -- my dining room is on the north side of the house and does not get a lot of light -- install a large mirror. Now if I hadn't put in the large mirror, I might have done a grouping of nine Pizzazz® mirror squares™ for a lot of sparkle in this room.

This Old House, Scripps Howard News Service & More!

2010-02-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

MirrorMate's been making a splash in the news lately with mentions in This Old House's "100 DIY Upgrades for Under $100" piece, Scripps Howard News Service's "Rethink & Refurbish" article and a review in Charlotte, NC's WaxMamma.com.

While we love the MirrorMate part, of course, there are some other great design and decor ideas you'll want to check out in the articles too! Enjoy!

A few more photos of Lisa's bathroom

2010-02-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

We just got a few more photos of Lisa's bathroom makeover from Charlotte, NC-based photographer David Norman. Now we have the full before (without the frame), middle (just after hanging with the picture corners still in place) and after of Lisa's medicine cabinet MirrorMate makeover. Check out the transformation!

Lisa's New Bathroom

2010-01-29T10:49:00.001-08:00

Last spring I bit the bullet and decided to completely renovate my master bath. It had a large jet tub I never used (though one winter I stored my tropical plants in it), low-quality cabinetry with cultured marble tops, white "Chiclit" tiles and peeling gold faucets. It also had bright pink wallpaper, and though I love color, I really wanted to have more restful bed and bath. Here's the before...

My good friend and former roommate from our single years, Beth Ledy, helped me design the bathroom. The renovation began with a Curry secondhand chandelier I found at my favorite furniture resale shop, South End Exchange (for all of you living in Charlotte!). I loved its simplicity, sparkle and soft gray finish...

That great painting next to the tub was done by Barbara Jamison, a friend and very talented artist...

One of my favorite features are the Robern medicine cabinets. I found one at a home store that someone else had returned so I got it at a huge discount. They are deep, so one can store in them big bottles of lotion, cosmetics, even an electric toothbrush. We built out the walls to incorporate these cabinets. They are really great for a person with, uh, messy tendencies like me, because I never put anything on the counters; everything fits inside.

But of course they are not framed, so I installed a Charlotte Silver Leaf MirrorMate frame on mine! You can see it here just as it was done - corners for hanging it straight, still in place...

10 Trends & Budget-Friendly Decor Tips for 2010

2010-01-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

We asked our expert Home Stager and Designer Kate Hart to give us her top ten trends for 2010 – and tips to affordably update your home for a whole new decade.

“Many of the trends in 2010 reflect the mood of today’s consumers,” says Kate. “Homeowners are looking to brighten their space and their mindset, stretch their decorating dollars and make the most of the home they have.”

Here’s what Kate highlights as trends and tips to take us through the new year in style:

1.REFURBISHED FURNISHINGS – Reclaim and restore what is old and make new again.

Tip: Reduce, reuse and recycle are décor terms today so reupholster that old chair, add a MirrorMate® frame to your bare bathroom mirror instead of replacing it and repaint a flea market-find dresser as opposed to buying new.

2.CALMING, UPLIFTING COLORS – Create a cheery retreat with cool colors & lighter wood tones.

Tip: Use turquoise, the Pantone color of 2010, as a bold accent when paired with neutrals like black and white or use it with gray or mint green for a more subtle effect. Replace or refinish dark woods with lighter shades of honey or a driftwood-inspired finish for a brighter, more up-to-date look.

3.MIRRORS & METALS – Brighten, lighten and add pop to a room with the shimmer and shine of mirrors and metals .

Tip: Group three or more Pizzazz MirrorSquares (less than $20 each!) in Charlotte Silver Leaf behind a couch or along a wall, add a mirrored chest to a room or silver candlesticks to a mantle. Shiny silver, brushed nickel, antique or oil-rubbed bronze remain popular metal finishes.

4.MULTI-PURPOSE SPACES – Turn unused spaces into something new and useful.

Tip: The space at the top of the stairs, the living room you never sit in, or guest room used twice a year, can do double duty as a home office, den or playroom by adding an armoire-style desk, pull out sofa bed or toy storage.

5.BOLD, GRAPHIC PATTERNS – Replace timid designs with large scale patterns in one or two colors.

Tip: To perk up your living room consider recovering a chair in a new, fun print or simply add some toss pillows to a neutral sofa in exotic patterns like bamboo or natural motifs such as asters or birds.

6.MIX & MATCH PIECES – Mix it up by breaking up matching sets of furniture, adding in new and unexpected pieces.

Tip: Instead of buying a new dining room set, add new chairs to the table you already have or consider hosting a furniture swap with your friends to exchange unwanted piece. You’ll get a whole new look –for free!

7.NATURAL ELEMENTS – Bring the outside in and “green” your home with eco-friendly materials like bamboo and cork.

Tip: A sisal or jute area rug is an affordable way to embrace this look without adding new flooring to your room. Add some recycled glass candle sticks or organic cotton pillows to complete the space.

8.LESS SHABBY, MORE CHIC – Forget the flowers and ruffles, things are looking more tailored in 2010.

Tip: Think fitted bed skirts, drapes that don’t drag and throws that are neatly placed- not draped.

9.HOTEL DÉCOR – Bring the look and feel of the hotel home to enjoy during “staycations” and all year long.

Tip: The bathroom and bedroom are the perfect place to start, adding furnishings with clean lines, plush white towels and a spa-like color palate.

10.DIY DECORATING – Tackle those do-it-yourself projects and save money in the process.

Tip: Pick up the paint brush to refresh your wall color, break out the sewing machine to de-puddle those droopy drapes and resist the urge to spurge on new items like a mirror for your powder room. Reframe the one you have instead with a MirrorMate frame in eco-friendly Pacifica Silver Sheen or Acadia Dove White.

“Trend number 10 is the most inspiring of all because by doing-it-yourself almost all of these trends and tips can be achieved with little to no expense,” concludes Hart. “So many of today’s trends allow you to use what you (or your friends) have, simply re-arranging or adding to it with affordable accents.”

Reflecting on 2009

2010-01-06T08:03:00.001-08:00

As we enter a new year, we wanted to take some time to reflect on all the fun we had in 2009 and, of course, all the mirrors we framed and bathrooms made beautiful! Throughout the year, our design experts shared some great decorating advice, not only for use in the bathroom, but throughout the whole home. Before we dive in 2010 we wanted to look back at some of our favorite design ideas from 2009...

Updating a Bathroom on a Budget

Decorating with Mirrors - Expert Advice from Will Smith

Expert Home Staging Tips from Kate Hart

Low Cost Ways to Give Your Home a Whole New Look

To celebrate our entrance in a new decade in design, we'll soon be sharing our tips for getting the latest trends for less. Stay tuned!

We have our winners!

2009-12-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Diane in Leesburg, Virginia and Kyra from Germantown, Maryland for winning our Pizzazz MirrorSquares giveaway yesterday! We hope the gift adds a little sparkle and shine to their holiday season. Stay tuned for more giveaways in 2010 so you too can be a winner! Happy Holidays from your friends at MirrorMate.

MirrorMate Holiday Giveaway

2009-12-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the holiday season, we're giving away two sets of three Pizzazz Mirror Squares - the perfect number to line a wall behind a couch, down a hall or behind a dining room buffet. One winner will receive three in Cherokee Espresso Walnut and another winner will receive three in Pemaquid Old World Silver - both shipped free. You can check out the photos of them below. The first two people to email mirrormate@florekpr.com will win! Please include MirrorMate Giveaway in your subject. On your mark, get set, go!

For the decorating diva on your holiday list...

2009-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Looking for a last minute gift for the decorating diva on your holiday list? Try two or three Pizzazz MirrorSquares to liven up their walls. With the selection of nearly 40 frame styles, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits their style. The 12” squares are less than $20 each and ship free through January 20th.

And for the décor in your home? Pizzazz MirrorSquares can also be used to add some sparkle and shine during the holidays and year round. Place a grouping of MirrorSquares behind a dining room buffet to reflect candlelight during holiday celebrations.

Looking for more holiday decor ideas? MirrorMate spokeswoman and home stager extraordinaire, Kate Hart, recently dished out some great tips for beautiful, budget-friendly holiday decor on NBC10 in Philadelphia. Below are some of the suggestions that were featured in the segment.

Tip 1: Use what you have and re-purpose it. For an easy and inexpensive Christmas card display, thumb tack a wide ribbon to the top of the door frame, tie a beautiful bow and let the rest hang down the length of the door. Use double stick tape to attach holiday cards down the ribbon as they come in.

Tip 2: Group decorations of similar color to get more bang for you buck. For a festive centerpiece, use pillar candle surrounded by ornaments and fill hurricane vases with complimenting ornaments.

Tip 3: Go for metallics and organics. The metallics add glamour and bling, while organics help bring the outside in and give warmth to the home. Both are “in” this holiday season.

Enjoy & happy holidays from your friends at MirrorMate!

MirrorMate Photo Shoot Secrets Revealed

2009-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

As you may have seen on the home page of our website, we recently finished a fun photo shoot at my good friend Sonia's home here in Charlotte. We used both MirrorMate frames and Pizzazz MirrorSquares to makeover her bathroom, family room and master bedroom. We thought we'd share just a bit on how we got the look featured in the photos - in case you'd like to do the same.

We started in the bathroom by taking down those harsh "Hollywood" style lights and replacing them with a fixture that casts a softer light. We then framed the bare mirror in Cherokee Marbled Maple.

In the family room we added some "pizzazz" in a great geometric pattern above the couch using Pizzazz Mirror Squares in Portage Moonlight.

Finally, in the master bedroom, we hung the MirrorSquares in Tribeca Black above the bed, really highlighting the wall as a focal point of the room.

Expert Home Decor Tips that Add Spice to Your Life

2009-11-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

As the temperature drops outside, we asked MirrorMate Spokeswoman, and America’s top Home Stager, Kate Hart for some fun, simple ways to warm up the home. Turns out that spice isn’t just for cooking!

“Spicy scents and colors add the feeling of warmth to your place just like they add heat to your palate,” says Hart.

Try these tips to spice up your living space just in time for Thanksgiving guests – and throughout the cold winter months.

• Paint an accent wall in your room a warm and sultry color such as Sherwin Williams’ Spicy Hue 6342 or Benjamin Moore’s Spiced Pumpkin 034. Too afraid to make a permanent color commitment? Cut foam core to fit the space in the back of a bookcase and paint the foam core the accent color you desire and then insert in place.

• Add some new toss pillows to your sofa or bed in warm hues such as ginger, pumpkin, or cinnamon. Look for heavy fabrics such as Jacquards or Kilims to add even more warmth.

• Infuse your space with the scent of cinnamon, clove or nutmeg with scented candles, room spray or centerpiece. For a simple centerpiece, perfect for Thanksgiving, take any round or square glass container and line up cinnamon sticks on the outside perimeter. You can tie them in place with raffia or fishing line. Insert a scented candle in the vase and you have an instant “scentsational” centerpiece. Group them to create even more drama on a dining room server or table.

Take these tips for spices beyond the table to heat up the home all winter long. Happy Thanksgiving & happy decorating!

Decorating Trend: "Clear is the New Black"

2009-11-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

A recent Miami Herald article heralds clear (aka glass, mirrors, metallics, crystal, lucite) as the new black – a decorating trend that is taking hold and bringing some shimmer and shine to accent pieces, lighting, furnishings and wall decor. Featured in everything from Pottery Barn to high-end design magazines, it's a simple, affordable way to add some light to our lives - and homes without a major makeover.

The article highlighted some great "tips for clear decor" from Decorating Den Designer Sharon Binkerd, including filling a crystal bowl with glass balls, adding crystal or acrylic lamps, painting furniture with metallic paint, adding crystals to an old chandeleir, drapery hardware with glass finials, and - our personal favorite - adding a MirrorMate frame in "brushed bronze, silver sheen and brushed chrome."

With the holidays drawing near it's the perfect time to add some on-trend pieces that bring a sparkle to the home.

Hotel-Inspired Design in Woman's Day

2009-11-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

We love Woman's Day and were thrilled to be featured in a recent article, "11 Ideas for Hotel-Inspired Design." It was the perfect fit for us, having framed many a bare mirror for leading hotel chains, as well as homes. For those on a limited travel budget, the idea of a "staycation," where you relax and enjoy time and activities in and around your home, has grown. With some simple decor changes, like adding calming paint colors, streamlined furnishings, a neutral palette and plush towels, homeowners can achieve the look and feel of a vacation at home year-round. Check out tip #4 in the Woman's Day article to read more on giving your bathroom the look of an elegant hotel with a MirrorMate frame.

Adding Pizzazz to My Home

2009-11-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Amy Florek, publicist for MirrorMate and forever on a home improvement mission – part of the reason I fell in love with MirrorMate! Starting this month, I’m going to be blogging for MirrorMate, along side the company’s president, founder and inventor, Lisa Huntting. We’ll share design ideas and personal stories, along with updates on what is happening here at MirrorMate. We hope you enjoy and join in the conversation. We’d love to hear from you too!

To give you a little background on my love of DIY projects for my home, we bought a fixer-upper about 5 years ago (pre-kids, when there actually was free time!) and have touched just about ever square inch of the home. Personally, I’ve taken wall paper down and repainted every room, retiled the master bathroom floor and vanity backsplash, swapped out dated light fixtures and ripped out ugly carpet, to name a few!

Most recently I rearranged the family room (with the help of my three year old!) so that the focal point would be the fireplace – it had always felt lopsided to me. Then I saw a spot that I knew would be perfect for MirrorMate’s Pizzazz MirrorSquares! The room needs more windows so the mirrors really help to add light and open the room more. They’re in Portage Pebbled White http://bit.ly/pizzazzportagewhite with such a nice distressed look. Okay, off to attempt sewing drapery panels for the dining room…wish me luck!

15% off MirrorMate frames

2009-10-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

There's just one day left to take advantage the MirrorMate fall sale. Enjoy 15% off and start getting the bathroom ready for holiday guests! http://www.mirrormate.com/

Boring Mirror on the Wall? MirrorMate Frames Will Fix Them All

2009-08-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

As you may know I am a huge fan of MirrorMate Frames the amazing custom frame that can update a boring builder's grade mirror and give your bathroom a brand new look in just minutes. We recently staged the home of Kyle Korver, a professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz. When Kyle played for the 76'ers he purchased a home in the Philadelphia suburbs. When he made the move to Utah we were called in to help him prepare the home for sale.

The home looked beautiful and had a lot of custom upgrades and finishes but the bathrooms needed some finishing touches to give them the higher end look they deserved. Below are before and after photos of one of the bathrooms we updated using MirrorMate Frames. What you did not see is that we also stained the bathroom cabinets a darker color to go with the more contemporary feel of his home (they were pickled wood and looked too country) and installed new scones in one of the baths. I am kicking myself for not having before-the-before photos but we were so busy getting the home ready for market that I forgot to take them! www.mirrormate.com

$35 OFF ANY FRAME STYLE! ENDS FRIDAY

2009-07-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Shop Today! $35 off any frame ends tomorrow! Click here: http://tinyurl.com/cq79ns

MirrorMate's Kate Hart in "Everyday with Rachel Ray"

2009-07-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Check out MirrorMate's spokesperson Kate Hart's mention in "Everyday with Rachel Ray." http://bit.ly/BJ42R For more on Kate Hart and her staging tips visit http://www.mirrormate.com/Expert-Tips/

STYLISH SUMMER SAVINGS! CELEBRATE THE 4TH WITH $35 OFF NEW STYLES

2009-06-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Save in style this summer! Now through July 31st, our newest frame styles and colors, including all Pacifica, Chelsea, and Cherokee - Brushed Chrom frames are $35 off! Use coupon code 35BUCKS at checkout. And don’t forget that through July 20th 6 frame samples are just $1! It’s never been easier or more affordable to transform the look of your bathroom.
www.mirrormate.com

2009-06-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

This is the summer of style, as we introduce two beautiful new frames to the MirrorMate line – Pacifica and Chelsea. Inspired by the curves of the California Coast, Pacifica, comes in a glimmering Silver Sheen. The Chelsea frames will put you in a New York state of mind, featuring such rich, warm colors as Black Satin, Espresso, Cherry Red and Brushed Bronze.

In addition, two of our current frame styles, Venetian and Cherokee, will also have new colors added to the line. Venetian will now be available in Black and Cherokee, made of entirely of recycled woods, will come in a 2” and 3” Brushed Chrome.

In celebration of these new introductions, MirrorMate is offering 6 samples for $1 for ALL frames until July 2oth! It’s never been easier to choose the perfect frame to complete your bathroom. As our expert Kate Hart (http://www.hartstaging.com/) suggests, just match the frame to your existing cabinetry or hardware for a transformation that gives you easy, affordable, designer-inspired style!

To check out these new styles and colors or order your complimentary samples, visit http://www.mirrormate.com/Shop/Collections/

$300, 3 days of projects

2009-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Find out to improve your house for $300 and 3 days of projects.
Kate Hart shares her ideas on how small bathroom changes can really make an impact.

Read more:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090516/LIFE0802/905160311/

The economy stinks, but home is still our haven. Hear how paint and MirrorMate frames are brighten our spaces while keeping us on budget.

2009-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

There’s no denying that the economy has us all cutting back and budgeting like never before. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University confirmed the decline in home improvement projects in their recent report, “The Remodeling Market in Transition.” http://www.jchs.harvard.edu/media/r09_release_2-4-09.html
But while major renovations are being put on hold, many homeowners are looking to make the most of what they have by utilizing budget-friendly makeover tools that give them the biggest bang for their buck. Despite the recession, MirrorMate continues to experience growth. And according to Home Channel News, sales of paint, another budget-friendly way to change the look of a room, are also on the rise. http://www.homechannelnews.com/FreeStory.aspx?id=90285 The take away: All it takes is MirrorMate & a can of paint to transform a bathroom – on time and within budget!
Low Cost (Even No Cost!) Ways to Give Your Home a Whole New Look
Tweet: Stager Extraordinaire Kate Hart shares low cost (even no cost!) ways to give your home a whole new look. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/MMFblog
“It’s quite possible to transform the look of your home with little - or even no money,” says Kate Hart, one of America’s top home stagers and owner of Hart & Associates Staging & Design in Philadelphia, PA. “It just means smart, selective shopping and getting creative.”

“Rearrange, reuse, swap with friends, buy second hand and most of all, have fun with it,” continues Hart.
Below are Kate’s top tips to get the look you want in your home for less:
Shop Your Home: If you are looking to make a change consider taking pieces from other rooms to make the transformation. Need some fun new toss pillows for your family room sofa? Swipe some pillow shams from the guest room and recover the pillows you already have. And for a more luxurious look in the master bedroom, don’t be afraid to separate matching sets of end tables from the living room.
Have a Furniture Swap: Chances are if you are on a budget, so are your friends. A fun and FREE way to get new furniture and accessories is to host a furniture swap party at your home. Invite your neighbors and friends and have them bring good condition home accessories, lighting, area rugs and small furniture. Draw numbers to see who gets to go first and then select the item of your choice. Furniture too big to bring to the party? Bring a photo and then arrange to have the winner pick it up later that week.

Shop Second Hand: If you are looking for affordable furniture do not be afraid to shop consignment, thrift, or used furniture stores. Baby boomers, executives who are relocating and athletes often choose to sell their furniture and purchase new furniture when they make the move. Often times you can find almost new brand name items if you know where to look.

Add Some Color: To give your room an instant update, consider repainting it a new, on-trend color. Amid the economic downturn, Sherwin-Williams reports consumers looking to brightening up their homes – and moods – with colors that are “energetic and more optimistic,” including shades of yellow, orange and red[1]. If you are scared to make such a big color commitment, paint one wall in your room an accent color such as the wall behind your bed or paint the backs of your bookcases to add architectural interest.

Give an Old Mirror a New Look: Adding custom molding or trim to a room is one of the most costly parts of a design job. If you are updating your bathroom do not remove your existing plate glass mirror. Reframe it instead. MirrorMate® frames instantly turn your builder’s grade, outdated mirror into a custom work of art. They offer lots of frame finishes to choose from and are an affordable, do-it-yourself alternative to custom millwork.

Repaint, Don’t Replace: Old cabinets got you down? Pink porcelain in the powder room making you pout? Don’t invest in replacing those items, repaint them instead. Reglazing your bathroom tile or repainting your kitchen cabinets can be done for a fraction of installing a new kitchen or bathroom.

Add some Bling: Kitchens and bathrooms can be some of the most expensive rooms to remodel. If budget is an issue, make over your existing cabinets with some new hardware. Choose a chrome handle for a contemporary look and a brushed nickel or bronze for a more traditional one. Complete the transformation by adding new faucets to the sinks to coordinate with the new hardware.

Bring the Outside in: If you are looking for fun and affordable décor for your home consider finding what you need in the great outdoors. Turn an oversized funky painted flower pot into an instant end table when you top it off with a glass table round from a local home store. Create a dramatic centerpiece in seconds by collecting various branches from your yard, securing them in a bundle with twine and sticking them into a tall hurricane in the center of your table.

Negotiate: If you see a piece of furniture that you love do not assume that you have to pay sticker price. Research similar items online and ask your furniture or home décor store if they are willing to match a price or reduce their fee. Negotiate to have them remove delivery or installation charges if you are willing to pick up the items yourself. Buying more than one piece? Some stores offer discounts the more you buy.

These money-saving tips make it possible for anyone, on any budget, to get a new look that will give you a whole new outlook.

Lisa Huntting and MirrorMate on the Front Page of the Charlotte Observer

2009-05-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Check out MirrorMate's fearless leader, Lisa Huntting, and the great article about MirrorMate from the Charlotte Observer. http://tinyurl.com/cvrg4l

40% OFF Select Styles

2009-05-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Take 40% OFF Select Styles!

You can choose from Acadia - Dove White, Venetian - Gold Wave and White Wave, Alton - Cherry, Honeyed Oak, and Unfinished, Portage - 18K Gold, Old Town Silver, Pebbled White and Sand.

Hurry, because once they're gone they're gone!

http://www.mirrormate.com/

Discount reflected in shopping cart.

Going Green One Mirror at a Time

2009-04-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

With Earth Day upon us, many take stock of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. We wanted to take this opportunity to share with you what we’re doing to help make the earth a greener place – one bathroom mirror at a time.

One of the best things about MirrorMate is the fact that we help keep mirrors out of landfills, reducing construction waste with the reuse (and beautification) of an old mirror. You can feel confident in your purchase and secure in the knowledge that MirrorMate does all they can to run an eco-friendly business and works with vendors who do the same.

MirrorMate Spokesperson Kate Hart on Giving your bathroom a makeover on a budget - 4/15/09 - Philadelphia News - 6abc.com

2009-04-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/consumer/save_with_6abc&id=6413606

HOME NOT SELLING?

2009-04-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

EXPERT HOME STAGER SHARES TOP TIPS TO GET YOUR HOUSE IN TIP TOP SHAPE!

“Attention to detail throughout the home can make the difference between a house that sells and one that sits on the market,” explains Kate Hart, one of America’s top home stagers and owner of Hart & Associates Staging & Design. “In particular, improvements to the kitchen and bath - the two rooms that sell a home - will always help bring in the buyers.”

Below, Kate Hart shares some easy and effective home improvements that homeowners can do to make a big change without breaking the bank.

Curb Appeal: First impressions are everything, and this has never been truer than in today’s market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.

Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.

Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles and framing your plate glass mirror with a MirrorMate® frame. Easy to install, these frames come in many different finishes and give your bathroom a custom, designer look in minutes. http://www.mirrormate.com/

Bedrooms: Take your bedroom from lived-in to luxurious by creating a headboard that gives your room a more complete look. Measure the width of your bed and determine the height you prefer. Purchase a ¼ inch piece of plywood fitting these dimensions (ask the store to cut if for you) and cover it with 2 inch foam that fits the dimensions you selected. Wrap the foam and plywood with batting that can be purchased from a craft store. Finally staple gun a fabric of your choice around the headboard you’ve created. You can then hang the headboard behind the bed on the wall as if you were hanging a piece or art using “D” rings and hooks or attach it to your bed frame using bolts and washers.

Family Room: Make your fireplace or great view the selling feature, not your entertainment center. Chances are your family room is currently centered around the things you do everyday, such as watch TV. Before showing, rearrange your room to showcase the architectural focal point of your family room.

Dining Room: Keep this room de-cluttered and streamlined so buyers can imagine how they can enjoy this space with their families. Before showing, make sure to remove any knick-knacks and extraneous items from your china cabinet or sideboard. A rule to follow: pack up any items that are smaller than a softball such as salt and pepper shakers, wedding cake toppers, and small figurines.

Living Room: Make sure you are selling your space, not your stuff. Before showing, again, remove any family photos from the mantle, end tables and bookcases. Give this space a less cluttered look by keeping no more than three items per surface. For example, go with a piece of art and a pair of candle sticks on the mantle instead of your favorite collection.

“It’s important to complete all your improvements before your home goes on the market because as the saying goes…you never have a second chance to make a first impression,” continues Hart. “And once the sign goes up, you need to keep up the clean, de-cluttered look because you never know when you’ll have a showing. It just takes one buyer to sell your home.”

Press Release

2009-04-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Contact: Amy Florek
617-640-8134
amy@florekpr.com

HOME NOT SELLING?
EXPERT HOME STAGER SHARES TOP TIPS TO GET YOUR HOUSE IN TIP TOP SHAPE

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 6, 2009) – As the all-important spring selling season approaches in an historically slow housing market, sellers need to do all they can to market their home – and that includes staging it to attract and “wow” potential buyers. Home stagers know just the right moves to make to take a house from bland to grand and bring home the biggest return on investment. Their tricks of the trade and answers to common design dilemmas can make all the difference in selling a home – as well as enjoying one.

“Attention to detail throughout the home can make the difference between a house that sells and one that sits on the market,” explains Kate Hart, one of America’s top home stagers and owner of Hart & Associates Staging & Design. “In particular, improvements to the kitchen and bath - the two rooms that sell a home - will always help bring in the buyers.”
Below, Kate Hart shares some easy and effective home improvements that homeowners can do to make a big change without breaking the bank.
Curb Appeal: First impressions are everything, and this has never been truer than in today’s market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.

Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.

Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles and framing your plate glass mirror with a MirrorMate® frame. Easy to install, these frames come in many different finishes and give your bathroom a custom, designer look in minutes.

Bedrooms: Take your bedroom from lived-in to luxurious by creating a headboard that gives your room a more complete look. Measure the width of your bed and determine the height you prefer. Purchase a ¼ inch piece of plywood fitting these dimensions (ask the store to cut if for you) and cover it with 2 inch foam that fits the dimensions you selected. Wrap the foam and plywood with batting that can be purchased from a craft store. Finally staple gun a fabric of your choice around the headboard you’ve created. You can then hang the headboard behind the bed on the wall as if you were hanging a piece or art using “D” rings and hooks or attach it to your bed frame using bolts and washers.

Family Room: Make your fireplace or great view the selling feature, not your entertainment center. Chances are your family room is currently centered around the things you do everyday, such as watch TV. Before showing, rearrange your room to showcase the architectural focal point of your family room.

Dining Room: Keep this room de-cluttered and streamlined so buyers can imagine how they can enjoy this space with their families. Before showing, make sure to remove any knick-knacks and extraneous items from your china cabinet or sideboard. A rule to follow: pack up any items that are smaller than a softball such as salt and pepper shakers, wedding cake toppers, and small figurines.

Living Room: Make sure you are selling your space, not your stuff. Before showing, again, remove any family photos from the mantle, end tables and bookcases. Give this space a less cluttered look by keeping no more than three items per surface. For example, go with a piece of art and a pair of candle sticks on the mantle instead of your favorite collection.

“It’s important to complete all your improvements before your home goes on the market because as the saying goes…you never have a second chance to make a first impression,” continues Hart. “And once the sign goes up, you need to keep up the clean, de-cluttered look because you never know when you’ll have a showing. It just takes one buyer to sell your home.”

ABOUT KATE HART
Kate Hart is a pioneer in the staging field, having helped hundreds of families and realtors prepare homes for sale through her Philadelphia-area company, Hart & Associates Staging & Design. Her design work has been featured in numerous books and national publications, as well as on The Fine Living Network, HGTV Radio and CNN Headline News. Hart was also recently recognized by the Real Estate Staging Association as “Staging Professional of the Year.”

ABOUT MIRRORMATE LLC
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, MirrorMate LLC was founded by Lisa Huntting, who invented the product as a design solution for the four bare mirrors in her own home. The patented design allows the custom-cut frame to tape directly to the mirror currently on the wall, covering clips and channels and fitting seamlessly with any mirror - even if it sits atop a backsplash or runs to the wall or ceiling. MirrorMate comes in over 40 styles, installs in a matter of minutes and gives the bathroom a finished, updated look. As the original and industry leader, MirrorMate frames are patented in the U.S. with additional patents pending in the U.S. and Canada. For product and company information, as well as a demonstration video, please visit http://www.mirrormate.com/.

Star Style: Kelly Ripa’s Dressing Room Done Right

2009-03-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

We’re so excited to share with you a recent project we were a part of. Kelly Ripa’s dressing room at Live with Regis & Kelly was in need of a major makeover and we were asked to help. Talk about bright lights and a big, blank mirror! Decorating mavens from the magazine Ty Pennington at Home worked their magic, updating lighting, furnishings, storage and more. The final touch was a MirrorMate frame in Grandezza Aged Silver to finish off the room’s biggest (95 inches wide to be exact!) focal point. Check out the transformation! http://www.mirrormate.com/buzz/ You can also find it at http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Shelter/Decorating/Ty-Pennington-s-Star-Style.html