the color lab blog

Juliet reflected in wall mirror from Target. (sold out but here's a similar one)

Mirrors aren't just designed for reflecting. They're also the perfect solution for making a space feel larger and brighter. Decorating walls with mirrors really gives you an edge when it comes to adding a new dimension to the rooms in your home!

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

Jacuko Decorative Wall Mirror

 

The possibilities of decorating with mirrors go beyond seeing what we look like as we head out the door. The latest home decor trends show that decorating walls with mirrors is not just practical, it's also a very effective way to interject your style economically but a necessity. Mirrors are often an inexpensive fix for the need for an energy shift. The strategic placement of mirrors in one place or another can have a dramatic effect on how large a room seems or even how open and light-filled a room can be.

Everything depends on the size, style, color, shape, natural light of the room. And also the function that the mirror really has to play in that space. Sometimes they are simply there to make the place bigger and others to multiply the sensation of light. Yet, others are only mirrors to look at, but full of style and in harmony with us and our home.

 

 

 

ironsmithn Wall Mirror

 

Using a mirror decoratively is actually treating it like a piece of art. When selecting a position for it, select an area that really shows it off to best attributes. Unlike a picture, though, a mirror's reflection needs to be carefully considered – that reflection will, in effect become a piece of art in itself. So, if you can position your mirror to reflect a beautiful view, fabulous architecture or a wonderful light fixture, you have mastered the art of decorating with wall mirrors.

Below, I've listed nine wall mirrors that can transform your home with a simple placement. You want your home to be special and each corner to have its own personality? Shop my product board!

 

 

 

1.  Harlequin Capsule Mirror - Jonathan Adler

2.  Sumatran Crescents Round Mirror - The MET Store

3.  Zorigs Wall Mirror - Amazon

4.  Ophelia Blue Coral Round Mirror - Belle & June

5.  Elise Mirror - Bloomingdales

6.  Empire Art Direct Rectangular Beveled Mirror - Macy’s

7.  DecorShore Bohemian Rainbow Rhapsody Wall Mirror - Amazon

8.  Surfa Chateaux Mirror - Bloomingdales

9.  Safavieh Round Cup Mirror - Macy’s

 

Have a colorful day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of redecorating for the New Year or just love home decor? You'll enjoy this list dedicated to colorful living at home!

• Superstar singer/songwriter, Alicia Keys' home in California is a wildly dreamy 'marvel'. (Architectural Digest)

• These water-based interior paints are formulated without the toxic carbon-based solvents. The company was founded by an interior designer that has a unique try-before-you-buy process plus color palettes that are dreamy. (CLARE)

• I believe a stunning, strategically placed floor covering can change the dynamic of a room faster than any other design element. (The Color Lab Blog)

• You may not immediately think of your kitchen as one of the first rooms in your home that needs an uplift but some of these kitchen ideas may have you rethinking color as vibe changer. (Real Homes)

• This glass as fine art gives the everyday flower vase new and luxurious meaning.

• Get ready for Spring lunches and brunches with these tableware accessories that will make your place settings warm, light and airy. (The MET Store)

• This super functional couch comes in more than 10 colors which makes it almost impossible to not find a shade you love. (Macy's)

• It's not lost on me that this talented 9-year old wallpaper designer and I share a first name, albeit spelled a little differently. (House Beautiful)

• Sconces have never been a home decor/design element that I felt particularly moved by until I saw these bejeweled beauties. (Jonathan Adler)

• This is a magical house. (The Melrose Gallery)

BONUS: The remarkable story of how the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument came to be. (Architectural Digest)

 

 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

Food tastes better when it is colorful. It just does! We eat with our mouths AND eyes so what food "looks" like impacts the flavor. And there's interesting research behind this phenomenon. Whether you believe there's a color/food connection or not, think of it this way: would you even take a bite of a blue apple? Here are some colorful links to satisfy the foodie in you:

1.  I'm not sure eating square food is any healthier than eating food in it normal form but this company seems to think we need to rethink the shape of things. (DesignTaxi)

2.  If you bake, you will surely want to get your hands on this plant-based food dye for all of your cupcake frosting needs. (Amazon)

3.  This piece on "the year in snacks" is in no way practical but it is good for a couple of chuckles. (Grub Street)

4. Who knew the color of egg yolks makes a difference in the quality of pasta? (Broken Palate)

5.  I didn't realize that the already pretty perfect croissant was up for reinvention but change is good, I guess.  (Food & Wine)

6.  The uber-colorful dinnerware and serveware from this brand automatically elevates your table setting game. (Amazon)

7.  I'm also obsessed with this colorful cookware that is super high quality and makes your kitchen look like you've mastered the joy of cooking. (Macy's)

8.  This beautiful vegan cookbook is jam-packed with soulful, Southern inspired recipes and food history that even non-vegans, like myself can greatly appreciate. (Amazon)

9.  Those of us who miss going to great restaurants for memorable meals may not realize the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the entire industry. Here are a few ways to help support restaurants and their workers.

10.  Did you know that I have a collection of colorful food recipes created by me and my Home Chef Extraordinaire (the love of my life) on the blog? 

 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

This drink is the holiday season in a glass! I actually made this cocktail for the first time a few months ago when the weather was still warm and we were still sipping iced teas and lemonade. When I asked my taste testers to try it out, the comments I got back contained words like "festive", "christmas-y" and oddly, "ring the jingle bells". 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

When I had my first taste, I immediately felt transported into a warm family room filled with people I love chatting and laughing and waiting for the "big bird" to come out of the oven. While in reality, the group I'm hosting this year will be bigger than last, it still won't be the grand size of gatherings in the past as we continue to find our way in the ongoing pandemic.

 

 

One thing that is for sure, I will be serving this delightful cocktail to my guests, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. It's the holiday thing to do.

Try the recipe below and watch the HOW-TO video on Pinterest to get into the spirit!

Juliet's Cranberry Pomegranate Martini

makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS

• ice
• 2 oz. Seedlip Garden 108 or cranberry vodka
• 3/4 oz. Monin Pomegranate Syrup
• 3 oz. cranberry juice
• 1 thinly cut lime slice
• pomegranate seeds

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Chill a martini glass.
2. Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker in order listed.
3. Cap, shake and strain into chilled serving glass.
4. Add sliced lime and pomegranate seeds to garnish and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

'Tis the season for anything pumpkin! Spice lattes, jack 'o lanterns and pie all reign supreme during the Fall season and for good reason.

Not only are they one of the most colorful vegetables available, they are rich in vitamins and minerals and full of flavor. 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

So to honor this lovely time of year, I'm bringing you a cocktail with 5 ingredients that's just right for celebrating all things Autumn.

As always, my recipe for Iced Pumpkin Cider below is non-alcoholic but feel free to add spirits to suit your taste! Watch my how-to video below!

 

 

 

Juliet's Iced Pumpkin Cider

makes 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS

• ice
• 2 oz. Ritual Whiskey Alternative or your favorite whiskey
• 3/4 oz. Monin Pumpkin Pie Syrup
• 1/4 oz. Monin Cinnamon Bun Syrup
• 4 oz. apple cider
• 1 lemon wedge (squeeze and discard)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 pc. star anise

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill serving glass full of ice.
2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
3. Pour mixture into mixing tin and back into serving glass to mix.
4. Add garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise.
5. Serve and enjoy!