Want to add more light to your home? Use mirrors. This was done in bygone eras when homes were darker inside or where the weather made a home feel dreary. Mirrors add brilliance, sparkle and a feeling of luxury to your home, especially if they are beveled and nicely framed. They will  make your home feel larger as they will reflect the opposite wall giving the room the appearance of more depth. Some advantages:

• Wide variety of sizes available
• Variety of  price ranges available
  
• Can replace artwork
  
• Available at discount stores as well as antique or high-end stores
  
• Can be fitted to fit any frame
  
• Available in all shapes
• Can be used alone or in groupings
  
• Can be turned into a collection for display
• Can be leaned against a wall or placed on a large ease
• Can be hung over wallpaper or painted surface
• Especially popular over mantels,in foyers,halls and bedrooms
• Look for unusual spots such in front of windows
• Stick onto room dividers for a new look

• Be sure it reflects something attractive (such as woodsy outdoor scenery, greenery,pretty or interesting furniture, or artwork..not the ceiling or a blank wall)
  
  
• If hanging on a wall,place it at a useful height
  
  
• If leaning a mirror, be sure to something (such as cork or rubber grips) to keep it from slipping
  

Creating a Great Wall Grouping
　
Why is hanging wall art in groups such a puzzle to most of us? Before I studied decorating, I always found it extremely frustrating. No matter where I placed things, they always seemed somehow "off" or out of balance. Even a blank wall ended up looking better to me by the time I was done! I will admit, this is still my biggest decorating challenge. After learning the basics below, however, it has become much more enjoyable. 

Proportion :  Never cover more than 2/3 of the available space.

Scale: Keep pictures and frames in scale. Very small pieces hung with large will feel out of place

Shape:  Use a mix of horizontal and vertical shapes, as well as adding other shapes for interest, such as circles or diamond shapes.For more formal rooms, keep the grouping as symetrical as possible,

Unity:   Use on thing to tie it all together visually, such as matching frames, all black and white or all sepia photos.Or use one dominant color throughout. Also a repeating theme of location, time period, or season will work.

Focal Point:  Make one item the focal point, this is usually the largest piece of artwork.

"Cheap Chic was exactly what we needed after moving into our new, downsized home!Susan helped us arrange the furniture and artwork we already had to make a cozy comfortable and attractive living room.She made recommendations for drapes, carpet ,pillows and purchased a lamp we absolutely love. She really helped us bring it together..and all within our budget!" Becky And Barney Doyle (Baldwinsville, NY)

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