• Coveted

On reflection

Sculptural mirrors and reflective surfaces are having a moment. To counter the rise of raw minimalism and a more pared-back, considered style of luxury (think Belgian maestro Vincent van Duysen and French designer Joseph Dirand) we’re seeing a rise in sculptural, shiny surfaces.

 

The ideal manifestation of this desire for imaginative form and shine is the humble mirror. From the rock ‘n’ roll vibes of Ettore Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror — originally crafted in 1970 for Poltronova — to more unique pieces such as the 70s-era mirrored furniture pieces by American designer Paul Evans, a mirror is a simple yet incredibly effective way to not only update a home but also bounce more natural light around to illuminate darker rooms and create the illusion of more space for those cosier living areas. Following are just some of our favourite mirrors right now.

 

Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass

A current Instagram favourite Sottsass’s 1970 Ultrafragola (ultra strawberry) mirror is witnessing a revival thanks to a whole new generation of design (and selfie-loving) obsessives. The incorporation of a soft neon light into its wavy, rose-coloured opaline acrylic surround is nothing short of genius.

 

Anything reflective by Paul Evans

The American designer came to renown in the 1970s as part of the American Craft Movement. His works range from sculptural metallic pieces in the Brutalist style to disco-esque mirrored tables, cabinets and even bed and desk combinations. Lenny Kravitz is a fan as is esteemed Milanese gallerist, Nina Yashar.

 

Scandanavian art mirrors

Combine mirrors with the joy of colour and the result is the Scandanavian art mirror — a whole new movement currently sweeping Instagram feeds. While coloured mirrors are hardly new — see Studio Roso’s iridescent mirrors for Fritz Hansen — we’re loving these graphic delights from young Danish influencer Simone Noa Hedal. She says “We live in a selfie-culture where art needs to be shareable. This is also why I think more artists are engaging with mirrors as ‘canvases’.”