Inspiration begets inspiration. The wainscot-to-ceiling, multiple-mirrored wall in Bluestem’s bar has been a signature of the restaurant since it first opened. When Megan and Colby Garrelts were planning the launch, interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s parrot-green lobby wall at The Viceroy in Santa Monica, California, was pinned to their inspiration board. Wearstler’s version was all white-painted rectangular frames in various sizes. The Garrelts’ interpretation in Bluestem is more rustic-chic. “At the time we needed an inexpensive way to fill the wall because art was not in our opening budget,” Megan Garrelts says. “I purchased all the mirrors from a couple of Westport-area antique stores, the Mission Road Antique Mall, and a couple of places in Harrisonville, Missouri.” The trend has staying power. Both Rye Leawood and Rye Plaza have eclectic mirror collections too.
Here are a few ways to take it and make it your own.
ARCH RIVAL
(Left) Put a window where there was none. At 34-inches by 54-inches, this white-washed fir-wood mirror can light up a dark corner. Two side-by-side—even better. $225, J’adore Home and Garden (Brookside)
ROUND ABOUT
(Center) Bernhardt’s Arabica is a generously sized (44-inch diameter) beveled mirror framed in solid ash with a slightly washed finish. The three-dimensional ribbed border makes it even more of a focal point. $689, Seville Home (Leawood)
GUILTY PLEASURE
(Right) The delicate, hand-carved frame on the antique French mirror has a softly worn gilt finish that reflects your good taste. Truly a one-of-a-kind statement. $895, Pear Tree Design & Antiques (Crestwood Shops)