U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team star, Megan Rapinoe, and wife, WNBA player Sue Bird have unveiled their retirement retreat, and it’s just as cool as the sports power couple. The ultra-chic apartment was created by A-List interior designer Mark Grattan who took to Instagram to show off his impressive work on the Manhattan apartment.
Mark’s post shows himself, Megan, and Sue perched on a sectional upholstered in leather and Van Gogh-esque yellow florals with a long glass coffee table in front of them in the couple’s living room. On their right, light streams into the room through an enviably large window. However, one thing stands out the most in the Elle Decor photoshoot: the extra large mirror, made custom for the couple by Mark Grattan. We consulted the experts to hear their thoughts on this unique living room idea.
Interior designers love that the extra large mirror adds space to the soccer and basketball star’s space. ‘When strategically placed, extra large mirrors can create an illusion of depth which is great for making smaller spaces look larger’ says Swati Goorha, the internationally recognized interior designer at Swati Goorha Designs. Ivo Iv of Decor Home Ideas adds that ‘When you place a mirror—mainly a large one – in your living area, it's like magic, with your space instantly appearing more expansive and airy. Large mirrors have a knack for tricking the eye, conjuring an illusion of depth and spaciousness even in the most cramped quarters. Especially when decorating an apartment in a place like New York City, emphasizing the space is very important. A living room mirror is an excellent idea.
Swati Goorha holds an MS in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She has designed residences and commercial spaces all over the country from coast to coast. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Pro designers also admire the way the large mirror brightens Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s space. ‘When put across from a light source like a window mirrors can bring light to an otherwise dark corner. Mirrors are also a great way to reflect a favorite art or a piece of value’ says Swati. Large mirrors aren't just about aesthetics; they're brilliant players in optimizing light. For instance, if you've got a room that tends to be shadowy or lacks direct sunlight, a well-positioned mirror can be a game-changer. By strategically placing a large mirror, you can maximize the limited natural light and create a warmer, more inviting ambiance’ adds Ivo Iv. Both designers emphasize the importance of cleaning the mirror often, to keep the living room looking sleek.
Ivo is an interior design and lighting expert and the owner of the blog Decor Home Ideas. He has a master's degree in electrical engineering which he incorporates into his home lighting projects. He is an expert in interior decor, gardening, and lighting design.
The extra large mirror is just one of the chicest features in this gorgeous apartment, and we hope to see more of the home in the future. Shop the edit below to recreate Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s look.
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