Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, whose is the fairest kitchen of all? Sometimes, the fairest kitchens are those that use reflective or mirrored elements in their design. In addition to reflecting light and adding a bit of shimmer, they also add texture and a contemporary splash of style.

Add Mirrored Elements to Your Chicago Kitchen Design Ideas

While a real mirror can be an enhancement (See Number 1), most mirrored elements are less "mirrored" than that - using reflective qualities to lend a gentler, but noticeable, effect.

1. Use a real mirror. Do you live in an older building, a townhouse, condo, or in a kitchen without a window? Think about hanging a real mirror on a wall where a window would have been - perhaps above the sink or between a bank of upper-cabinets.
   
   
2. Pounded metal or copper. Pounded metal or copper makes a great backsplash material. You can use it as a solid piece or for a big section, depending on the look you want. If you use it as a section of backsplash, consider adding matching accent tiles sporadically in the adjacent backsplash pattern. The pounded look protects you from having to maintain a perfect finish, and also softens the reflective quality.
   
   
3. Mirror backsplash tiles. There are so many different types of mirrored tiles that you can go in different directions with this one. In design magazines and Houzz-type resources, you may be entranced with the idea of a solid mirrored backsplash. We don't recommend this, however. Unless your kitchen is never used - it's impossible to keep it looking that way. Instead, consider using mosaic mirror tiles, or use antiqued mirrored squares that are set on the diagonal. In both of those examples, you'll get all the glimmer and visual benefits of mirrors but with a reasonable amount of cleaning and maintenance responsibility.
   
   
4. Mirrored cabinet doors inserts. Consider dressing up a few, relevant cabinet doors with mirrored inserts. In a small kitchen, this will make the kitchen seem larger while simultaneously tricking the eye into thinking the cabinets are glass. We find this look works best on narrow cabinet doors, or double cabinet doors. Again, the addition of panes or antiquing help to minimize the cleaning ritual and keep them a little more interesting. Smoked mirrors are another fun option.
   
   
5. Metallic subway tiles. Subway tile layouts are a timeless design element. When you pair that timeless look with a modern finish, you double the effect. Another bonus of using metallic subway tiles is that they will always match whatever color scheme you have going on in the kitchen - no need to tear out or redo your backsplash when you repaint cabinets or walls.
   
   
6. Metal cabinet doors. Metal can be used to enhance kitchen cabinetry, from aluminum and stainless steel options to galvanized panels that are framed with wood. In all cases, metal accents yield a more reflective quality that traditional cabinet materials lack without a high-gloss finish.

Looking for unique Chicago kitchen design ideas? Work with Kitchens & Baths Unlimited. We will help you design the kitchen that is just right for you.

Photo Credit: Houzz.com/Humphrey Munson