Decorating Guides
Metal Mixology
Multiple Metallics Give a Room Layers of Interest
There was a time when mixing metals, whether in home decor or jewelry, was considered a faux pas. While the idea still meets resistance from some, designs that employ a strict rule of not mixing metals often fall a bit flat. Whether you choose to take a subtle approach by pairing small chrome drawer pulls with antiqued bronze doorknobs, or go bold by combining an oversized copper light fixture with a silvery mirrored table, mixing and matching metals is a sure-fire way to bring a layered richness to any space.
Introduce some shimmer with a brassy ceiling. This unexpected dose of glamour — above gray bedding and window coverings and a silver-speckled rug — makes the space exciting.
Stress-free metal mixing: Install wallpaper with a gorgeous silver and bronze motif, and the rest of the room falls into place.
An oversized polished copper pendant in the dining area contrasts beautifully with the chrome chair legs and cabinet pulls. In the kitchen, the oil-rubbed bronze of the pendants introduces a dark metal that works well with the espresso wood furniture.
While not exactly gold, these sunny yellow accents balance the cool silver walls, rug and toss pillows. This is an easy look to achieve: Simply bring some bright yellow flowers into your home to offset pale gray walls!
It's in the details: little bursts of gold in the light fixture, waste basket, mirror frame and votive contrast beautifully with the silver-leaf wallpaper.
A variety of textures and patterns are at work here to create an enticing, multi-layered space. The bronze accents in the fireplace and picture frames warm up the cooler elements in the room, including the gray curtains, seagrass rug and cotton ticking upholstery on the chair.
Gray walls, goldenrod curtains and artwork work that brings it all together: perfection!
What is it with silvery furniture that screams GLAM? Go all the way with a sheen on all surfaces: curtains, chest, walls, lamp and shade and garden stool.
Plush bronze curtains behind the headboard cozy up the icy chrome and grays in this multi-layered bedroom. A wall of off-the-shelf curtains is an affordable way to add instant luxury. With its gray base, silver is an easy hue to build on: All tones of bronze or gold will look beautiful when paired with it, so have no fear!
The silvery leather upholstery and chair frame interacts with the antique gold on the picture frame to evoke an Old World-Hollywood Glam feel.
Mixing metal doesn't have to be a bold choice. Here bronze is the predominant accent color, but a slightly silver patterned pillow ties the whole look together, uniting bright white and warm metals.
More:
Taking Home the Gold
A Little Sparkle, a Little Shine
Great Ways With Silver Leaf
More:
Taking Home the Gold
A Little Sparkle, a Little Shine
Great Ways With Silver Leaf