Guest Picks: Jewel-Toned Pieces to Treasure
Rich amethyst, sapphire and emerald hues give furniture and accessories for the home a luxurious feel
With Emerald being named Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013 and the runways full of amethyst-, garnet- and jade-colored textiles, it's no surprise that we're seeing more jewel tones in the home. These shades are deep and rich and have a hint of luminescence or shine. They can add drama to a room and work brilliantly for formal and cozy spaces alike by creating a sense of luxury, sophistication and comfort. But if used without care, jewel colors can quickly overpower a room. The selection of jewel-inspired furnishings and accessories here should help you get the balance right. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Purple Jewel Table Lamp Base
One of the easiest ways to incorporate jewel tones into a room is with glamorous glass light fixtures and lamps. I love this amethyst lamp with its dramatic black shade.
Glass Door Knobs
These colored glass knobs are a more subtle way of adding jewel-like accents to your home.
Mercer Tufted Love Seat
If you're ready for a bigger commitment, a sapphire velvet sofa would be a wonderful starting point for a living room scheme. I'd love to see this tufted sofa paired with dark sapphire blue walls and gold accents. Not for the faint-hearted, it is a very sophisticated and timeless way to do jewel tones.
Armen Living Centennial Sofa, Purple
A more cost-conscious version is this amethyst velvet sofa, which would make a stunning central focus for a neutral living room.
Gorgeous Pair of Unique Jade Green Lamps by Gallivanting Girls
Jade has had almost as much attention as emerald in the past year with many vintage jade items appearing in well-dressed homes and beautifully curated collections. I like the retro geometry of this pair of vintage jade lamps.
Square Pillow, Elizabethan Red
If you want to stick with neutral colors for large upholstered pieces, you can add jewel colors with pillows. There's something about an amethyst-colored velvet pillow that just spells luxury and comfort.
Alvar Aalto Votive, Apple Green
If you've coveted the Aalto vase but have been put off by the price, these tiny votives are a great alternative. I love the emerald version for a jewel-inspired scheme.
'Yellow Moritz' Pendant
For a super dramatic statement, this amber pendant is laden with retro Hollywood glamour. It would look spectacular in a dining room — imagine pairing it with emerald walls.
Quartz Crystal Bowl
When I think of crystal, I think of the spiky shards used for candleholders. But this smooth dish, like a carved ice block, is a nice surprise.
Arteriors Ice Faceted Small Midnight Glass/Iron Pendant
This pendant has the faceted look of a cut precious stone, perhaps a very deep ruby or garnet. It's a more modern take on jewel-like lighting.
Not Square Fabric, Margaux
For a custom upholstered piece, I love this Schumacher fabric by Jamie Drake. It's made of velvet with metallic threads to give it that jewel-like luster. With its little squares, this fabric resembles a mass of gorgeous rubies.
Small Jewelled Spoons
A low-commitment way to incorporate jewel tones is with accessories for your table. These teaspoons would be a perfect complement for dessert at the end of a meal.
Starglint Wallpaper, Green
Jewel tones are also a great way to create a rich and colorful space that isn't garish. You can envelope all the walls in these deep shades, and then add light furnishings. I would love to use this emerald wallpaper, with its flashes of gold, in a glamorous dining room.
Mirage Wallpaper, Blue Raspberry
A more modern alternative is this geometric wallpaper in shades of emerald, topaz and gold. The design is reminiscent of cut precious stones and has a retro '70s feel. I imagine it over a glamorous bar area.
Vodka Glasses - Discontinued
I love LSA glass, and these multicolored tumblers are a fun way to inject jewel colors into your table setting.
Bedazzled Leaf Wallcovering, Aqua
Maya Romanoff is known for her extraordinary and decadent wallcoverings that resemble crushed glass or crystal. This range also has a metallic element. It's not for everyday spaces, but if you consider it as art, it would be stunning for a small area of a master suite.
Agate Rug, Amethyst
I have had this rug in my ideabook for months. It's simply stunning. I'd love to create an entire scheme around it. It's one of those rugs that's priced by the square foot, however, so don't expect to get much change from the price of a diamond ring.
Beau Monde Glass Tile, Hex Circle, Tanzanite and Chrysoberyl
Glass mosaic tiles have the sparkle and sheen of precious jewels. Whether you choose art-inspired versions like these Ann Sacks tiles or simple 1-inch by 1-inch mosaics, they would be a great backsplash in a bathroom designed to complement a jewel-toned bedroom.
LSA Inza Vase, Midnight Haze
Or you could simply pick a few jewel-inspired accents and accessorize your home. This sapphire-colored vase has tiny bubbles in the glass to give it that little extra sparkle.
Vitriini Box
These jewelry boxes that look like precious stones are very indulgent. They would make a great gift — for you or for someone else.
Next: Houzz Tour: Jewel Tones, Comfort and Craftsmanship
Next: Houzz Tour: Jewel Tones, Comfort and Craftsmanship