We Answer Wednesday - Mixing Metallics without going over board

"I love the sparkle and shine of metallics but I'm worried about going over board with the look.  Any tips?"

The sparkle, shine and texture of metallics gives any room an instant boost of luxury and glamour but you are correct, you need to find the right balance.

1.  Softness.  So metallics have a distinct shiny quality and they have a hard and smooth texture, so balance that out with some softer textures.  Try adding some cashmere knits, velvet, and wool to counter balance the hard quality of metallics.

 

2. Neutral.  Metallics can really add a punch to a room and they are timeless so don't get too crazy with your palette.  a few pops of colour is a nice touch but we really love pairing metallics (one metallic or a mix) with a neutral back drop and don't forget those soft textures!

 

3. Classic.  Keep it classic when it comes to metallics - brass, silver and gold are totally chic and timeless.  Sure, copper is cool right now but it tends to float in and out of fashion.

4. Mix.  Keep it modern by mixing your metallics.  Like wood, metallics go with metallics.  So play around with  the finishes. But we really recommend sticking with the same colour metal but we like to see chrome mixed with brushed nickle and satin nickle same goes for the golden tones.

5. Small. New to metallics? Start with small steps - some smaller decor pieces on a tray or bookcase and build it from there.

 

Metallics are a great addition to add some sophistication to a space and they can also make a room look and feel larger and brighter.  That reflective surface allows the light to bounce around the whole room plus it adds sophistication and glamour to a room.

We Answer Wednesday - Update a Black and White Room

"I live in an open concept condo space.  I chose a black and white theme - it's timeless and stylish but also easy but I'm in need of a bit of an update.  How can I keep my main theme of black and white - what are some easy updates to my theme?"

You are so right that black and white are timeless and of course, chic! We love a black and white decor scheme but every now and then no matter the theme, an update is in need.

When it comes to an easy and affordable update you need to stick with what you currently have and just add to it. The good news is you don't need to add a lot to make this change. The even better news for you is that black and white work with just about everything and you have an endless supply of ideas - it really just comes down to what works for YOU!

Here are some ideas....

GOLD.  Adding a touch of gold to a black and white room just gives the whole space some extra glam and luxury. this about gold pillows, lamps, art and accessories.  Even just the smallest touch of gold can go a long way.  Gold never goes out of style but right now is it hot, so you will see gold everywhere!
If gold isn't for you, try silver or rose gold. The gold and rose gold add warmth and a touch of glam to a space the silver is a bit sleeker but all of them work


 

 

COLOUR. Because black and white are classic neutrals - they 'go' with everything! So add a pop of colour - red is a classic combination with black and white.  If you want to try something a bit different try something equally bold like bright pink, turquoise or lime green.  This looks great in a contemporary style. This pillows and art for a colour injection!



PASTEL. Rose quartz is the hot colour for 2016, so add it to your black and white motif.  You don't need a lot to make a splash. And even though this colour is soft and subtle it really makes a statement.  We love mixing some solid pastels with pattern black and white.



FUR. Texture is another great way to add a designer look to a room and fur is another hot textile this year.  We opt for faux options - it's friendlier, easier to clean and you have a ton of possibilities.  what we really like about mixing fur and black/white is that you are once again playing with neutrals so you can choose a white fur, black, grey even beige - it all works! We are seeing fur used in many ways - area rugs, throws, pillows, full blankets, poofs and ottomans.  Don't over do it - just one fur elements can do wonders!



 PATTERN.  Too many solids in one space can look flat, so mix it up with some prints and patterns.  Don't be afraid to mix your patterns - it's so chic! Patterns are best on items that are accent pieces - think pillow and rugs.  Keep the other elements in the room like the main furniture pieces, wall colour and drapery pretty basic if this is a look you want to explore.



When it comes to 'playing' with your black and white palette you can mix a lot of these, so add a touch of metallic, some fur and a pinch of colour. Find the balance that works for you!

The Golden Rule : How To Decorate with Gold

For 2016, GOLD is hot!  We saw this metallic used in home decor in 2015 but this coming year it will be everywhere. Gold is a great way to add some shine to your space but it also can add a touch of glamour or tradition depending on how you use it.  One of the great things about gold is that it works with every colour.  Paired with navy, black, white or cream it is a classic but try getting a little 'edgy' by pairing it with pinks, aqua, grey and prints.

when you think gold in the home you probably think fixtures like hardware, plumbing and lighting but think again....gold can be used in many other ways.


We love gold in this bedroom.  A touch of glam, modern and tradition.  The touch of gold in the hardware and the lamp base adds some sparkle and shine.  Adding these gold elements to the high lacquer and clean lined gives the room a bit of a clean modern feel.



 You don't have to go overboard when it comes to gold.  A few touches here and there really go a long way.  We love the gold edging on this coffee table and bar cart.



Re-think gold in your light fixtures.  We love this pendant.  The modern lines and angles make it simple but still interesting and having it in gold...adds some simple glamour.


Look at frames in your home, mirrors or photos, a touch of gold adds some bling and personality to any room.  We love the gold frame mirror in this powder room


 Pillows in a gold finish is so glamorous and gorgeous!  Pair is with some texture and voila! - instantly chic!



Make a statement with bold, gold art! We love the mix of shades of pink, beige, white and gold.  Girly and fun!




Gold accessories on a coffee table, bookcase or mantel - elegant and modern.  Look for bowls, vases and candle sticks in gold for a touch of glam.




Gold furniture  is so sophisticated and modern.  We love this gold base with glass top paired with upholstered chairs.  It's the perfect balance of traditional and modern.