We Answer Wednesday - How to Include Metal stools in My Decor style

“I LOVE the look of metal stools in the kitchen when I am flipping through magazines. For my own home, I worry that they will be cold, and won’t fit with my décor style. Are metal stools only for industrial décor?”

 

Great question!! Metal stools are definitely everywhere these days and for good reason! They are stylish, easy to clean and super versatile. The great thing about metal stools is that there isn’t just one kind.. they come in many different colours, styles, dimensions and go with a variety of décor. They are not limited to one décor style.

 

Decorating with the “unexpected” is often a welcome addition to your space.. having every single piece resemble one another can look boring and typical. By adding in metal stools in your mostly wood home, or into a mostly white room, or adding a pop of colour in another wise monochromatic space keeps your home looking interesting, and most importantly, personalized. You are the one who lives there, so its important that you love what you have inside. This should be a reflection of your personality.

 

Remember, you don’t have to do ‘full’ metal. If you like the look of metal, but are nervous how it will blend into your home, then buy something with another texture. Maybe some wood detailing.. or a fabric seat with metal legs. Be creative! Buy what you love.

 

Another positive of using metal in your home.. is that it is super easy to keep clean. Just wipe and go. If you are a busy family with children, you don’t have to worry about them staining any upholstery. Metal is fantastic for kitchen chairs as well, for the same reasons.

 

Having metal stools in fun colours is another fabulous and family friendly look. Children typically love colour, adding different colours into your space is a fantastic way to freshen up your space.

 

Blending styles is easier than you think! Of course, there are definitely styles that don’t jive as well together. Modern and Traditional pieces don’t typically go as well as say country and rustic. Adding some rustic pieces to your contemporary décor is an easy transition. Having an eclectic space is another easy style to blend pieces together. If you add in metal, add some elsewhere as well. Even just adding a metal accessory to tie the textures together will make it look planned and on purpose.  the image below is a great example of tying in some common threads, the metal legs on the stool pair beautifully with the metallic back splash tiles and with the metal pitcher on the counter. Having some commonality in your space always helps to give that ‘designer look’ you see in magazines.

 

Knock on wood - wood accents for the home

I love the look and feel of wood.  It adds warmth and character to any space.  Wood doesn't have to look country or rustic, you can certainly use wood in a more modern space.  Here are some of my favourite wood pieces....

This 1950s Tractor Stool from Restoration Hardware adds some warmth but sculptural feel to a kitchen.  It would look great in a light or dark kitchen adding texture, visual interest and some personality



This cube/stool is so versatile and it's reclaimed!  It could easily be used as an end table or even in multiples as a coffee table.  It has a rustic feel because of the strong grain and texture but the simplicity it has a modern twist. And it is made in Canada



This table is a marriage of modern and rustic.  The simple lines, the grain and the metal legs make this table shine in any space.  Pair it with a more modern chair in a metal, upholstered or a plastic material.



I love this chair and it also comes in black.  It's a perfect captain's chair in a dining room when paired with a modern glass or metal table but it also looks great in a smaller bedroom or a workspace.  The material has a rustic feel but the lines make it contemporary and cool.






If you love the look of hardwood and want it everywhere including wet spaces, check out these tiles that look and feel like wood.  I was concerned that they might come across as cheap but they look amazing installed and really add that warmth to the room that you expect from hardwood. And like hardwood there are different 'stains', sizes and levels of grain.  I love this tile as it gives a bathroom a true Nature Spa look and feel...



I love wood accents that are also practical not just beautiful!  look for great kitchen accessories in wood and not just wooden spoons.  Look for stunning fruit bowls, salad bowls, trays and more....





If these wood pieces are too rustic for your taste and you want some nature in your home but you want a sleeker look - why not display it as art on your walls?
I love these Birch Prints from West Elm.

             

Alternative Seating Arrangements

With everyone going condo crazy , now more than ever we need some great seating alternatives that are fun and functional.

Here are some of my favourites:

I'm IN LOVE with this BDOJA chair by Amaya Guitierrez.  It's kind of pricey but when you see how much handy work is involved you will understand why.  This chair is just the essence of slouchy comfort but it also looks incredibly cool.  Picture this in the corner of your condo...perfect on rainy days while you kick back and watch some old favourites on your flat screen.  This will be the chair that your guests fight over...

Another favourite of mine and it's great for kids too.  I'm actually looking to purchase a few for my kids' playroom. The Fatboy...  they come in some many colours - it's hard to choose.  Plus, another bonus for moms and dads they are easy to clean.  But these would also be a great alternative to the bedroom chair, a fun over sized bean bag.

The classic ghost chair is perfect for a dining room, it's elegant, chic and called a 'ghost' because it's invisible yet it offers seating.  the ghost chair comes in clear plastic and a few colours but also stainless steel.  It looks great with a very contemporary table or a rustic one of reclaimed wood.



Don't forget about stools - I love the utilitarian look of this stool, it's so industrial and functional.  This is great for smaller spaces too because it is backless it really takes up less space.  I added these in my sister's home and they look amazing.  Instead of using them at her breakfast bar, we put them aside in her living room - they can be used as extra surface space and when more guests arrive just pull them away from the wall.

Another incredible stool has a really functional look about it but it's high polished.  I used these not too long ago in a kitchen in a loft style condo and they are loved by everyone!!  And I know they look really uncomfortable but they are just the opposite.  If you love this stool but have no need for one, they come in a chair too.

If you are a lover of nature and want to bring the outdoors inside there are some many choices.  If you want a modern and natural look, I love the Denmark Chair.  It's so sculptural and curvy and the natural wood tone is just stunning.  This chair looks great with a rustic table or a streamlined one, and if you really want to show off these fabulous chairs go with a glass table.  It also comes in a stool model too.

what goes around comes back around...that goes for home fashion too.  This Supernatural chair is very 60's mod.  It's a white plastic and has a curvature about it.  It looks great with glass, black or espresso or a natural wood tone.  The price is fantastic, too.



What ever you choose make it fun and memorable.  There are so many options to choose from too.  So get creative and make your space really yours.