The Alternative Press

As a designer, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. This summer, watching the US Olympic team win countless gold, silver, and bronze medals has inspired me to integrate more metallics, the heart of the Olympic Games, into the spaces I design.

The latest trend in home décor, metallics, are a great way to add instant glamour to your home.  Functional yet stylish, metallics bring life to the spaces I design by reflecting light and opening up small spaces.  The best part about working with metallics is that they are versatile in both shade and style.  Whenever I design with metallics – be it gold, silver, bronze, copper, platinum, or a combination of hues – I can incorporate their shimmering tones in just about any part of the home for a dazzling look.

Traditionally, we associate metallic finishes in the home with lighting and bathroom fixtures, appliances, and kitchen hardware.  And while a great stainless steel refrigerator or satin bronze faucet make the rooms we use most frequently sparkle, metallics can be applied to a multitude of spaces for a touch of elegance not limited to the athletes in the Olympic Games.  Think sophisticated gold throw pillows on your bed, bronze tiles scattered throughout your kitchen backsplash, a pewter coffee table in your living room, or a silver metallic backed grasscloth on your dining room walls or ceiling!  Complement any room in your home with a bit of metallic and let your creativity shine.

Or, if you have a specific style in mind, incorporate metallic finishes into your design to enhance the mood you want to evoke.  For a taste of old-world charm, install a copper tub or sink in your bathroom.  For a contemporary edge, decorate your powder room with a bold geometric wall covering and polished chrome fixtures.  Or if you’re going for a classic look, add an aged-brass nailhead trim to a leather chair or ottoman.  Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add simple elegance, the possibilities when designing with metallics are endless!

View my “metallic” board on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/designervl