Decorating Ideas
Brass, Bronze & Beyond: How to Mix Metallics
Posted on August 30th, 2019 by Hannah.
Like in fashion, the traditional rules of interior design are made to be broken — especially in this modern age of freewheeling creativity, bold boundary-pushing, and deliberate individuality in our homes’ decor. Challenge the old guard of uniform colors and materials by incorporating a whole spectrum of metallic hues and finishes. “All the best designers know there’s no magic in being matchy-matchy — and that policy is true for metals as well as bedroom sets. Instead of agonizing over the “right” metallic finish, consider mixing them up,”
says House Beautiful editor Nikhita Mahtani.Read below for more tips from the experts, and
Stowers’ own picks for metallic furnishings big and small, all designed to mix and match with abandon in any style of home.
Supersized Shine
“First things first – remember that metallics aren’t only actual metals,”
notes LuxDeco’s design blog. “Metallic tones can be found in just about anything you can think of – artwork, églomisé glass, embroidered curtains, wall coverings and (especially) upholstery – so keep that as an option if you’re looking to try this look.” Destined to be your living room’s newest statement piece,
this sumptuous sofa from Marge Carson’s MC Avenue collection covers multiple metallic bases, from the gold-tinged effect of the upholstery and gleaming jacquard throw pillows, to the aged gold leaf and bronze star nailhead trims. If your design aesthetic leans in a more modern direction, opt for pieces with cleaner, contemporary lines. Stainless steel and brass come together in unexpected harmony in the chain-inspired pedestal design of
Chaddock’s Nicos Round Cocktail Table, while the
Quantum Media Console by Sligh showcases bronze mirror details against a backdrop of mahogany veneer and rich nutmeg hardwoods.
Flashes of Style
Little details go a long way in elevating the entire look and feel of a room. “If you’re too scared to go all out with finishes, it’s always a good idea to start small—but don’t go the basic route by just picking two colors on one hanging light fixture and calling it a day. Instead, try using accessories to give your home the punch it needs, without too much commitment,”
Mahtani explains. As far as lighting goes, we’re not ones to discount the impact of a sparkling chandelier. A Stowers showroom favorite,
Uttermost produces a wide range of hanging fixtures artfully crafted from
silvery Swedish iron,
burnished gold metal, and
dark antique and weathered bronze.
And the family-owned brand doesn’t stop there: Uttermost’s decorative accessories are something to behold. “When using metals, don’t forget to consider texture. Texture can make all of the difference in a space with mixed metals. Combine matte, polished, and hammered finishes to create a visually rich atmosphere,”
Kathy Kuo Home’s Calvin Claudio describes. Play up the textural diversity in your home by adorning your walls with a
hand-forged and hand-hammered metal mirror that’s finished with antique gold leaf, juxtaposed with the geometric lines of
these cutout iron panels.
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