According to designer Natalie Kraiem, there's no such thing as "too much" when incorporating shiny things, as long as you keep one thing in mind.
By Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, ELLE DECOR
Just a touch of glimmering metal can make a space infinitely and instantly more glamorous. Too many metallics, on the other hand, and your home could end up feeling like a hall of mirrors. While designer Natalie Kraiem says there is no such thing as "too much" when it comes to incorporating metallics into your decor, there is an art to striking the right balance.
Here are her 5 tips on going for the gold, without going overboard.
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Here are her 5 tips on going for the gold, without going overboard.
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Soften it out.
The trick with using metallic pieces and mirrors in a single space is to mix them with different, softer textures to balance them out, Kraiem says. "I love mixing in textures like mohair, velvet, and wool to let the metallic accents contrast and stand out on their own.
Keep the palette neutral.
When incorporating a lot of metallic pieces into a room, you'll want to keep the color scheme fairly subdued. According to Kraiem, brass pairs nicely with darker colors such as black, navy and even purple or other jewel tones, while chrome, stainless and satin go nicely with more modern palettes such as gray, white and blue.
Mix it up.
[post_ads]It's an age-old design debate, but Kraiem says mixing metals and finishes can be done to a stylish effect. "I like mixing polished brass with sterling silver and chrome," she says. But generally speaking, you'll want to use the same color metal (for example, gold) in different textures or finishes (polished brass, brushed brass, gold leaf, etc.). Mixing chrome with other silver metals such as brushed nickel or satin nickel, is another way to go.
Stick with the classics.
Although copper is having a moment in kitchens and lighting right now -- it's especially cool in a hammered texture, Kraiem notes -- brass, chrome, silver or gold leaf are timeless.
Start small.
While Kraiem says she loves a metallic ceiling or a shiny papered wall, accessories are the best way to introduce metallics into your space. (Try an antique silver tea set or tray, for instance.) "They're easy to change out or move around the room to find the perfect balance," she says. More permanent pops of metallic can also be incorporated in small doses -- Kraiem currently has her eye on a stunning hammered metal sink for a powder room, and says she's been using a gold mosaic tile in a herringbone pattern as a kitchen backsplash for some time.
When in doubt, just go for it. "I like to incorporate metallic pieces and mirrors into
every project," Kraiem says. "They reflect light and many times open up a space." And they almost always give a dull space a more interesting and unexpected touch, she adds.
See more at: ELLE DECOR
When in doubt, just go for it. "I like to incorporate metallic pieces and mirrors into
every project," Kraiem says. "They reflect light and many times open up a space." And they almost always give a dull space a more interesting and unexpected touch, she adds.
See more at: ELLE DECOR
