Gotta Love No. 38 - Mixing Metals

It's all about application. About seeing something we like and applying it to our surroundings. Mixing metals is just that. Nature showed us the beauty in mixed metals in quartz and granite. Commerce showed us the luster of mixed metals with coins of silver and gold. Goldsmiths have been showing us the wonder of mixed metals for centuries. And thus the inspirational application of mixed metals into our homes evolved.

Whether subtle as in mixing a gold framed mirror with a silver chandelier or saturating our entire room, mixed metals are stunning.

Mixing metals does not, by design rules, have to include baroque influences. Nor does it take an alchemist's skill to achieve. Quite simply it is being inspired to mix to your heart's content.

To be obvious about the mix or not.

 To throw matchy matchy rules to the wind.

To love e-v-e-r-y piece in our room. Even if it doesn't match. Sooner or later we all learn when it comes to interpreting who we are in our room there are no rules, no do's and don'ts.

Gotta love mixing metals. 

Image Sources: Pinterest, Houzz, Better Homes & Garden, Decor Pad, Hooker Furniture

When It Could be a Don't No. 5 - The Signature Piece

Often it is thought that a room's design should be dictated around the signature piece that is selected as the start of the room. Why? I think this approach buries the signature piece, letting it become just another piece in the room.

If is to remain a signature piece then it needs to stand out. Be a contrast to everything else in the room. Be a piece used because it holds special meaning. It defines us, not the design of our room.

So if your taste is minimal and sleek and your signature piece is a vintage corner cabinet just because of its simplicity - don't change your design aesthetic. Use the vintage corner cabinet as your signature piece in the minimal and sleek room! 

There are times when we are drawn to a piece that is outside our personal style. We can't determine why, it just grabs us. Don't pass it by. It can be your signature piece mixed with your personal style. After all, opposites attract!

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Pinterest

Rooms I Love No. 12 - Outside the Box

Rooms I Love No. 12 is all about thinking outside the box. Actually, not just thinking outside the box, but literally getting outside the box. I love the stories in these rooms.

I love the simplicity that underlies the design of these rooms. Take away the stories layered within these rooms and see just how simple the architecture and the paint color.

It truly is about bringing in the things we love and then layering in more things we love.

Image Sources:  Elle Decor, Hadley Court, Rooms That Inspire, Kelly Wearstler, My Notting Hill, Veranda

Well Dressed Home No. 43 - Newel Post

There is a legend that most call urban. A legend that has a romance to it that causes one to hope for its truth. Legend has it that in the Victorian Era when one paid all monies owed back to the borrower for one's home, it was common to add a decorative finial on the newel post. 

There are vintage crystal newel post finials that add validity to this legend's truth. Legend or myth, I think the attention to detail in any area of our home is great. The newel post being included.

The decorative newel post finial doesn't have to be as elaborate as cut crystal.  As a matter of fact, I'm loving a high gloss black lacquer painted newel post with a finial finished in the same manner.

 Love the newel post finial as an accessory too!


Image Sources: Harp Gallery, Elle Decor, Etsy, Pear Stairs, Acanthus and Acorn, First Dibs, Houzz, Tumbler, Southern Living, Live Auctioneers

Well Dressed Home No. 42 - Looking Up, Architectural Ceilings

The wonder of architecture never ceases to amaze me. I am especially drawn to areas of architecture that, to the uninspired, usually are left untouched and ordinary. Take the ceiling for example. Seriously, I'd take any of these ceilings!

Even the best architecture can be appreciated in white!

A great ceiling with some great windows is like a pretty gift box holding a fabulous present!

Barrel ceilings are fascinating! And you know how I feel about black and white floors!

When considering the architecture of your ceiling, keep in mind, the space is there, the choice is whether to ignore it and make a flat ceiling or play it up and add drama.

Image Sources: Architectural Digest, Trendir, Elle Decor, Cote de Texas, Pinterest, Atlanta Homes, Design Chic, Build Idaho, Coastal Living, MacAlpine Booth, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Laura Casey, Localarchitects.com, Coastal Living