Remember when you would not be caught wearing gold and silver jewelry at the same time?  And now, the mixing of metals is modern and chic.

Taking a cue from fashion, we say there is no reason why black iron, hammered silver, gold leaf, copper, and satin nickel can’t all live in the same room!

One of the top design trends of 2014 is all things metallic – gold, silver, copper, bronze, even galvanized metal!  Mixing and matching these metals can take a space from dull and lacking luster to edgy and attractive.

Traditional, vintage, and modern styled homes all carry great opportunity to mix metals.  Contrasting white cabinets with a dark bronze chandelier and stainless steel appliances in a kitchen adds contrast and interest.  Metallic colors on patterned fabric for pillows, window treatments, or furniture provides a neutral canvas for pops of other colors.  We say take full liberty to mix metal accents in accessories – glass candlesticks, polished chrome vases, and gold picture frames can all live in the same room.

The mixing of metals inspired Fluff designer, Jill Pietrocini, to re-do her master bedroom.

Crisp, white bedding atop a soft gray upholstered bed reflect in the extra-large floor mirror.  Decorative pillows in a mixture of metallic colors define the palette.  Two mirrored bedside chests framed in gold leaf sit in front of two windows with subtle geometric patterned curtain panels – all to create the focal wall’s symmetry.

A collection of starburst mirrors (found at Pier 1 Imports) is a favorite of Jill’s, as are a pair of gold coral bedside lamps (found at Home Goods).  It was important to the design that the wall color allowed the luster of the metals to shine.  So… Jill chose to paint 18” horizontal stripes around the room in 2 different paint sheens.  She used Ivoire by Sherwin Williams in a flat sheen and a semi-gloss.

The boldness and brightness of the metals is restrained by adding whites and creams into the color palette.  Let us be clear, however, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!