HEAVY METAL IN HOME DECOR

This article about heavy metal will not require you to listen to amplified guitar or wear a ripped tank top. It simply exposes the beauty of metal in interior design, outside of hardware and stainless steel appliances. I've encountered a number of really beautiful images of with innovative uses of corrugated metal and it reminded me of a previous article about achieving this look in your home.

This modern aesthetic may appear extreme to some but refreshing to others. Depending on the context, metal can make a space feel industrial, commercialized, cutting edge, or just simply add interest to a room. When paired with natural wood, metal takes on warmer qualities and becomes more livable. What's even more convincing is that using metal in your interior finishes can even prove to be a cost saver. I challenge you to uncover your inner rock star and take a look at how this raw material is changing the face of design.

 Danenberg Design

Interior designer Dan Danenberg gained inspiration from bamboo Asian shade shelters and created this remarkable stainless steel ceiling canopy. Other displays of metal craftsmanship can be found in the stainless-steel Japanese Furo soaking tub, metal framed mirrors, and hammered nickel sinks.

 Frederick + Frederick Architects

Want to achieve an industrial look in your kitchen? Try refacing your cabinet doors with economical and hardworking corrugated steel. Combine this look with shiny black countertops for a style that teeters on the border of rugged and refined.  

eclectic bedroom design

DIY: For around $30 you can craft a nifty headboard out of corrugated tin metal roofing. Your creative headboard problem is solved!

london interior designer Celia James

For those afraid to fully commit to the heavy metal look, start small with accessories. The steel Gothic carver chair and metallic wall panel makes a cultural statement in this simple vignette.

For more examples of this look in home decor, design inspiration, and advice click here to visit my ideabook for houzz.com

DINING WITH THE MODERN TRAVELER

Don't you just love to hear stories about far away places from people who are passionate about travel. Conversations like these make great table discussion and gives everyone a chance to share their unique experiences.  Furthermore, if this "Modern Traveler's" home reflected their penchant for adventure visiting them would take you to a distant land without you ever having to leave your town...Case in point, this dining room

1.|TALL TALES These Aztec totem poles turned lamps tell a story through original carvings on its base. (SOLD, piecesinc.com).
2.|SCULPTURED MIRROR Pier 1's Honeycomb Mirror features mirrors within its crevices and serves dual purpose as a mirror and sculpture. ($249.95, pier1.com).
3.| LITTLE BRONZED STATUES Dransfield and Ross's wax cast horse napkin rings bring a Middle Eastern influence to the table.  ($56, horchow.com)
4.|ADD A BIT OF SPICE Ikea's Ritva Curtains in Orange bring warmth to the room and  fit any budget.  Try customizing them for a high end look. ($19/pair, ikea.com).
5.|BLACK SILK This wooden drapery rod by Houseparts shows attention to detail really does pay off.  ( houseparts.com).
6.|IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME Adding trim is a creative way to embellish ready made curtains. This greek key pattern takes your Ikea curtains from Sweden to Greece in just a few minutes. ($12/yd, lsfabrics.com)
7.|ON DISPLAY Place small collectibles under a cloche and use as a centerpiece. Consider placing it on a pedestal for all to see. ($69, westelm.com).
8.|WING IT Overstock.com caught me by surprised with the Malia White Leather Chair. This is an unlikely pair to be seen at the dining table, but I think it's a welcomed deviation from the traditional dining chair. It's white leather upholstery also makes it easier to clean. ($375.99, overstock.com)
 9.|TABLE TOPICS Ibizia dining table has a beautiful architectural base and inlaid starburst pattern. The use of a tablecloth is so passe. ( brownstone.com via erikaward.com)
 10.|NEPALESE DELIGHT Paul Smith for The Rug Company has designed this festive rug made from Tibetan wool which evokes an atmosphere of celebration. Party over here! (www.therugcompany.info)

GET THE LOOK: HEAVY METAL

TREND ALERT: Gray is still going strong this Fall in rooms and on the runway. Leave the gray skies behind and venture to the darker side of the color palette to bring depth into your space. There is something unbelievably mysterious and sexy about heavy metal especially in interior spaces...but if you aren't married to a rockstar, clearly these rooms are the next best thing.

l-r: jonathan legate / betsy burnham

Achieve this look with dramatic contrasts of black, white, and gray. Next, embellish your look with pretty, shiny things. THINK SPARKLE. Silver, gold, diamonds, sequins, and nailheads all have reflective qualities that will take your style to the next level. Feeling daring? Add a bit of zebra print to the mix to satisfy that "wild hair."

1.| The VOLUSPA CANDLE IN BLACK FIGUE AND CHYPRE is both alluring and warm. The combination of currant and black figs is tamed by chypre, a soft floral perfume($27, candlesoffmain.com).

2.| The JENNY CHANDELIER, composed of abalone seashells is striking conversation piece in any room (price unknown, alicelanehome.com).

3.| Be the femme fatale of the fete in the CUTABOVE heels by Nine West ($79/ ninewest.com).

4.| Completely covered in sparkling sequins, the SASHA pillows always get the best seats in the house ($65, blisslivinghome.com).

5.| Former Project Runway contestant, Ivy Higa, has a Fall/Winter 2010 Collection of well cut basics that establish a foundation for any wardrobe (ivyh.net).

6.| Up in Smoke...THE HUNTLEY sofa in smoke is a modern winged sofa that is ultra swanky and surprisingly well priced! ($1,379, overstock.com)

7.| Take a chance and walk on the wild side with this STENCILED COWHIDE (price unknown, alicelanehome.com).

A MODERN MISCONCEPTION

Yesterday's interview with Nicole Sassaman started an internal dialogue about the misconceptions of modern spaces. Amy commented that she traditionally thought of modern as being cold, but after seeing images from Nicole's portfolio she had a change of heart. How delightful is it to discover an appreciation for a style that previously left you uninterested.  This is one of the main reasons why I love blogging.

Yes, modern can be warm and here's how you get the look...Add brown tones and natural elements to your home and wardrobe to heat up an otherwise cold aesthetic. Look for items consisting of warm woods, natural fibers, galvanized metal, patina finishes and items that have variations in texture.

1.|WILD ORCHIDS Matthew Williamson's Orchid Silk Strap Dress is a flirty take on this sensual floral ($380/on sale, matthewwilliamson.com).
2.|STRANGE FRUIT West Elm's Round Coco Mirror features coconut leaves and beads bringing texture and interest to any modern space ($199, westelm.com).
3.|A CUT ABOVE THE REST Jil Sander's laser cut calfskin and wood wedges will surely bring the daredevil out of any fashionista ($1,240, jilsander.com)
4.|FOXY BROWN IN LINEN West Elm's Sphere Table Lamp is curvaceous and willing to warm up your cold space like no other lamp could ($99, westelm.com).
5.|MAN OF THE HOUSE Diptyque 's Essence John Gailliano candle is mysterious, woodsy, and warm...just how I like my man! ($68, amazon.com).
6.|PILLOW TALK Crate and Barrel's Caney Teak Pillow ($59.95,crateandbarrel.com) is like a sisal rug, but for the sofa. Adam and Viktoria's Pillow in Pomegranate and Rust (contact for pricing, lisafontanarosa.com) is a wonderfully playful handmade work of art.
7.|WELL ROUNDED If you are looking for a dining room table, this may be the deal of the week. Pier 1's Clinton Pedestal Table is a hardy piece that boasts an amazing wood finish. Perfect for your small space ($349.98/on sale, pier1.com).
8.|WELL HELLO HANDSOME Crate and Barrel scored big with their introduction of the Blake Lounge Chair. Made from espresso solid teak, handwoven natural rattan, and full aniline leather this chair is best described as a refined, aged gentleman with major sex appeal ($799, crateandbarrel.com).