The subtle art of making bling work in your home

By Tanya Siquiria

If you love shiny things and can’t get enough, here is how you can mix different metals in your home for an opulent but balanced look

Give your metallic decor some grounded appeal by adding something organic. Ferns, succulents or even a simple stem or two can bring a restrained sense of style to this glossy high-drama trend.

From rose gold and vintage brass with polished stainless steel to contemporary pewter and brushed silver paired with copper and gold - we can’t seem to get enough of metal flourishes in our home. But if you are wondering how to mix the cool and warm tones together, we are here to show you how to make an edgy, yet sophisticated decor statement without going overboard:

Bling it on – Cream, grey, white, or beige, if your walls, table, entryway, or designated space is dominated by a single muted colour and feels drab, mixed metallics can be exactly what you need to add some sparkle and bring it to life. A retro-styled brass filament bulb fixture, a poppy yellow-gold planter or a brushed silver platter are easy to find and make for great focal points.

Breathe life into a small space - Mixed metal is also a great idea when space is at a premium. Create a show stopping entryway or living room vignette by using metal items at different heights to extend your canvas vertically. Move the line of vision horizontally by layering differently shaped pieces along the length of the area to balance it out to stunning effect.

Throw shades at it – You could also start slow - pick one dominant metal and sneak other shades, textures and finishes of the same metal in as accents. If the result emboldens you to take a risk, try adding one or two more metals to the space.

Striking the right mix of metals can be challenging, but keep in mind these tips will help you bring together several metals cleanly for a look that hints at an opulent but fun look.

Scroll down to shop for pieces we used in this look: