Mix in metals to make a room shine

While trends in home decor often change, there is one constant design feature that continues to shine,

literally: metals.

Today, homeowners can find creative ways to incorporate a regal touch that produces a timeless look with modern appeal.

TAKE THE TEMPERATURE

A first step in implementing metallic decor is understanding the temperature of the metals. Think of brass, copper and gold as warm, while silver and aluminum are cooler, and cast iron or black metals are neutral. When you couple up a warm metal with a cool metal, you're golden. As a thought starter, step into the kitchen and balance copper or gold fixtures with stainless steel appliances.

HEAVY METAL MIXING

It can be daunting to mix metals the right way, but understanding general rules can open the doors to creative approaches. A key tip is to avoid mixing the same color family - such as gold and brass, or nickel and silver. Rather, choose one metal that can serve as the dominant and another to complement it - remembering your temperatures. And, don't be afraid to blend the same metal with different finishes to diversify the theme and pull a room together.

THE GILDED AGE OF FLOORING

Achieving the golden look isn't done through metallic finishes alone. One way to bring the shine to a room is with flooring like Lumber Liquidators' Gilded Reserve Chestnut, which reveals hints of a glimmering gold stain through its lightly wirebrushed chestnut base. Pairing decorations and fixtures with the sophisticated backdrop of a unique floor design creates an elegant space that's rich in style.

ADD ELEMENTS OF LUXURY

A smart way to use metals is to go for the subtle shine. Simple and strategic touches of metal can bring a big impact, such as in picture frames, drawer pulls or door handles, and sink fixtures. You can also add a bit of regal to a room with accents on furniture or other fabric items such as pillowcases

or throws and kitchenware on display.