Mix Up Your Metals!

Many people don’t think about vertical storage when they think about organizing their homes. There are vertical solutions for every room, whether it is a magnetic strip on the kitchen wall to hold knives, a peg wall with hooks and holders in the garage for tools, sports equipment, and gardening supplies, or a decorative spice rack near your stove to corral those small bottles and free up cabinet space. If you are a crafter like I am, you know how quickly craft supplies can multiply and get out of control. Instead of stuffing them all in boxes and cupboards where you can’t see them, consider mounting a wall organizing system like this one from Hafele.

Another area that can benefit from decluttering is your clothes closet. Discard or donate any clothes that are outdated, no longer fit, or that you haven’t worn in the last several years. Be brutal! Once it’s out of sight, it will most likely be out of mind as well.

Narrow hallway with wall-mounted shelves, hanging decor, a leaning mirror, and a glass door at the end.

Once the decluttering is done, now you need to find a way to store the clothes that are left in a way that is convenient and easily accessible. Converting one wall or a portion of one wall to adjustable shelves is one solution. Baskets can hold loose items such as scarves, while clear plastic boxes can keep out of season shoes neat, clean, and organized. Vertical storage in the closet is another solution that many people may not consider. Symphony Wall Organizers come in a variety of heights and the bars can shift left or right to accommodate light switches and outlets. A variety of hooks allow flexibility to hang everything from shoes to bags to hats to jewelry, keeping everything easily accessible.

These are just a few ways you can organize your home to help reduce your stress and save you time. A quick online search will inspire you with many more ideas to declutter. Although the process may seem daunting, it will pay off in the end!

Using mixed metals can add depth, visual interest, and a touch of personality to your home. Incorporating them successfully depends on knowing not only basic concepts on how to choose the metals to use, but also how to apply those concepts to furnishings and surfaces.

Take into effect the overall aesthetic of the room when selecting textures and mixed metals for cabinetry. Determine the overall theme or style you want to achieve in your space. Whether it’s modern, industrial, rustic, or eclectic, selecting a cohesive theme will guide your choices for textures and mixed metals. For a rustic or industrial-inspired space, opt for raw or weathered textures and metals with a patina. In a modern or contemporary setting, sleek textures and polished metals might be more appropriate.

Highlight focal points such as a fireplace, feature wall, or statement piece of furniture by using mixed metals. Incorporate textured wall panels, metallic artwork, or sculptural metal accents to draw attention to these areas. Metal art pieces or sculptures that feature a blend of metals can serve as focal points in your space and tie together various metal finishes used throughout the room.

Mix metals strategically, aiming for a cohesive look by selecting metals that complement each other. Choose one metal as the dominant finish for larger elements like furniture, lighting fixtures, or cabinet hardware. Then, use other metals as accents to create contrast and visual interest. Experiment with mixing warm-toned metals (such as gold, brass, and copper) with cool-toned metals (such as silver, chrome, and stainless steel). This contrast can create a dynamic and balanced look. For instance, you could pair a brass coffee table with silver accent chairs or incorporate a mix of copper and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

Layering textures adds richness and complexity to a room. Mix smooth and rough textures to create contrast and visual interest. For example, pair a glossy chrome lamp with a hammered copper vase or mix smooth stainless steel hardware with matte black accents.

Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting textures and metallic finishes. Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to showcase these elements effectively. Fixtures with metallic finishes or textured shades will enhance the overall aesthetic. Consider using pendant lights with a combination of brass and chrome finishes, or chandeliers that feature both gold and silver elements.

Choose furniture pieces that combine different metal accents. For instance, a coffee table with a metal base featuring both brass and nickel details can create a striking contrast. You can also opt for upholstered furniture with metal legs or trim in various finishes to complement the overall mixed metal theme. Look for fabrics that feature metallic threads or prints with metallic accents to subtly introduce a blend of metals into the room.

Finally, add personality and character to the space by incorporating accessories such as pillows, throws, rugs, and decorative objects that feature interesting textures or metallic accents. Updating cabinet hardware, door handles, and drawer pulls with mixed metal finishes can be a subtle yet effective way to introduce a blend of metals into your interior design. Choose mixed metal accessories such as picture frames, vases, and decorative objects to further enhance the look. These finishing touches can tie the design together and reflect your unique style.

By carefully selecting and layering textures and mixed metals, you can create a visually captivating interior design that is rich in depth and character. Experiment with different combinations to achieve a look that is both visually appealing and reflective of your personal taste.