Friday, December 11, 2009

All That Glitters...An Inexpensive Holiday Decor Update



Among the gifts of frankincense and myrrh that the wisemen brought baby Jesus was the precious metal of gold.  Add to that silver, copper, platinum and a shiny champagne sparkle and you've got one of the hottest trends in interiors and fashion today.  If you like the traditional reds and greens, adding some metallic accents will update the look without buying all new decorations. 


Several weeks ago, I went to a holiday decorating seminar put on by Keller's Gift store.  For the second year in a row, they brought in a designer from New York who works for a major importer.  If you are familiar with FrontGate catalog, he is responsible for their beautiful pages and covers.  He showed many ideas using metallics as a way to add punch to your current decor and I'm going to show you some ideas below to add some sparkle to your holidays.  This trend started last year and will stay strong for the next year or two.



Spray paint pinecones and nuts with silver/gold

In researching this popular trend, I found ornaments readily available at department stores, Home Depot, Target and much to my surprise, The Dollar Store had copper, champagne and silver ornaments.  For $17 dollars I bought enough to update my tree that I use burgundy and cream ornaments on with some champagne colored sparkle.  I'll try and post a picture of my bargain update!




This is a wreath featured on Martha Stewarts website.  By embellishing a live wreath with eucalyptus and silver ornaments, this could go with anything.  Red or white dishes would look great with this.




Grouping your collections together gives them more of an impact, like this display of mercury glass that is really a great trend right now.  Mercury glass and reproductions are enjoying tremendous popularity again.  It contains neither mercury or silver but a silvering formula.  Discovered in early 19th century Germany it became a substitute for real silver and was known as "poor man's silver' in England.





Gold and copper ornaments mix with green and play off the stain of the hardwood floors and the piano.




Add sparkle to a tabletop with metallic ornaments and some candles.



You can 'warm' up silver by using some wood, natural materials like nuts and textures.




This picture is from PomPom Interiors and would look great in a guest bath.



This tree is ablaze with twinkle from white lights and crystal ornaments...a beautiful contrast to the green tree, the wood paneling and the gifts wrapped in white.




                   Add some sparkle with these crystal accents...they will literally go with any color!



Last three images from Pottery Barn

This christmas I wish you peace and give my heartfelt thanks for your comments on blog posts that have inspired or helped you with a design dilemma.  I'm excited about a new year and a new decade...have a joyous christmas season!

P.S. Christmas is in two weeks...yikes!  I will be posting some more inspiration throughout that time.

Happy Designing

Michele