Friday, July 13, 2018

How to Add the Color Gray to Your Interior Décor

When it comes to interior decor, gray may seem like the opposite of color. And this is technically true. However, adding gray to your interior decor is a great way to highlight any color palette, from bold to subdued. It may not seem like much on its own, but mixed with other colors, it helps to create a put-together, sophisticated look.

Here are four ways to add gray to your interior decor.

beautiful grey sofa and decor

1) Curl Up on a Gray Sofa

A dark or medium gray sofa is one of the best interior design investments you can make. It will work with bright colors and add depth to neutral palettes. For example, the Oyster Bay Ashton leather sofa by Lexington expresses breezy comfort that gives your space a casual chic feel. And because gray resists trends, it will stay classic through years of use and interior decor changes.

Go bold with high-contrast black and white geometric patterns and add pops of supersaturated color. Layer colors and prints together and let the connecting power of your gray sofa tie these colors to contrasting colors.

Or if you prefer a softer, subtler look, paint the walls a buttery yellow and add delicate prints to give the space a more relaxing feel. Layer up a mix of pillows to create a richly textured look.

2) Sink Your Toes into a Gray Area Rug

A soft, plush area rug makes a space more inviting. Add one in silvery gray, and it gives that same space an instant air of luxury. But depending on how you style it, a cool, textured area rug can do more than add interest.

Mixed with wood floors, a cool gray rug not only helps define the space, it also contrasts with the warm wood tones that bring out the best in both. Layer a gray rug over any wood tones anywhere from blonde to espresso. The rule of thumb is the light the floor the warmer the gray.

If your palette includes bold, bright colors, use a gray area rug to connect the colors without adding excess drama. Technically, gray is a mix of all colors, which is why it can be used to tie different colors together.

3) Paint the Walls Gray

Give your room an instant update by replacing a dated neutral-colored wall with a gray or greige. This color adds more richness and depth than a plain white.

While the white kitchen is a popular look, a totally white-on-white palette can be too stark for some. Soften the look by painting the walls a gentle, barely there gray. This will add depth without interfering with the neutral palette, creating a look that is eye-catching and approachable but not jarring.

Silver and gray go naturally together, and combining matte gray walls with shimmering silver metals adds instant depth. But don't stop there. Gray also plays well with warm metallics such as gold, copper, bronze, and brass. Try adding one of these metallics on sconces, pendant lights, and faucets for instant glam.

4) Break Out of the Molding Mold

White molding (yawn) is okay, but have you considered breaking out of that mold and trying gray? A gray shade on your trim or doors can give your home a stately, architectural appeal.

If you have a home with architectural details that you want to highlight, rather than using white or wood for crown molding or doors, try a gray. This will subtly underscore every architectural element.

If you have a wall with brick or stonework, try matching it up against a gray. In much the same way that gray brings out the best in wood tones, it can accentuate the warmth of stonework. It both highlights the wall as a feature and integrates it into the overall look of the space.

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Sunday, July 8, 2018

9 Tips for Staging Your Coffee Table

Looking for a way to give your family room an easy update? How about styling your coffee table? A table with an accessory and a small vase of flowers looks thoughtful, while a gorgeous table scattered with magazines just looks sad. From laying out a tray to arranging a personal collection, these tips will show you how to create a chic, stylish look for your coffee table.

1) Display a Cherished Collection

Books, pottery, or boxes can make perfect coffee table displays. Group together similar or same-colored pottery in various heights and shapes. Use a few books as risers to create height where you need it. Mix up your sizes, too many small pieces can look cluttered while too many large ones will feel too heavy.

2) Make a Grid

This layout is great for an oversized coffee table. Tape off sections into a grid so that you have a guide for positioning your objects. Place your objects within these compartments. Keep the scale of your table in mind and fill your compartments with stacked books, baskets, plants, large pillar candlesticks, or a bowl of fruit. Play with the composition until it feels just right.

beautiful

3) Add Layers with Trays

Trays are great for creating layered displays. They can hold small- and medium-sized vases, candlesticks, potted plants, and more. The also keep large coffee tables from feeling massive and taking over the space. Layering with a tray helps break up the space, gives it structure and symmetry, and anchors items that might otherwise look like they were floating aimlessly around. The Bali Hai Capri Square Cocktail table by Tommy Bahama is accessorized perfectly by the small tray, stacked books, and starfish.

4) Add Some Natural Elements

Natural elements such as antlers, vintage wooden bowls, and jars of shells give a room some history. These objects can add dimension and change the feel of a room. You can easily switch them out or rearrange them to create a new look.

5) Add Seasonal Touches

The coffee table is a great place to add seasonal flair to your family room. Add a vase of fresh flowers in spring, a jar of shells in summer, and a gourd or fall leaves in the fall. You can add holiday decorations or some subtle bling to celebrate the winter season.

6) Vary the Heights of Your Accessories

Whether you are displaying a collection, going old school with flashy coffee table books, or creating a simple arrangement with a vase of flowers and stacked books, remember to vary the heights of the items on your coffee table. This will give your space more visual interest and create a more eye-catching tablescape.

coffee table style rule of thirds

7) Use the Rule of Thirds

This age-old composition rule will come in handy when you are accessorizing your coffee table. Dividing the space into three sections can help you choose which items look best. This method is good for long, rectangular tables, such as the Pavilion Storage Cocktail table by A.R.T. Furniture.

8) Add Pops of Color

Use colorful accessories that play off the colors of your décor. Contrasting colors can give your coffee table dramatic interest. If your palette is neutral, use a few bold colors. If you have a lot of dark woods, try some metallic items on your coffee table.

9) Choose a Side

If you have a larger coffee table and want a minimalist look, you can accessorize one side. This keeps the coffee table from seeming too cluttered and gives you plenty of space for family and friends to place a cup, plate, or personal items. No feet allowed.
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