Heavy Metal

Chanel

Metallics and metals have staying power.  Nothing immediately ups the glam factor like a shot of gold or silver or both!  Rose is coming on strong, and don't forget bronze, with copper not far behind.  It's not for the rustic look alone.  These metals feel fresh, especially mixed with their glitzier counterparts.

Pinterest 

Herve van der Straeten

Riehl Designs

Studs, jewels, metallic thread, and paillettes all hold their own among larger, eye catching pieces.  Mirrored furniture feels much the same way and earns its weight in gold in a room.  These things all add a layer of richness, whether in home or fashion.

via Style.com

Ann Sacks Tile

Design Darling

Greg Natale

Chanel

Cascade Coil

Be bold or be conservative; just be balanced with your chosen metal mixture.  With the right balance it tends to be elegant and eclectic (two of my favorite words).

via Marcus Design

Raphael Young

Beale Lana

Givenchy 2012

White Webb Interiors

One of my favorite homes

An amazing Herve van der Streaen chandelier and a English convex mirror glam the Vienne bench.  

I love this entrance so much so that I have it in my inspirational board since 2006.

The London townhouse of Princess Marie-Chantal Miller of Greece and her family, designed by François Catroux, has been one of my favorite homes.  This home was published in House and Garden magazine in 2006 and it still feels so up-to-date.  The neutral, warm palette throughout is revived with contemporary art.  The incredible art collection mingles with Herve van der Straeten exquisite pieces and custom furniture by the Francois Catroux.  Many people would think that this house is too formal but, besides being the house of a royal family, it is a house that's also located in London which would call for a more formal environment than a house in the country or in the beach.  

Marie-Chantal poses in front of a Donald Baechler.  If anyone out there wants to give me a gift, please make it a Donal Baechler painting.  Thank u :)

 Another Viennese ebony & silver chair looks gorgeous against the rest of the upholstery pieces.

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings designed dining chairs surround a custom made table by Catroux.  The chandelier is by Claude Lalanne and the mirror is Herve van der Streaten. 

Or if you really want to be nice, you can also give me a Jean-Michael Basquiat.  Just like this one or any other.  Enjoy!

photos by Robert Wyatt for House & Garden 2006.

Friday eye candy: Herve Van Der Straeten's Home

Herve Van Der Straeten's home was published back in 2007 in Architectural Digest Spain and many of you may remember it.  For those who don't, it's one of those houses that looks like no other.  Van Der Straeten is a trained painter, jewelry designer and finally designer of very unique pieces of furniture and lighting that is always full of movement and fun-filled shapes.  Enjoy!

five top images via Catchtag, last via Apartment Therapy.