Bling….What comes to mind when you hear this? Does classic bling seem like an oxymoron?  In other words, can bling be classy? Bling to me (and to many of you I imagine) can mean a lot of things.  However, for me today bling means something special, pleasantly unexpected, some sparkle.  In this vein, who doesn’t like classic ‘bling’  in their life?

Of course, there are many ways that ‘bling’ can present itself in life…your best friend, a good hug, the first Spring day, a good laugh, your child running up to you after school with a huge smile (one of my daily ‘bling’ moments) etc… Certainly for me there’s the spiritual ‘bling’ that goes beyond (and really much more important) than anything that I capture in a blog post.

So with that being said, I’m moving in a different direction today as I’m feeling a little whimsical/fanciful….My bling, the sparkle and the something special that I’m thinking about is brass.  What?  Double take?  Are you thinking…”Maya if we’re going the fanciful direction where’s the Tiffany Blue box?”  Just wait…..

I’ve been obsessed with brass as it relates to home decor.  Really, my obsession is more than brass it spills over to gold and bronze and all the tones within this family.    I really never thought I would say this back in my college days and in my 20s when sterling silver and platinum were all the rage, but it’s true.  Even in my jewelry and some of my clothing choices over the last several years I’m going gold/rose gold.

{Some of my favorite classic ‘bling’ pieces to wear.}

Okay…jewelry and clothes are one thing, but some of you might be terrified of brass in your home (classically ugly you may be saying!)  because you can’t get the 1980′s builder’s-grade brass plated fixtures and hardware out of your head (which, by the way, is still being used all time).

Personally, I don’t think the builder’s grade brass hardware should be a celebrated aesthetic and certainly not the stuff I’m drooling over when I talk about brass today.  However, I do understand how common this is in so many of our homes.  Here’s a faucet in our home that I’m patiently waiting to change out.  All in due time.

However, for me there is an undeniable allure to brass and/or gold that’s romantic, rich, warm and often softens the look of a space. Lately I’ve been incorporating it in some of my designs.

Here’s some brass hardware (Pottery Barn) that I recently used in my daughter’s room.  Note:  The distressing of the dresser was done with bronze/gold paint underlay as well.

Of course too, there’s all kinds of finishes to choose from…brushed, polished,  satin  etc…   Some of the new brass, gold and bronze today have soft luster that adds to the sophistication. Take a look at these beauties….

So are you convinced that brass is back?   Would you/have you incorporated it into  your home?  Tell me how!

What’s the ‘bling’ in your home?

Until next time….

~M