Keep the Sparkle Alive

The latest design trends are putting a fresh spin on natural and organic elements in a space by giving them a fresh pop of bling

Glitzy billboards and showgirls’ outfits aren’t the only things lighting up Las Vegas. Last week I told you about my trip to Las Vegas Market, the home industry’s semiannual cornucopia of furniture, rugs, accents and everything for beautiful homes.

This week, I want to talk about a fun trend that I adore: mixing sparkle and shine — yes, I mean bling! — with natural elements. Furniture and lighting manufacturers and accessories designers are pairing reclaimed wood and metals with crystals in all shapes and sizes. The mix of the old and organic with the shiny and new is incredibly hot and fresh. I’m going to share with you some of what I saw in Vegas and give you tips on how you can bring this uber-fabulous trend into your own home decor.

A very easy way to start is with reclaimed-wood accent tables that you can find almost anywhere. Simply pair these with crystal table lamps that are also easy to find, and voila! You have the latest look.

If you’ve been reading my column, you know I love repeating finishes throughout a room. So take the reclaimed wood element and repeat in a bookshelf or picture frame. Take the crystals and repeat them in a mirror or in candlesticks on the table.

Next, furniture. I saw high-end furniture manufacturers incorporating bling and it certainly was beautiful. This is a trend and not something for the faint of heart. If you want to try your hand at it and you have an affordable case piece that you don’t mind turning into something fun and trendy— dare I say Bedazzler?! — for a teenager’s room or boudoir, applying some rhinestones to the existing hardware can instantly update your room and make it look hot.

Another way to create the “wow” factor is to turn your natural element into your statement piece by making it shine! Painted or silver-leafed reclaimed pieces look modern and fun when accented with a bold stroke of color.

Finally, pillows. This one’s easy. Go to a fabric or craft store and get some mesh-mounted rhinestones. In the picture, this fabulous pillow looked like it had Marilyn Monroe’s bracelet on it. Why not copy this effect with a simple, clean-lined pillow with a lush fabric, and add your own bracelet?

Pair it with a fur throw and again, have organic-looking reclaimed-wood pieces for a funky, luxurious space.

Remember, you can have hot designer trends by looking for things that sparkle. And don’t forget to mix in natural elements.

Cathy Lee is president and designer of Cathy Lee Style and Cathy’s Marketplace, a furniture and accessories showroom She recently opened reStyle Hawaii. To find out more, go to www.cathyleestyle.com.