One of the hottest home trends today is pairing wood and metal. And while most of us think of it as rustic meeting industrial, wood and metal can be partnered in almost any home style – from traditional to eclectic to contemporary. Here are some of our suggestions to beautifully blend wood and metal, whatever your décor aesthetic:

Lean either way. You don’t have to commit to wood and metal in equal measure. If you lean toward modern, opt for more metal and minimal wood. Choose cool-toned metals especially nickel, steel and iron; the look is very urban. If, on the other hand, you prefer casual and cozy, choose lots of wood with metal touches. Consider integrating warm metals like bronze and dull gold as accents.

Accent Chest

Go with furnishings that combine wood and metal. One of the best ways to explore the wood and metal trend is furnishings that blend the two elements. From bedroom to living room to dining room to office, every conceivable piece, wood tone, metal finish and style is available. Don’t forget, you can always choose smaller pieces in this trend – coffee and end tables, accent tables or a hall table, for example.

Moe’s Tiburon Collection

Blend separate pieces. Looking to create a one-of-a-kind look? Mix and match separate furnishings to achieve spectacular results. How about a traditional wood dining table with metal chairs? Or a wrought iron headboard with dark wood dressers? Or ultra chic metal end tables with an elegant wood-trimmed sofa? The possibilities are endless!

Look up! An all-wood ceiling is a gorgeous indulgence. Distressed wood is especially trendy and you can make it even more stunning by adding steel beams. The look is very urban loft, but can be achieved in many homes. Keep the furnishings and walls neutral to let the ceiling take centre stage!

How about accessories? Want to sample the wood/metal trend rather than leaping in? No problem! Look for beautiful wood signs (often with inspirational sayings), partnered with metal wall hangings like letters, geometric patterns and much more. Or go a step further with a distressed wood table in your hallway partnered with galvanized metal boxes for gloves, umbrellas, etc. How about a wrought iron gate repurposed as a unique wall hanging, positioned with a rustic wood bench?

Largo Mandolin Bay Sofa Table

Try antiques with metal. The ultimate juxtaposition is vintage wood with industrial metal. Rich oak, walnut and mahogany antique pieces get a new life next to fun and fresh metal benches, chairs and tables. Use your creativity!

Stick with durable, solid pieces. Whatever your décor style, metal and wood pairings have an air of solidity. Clean lines define the look; it’s never dainty or fussy. Be sure to choose pieces that reflect that – simple, strong and uncomplicated – yet definitely stylish!

Whatever your style sensibilities, pairing wood and metal is a trend that you can easily achieve – as a major statement or a striking accent.

Italian styling encompasses a wide range: from casual, charming Tuscan villas to grand old world homes. What they all have in common is a celebration of art, nature, beauty and most importantly, family. Even in a modest Italian cottage, nothing is truly small. Here are some ideas to bring Italian styling to your home – whether you love elegant grandeur or simple coziness:

Warm walls. Italian homes typically have warm colours on the walls – whether cream, yellow, rich green or earthy brown. Oftentimes walls are plaster, brick, stucco or limestone, especially in more informal homes.

Natuzzi Editions Collection

Natural woods. Wood is a hallmark of Italian style. It’s traditionally dark, but in modern homes it may be lighter with a lot of detailing for character. In Tuscan-inspired homes, you’ll find natural wood beams and wood harvest tables. In larger, formal homes you’ll see glossy, ornate furnishings,often in walnut, chestnut and fir.

Massive furniture. Whether for the bedroom, living room or dining room, Italian-inspired design is solid and projects a feeling of abundance. Even modern Italian pieces are wonderfully generous and welcoming.

Masonry. Italian homes, whether simple or grand, almost always use masonry – on walls, floors, countertops and wherever! Marble is a classic option and looks spectacular on countertops and washroom and foyer floors. Stone is much more rugged; it looks perfect in a more rustic space but also in juxtaposition to traditional elegance. Terra cotta tiles are another timeless choice, especially for kitchens.

Renaissance-inspired. Grander Italian homes have a Renaissance quality. Cathedral ceilings are often custom painted with murals, lavish art adorns the walls, large sculptures grace the hallway and multi-tiered chandeliers welcome guests in the foyer. Tuscan countryside homes are much less opulent, yet still there an air of quality.

Display joy! The Italian love of life is reflected in home décor. Never minimalist, spaces are always filled with objects and accessories that celebrate family and friends. Display ceramic dishware, wines, artwork and bowls of fresh fruit, for example.

Intricate details. Elaborately carved wood on legs, arms and even chair backs is common on Italian furniture, as is gilding, antiquing and ornate decoration. Of course, contemporary pieces may be much more understated, but always there is a feeling of quality and handcrafted elegance.

Chatelet Collection

Metals. Whether metal edging on wood furniture, a bronze sculpture, copper pots hanging in the kitchen, large brass candlesticks or a wrought iron gate, metals and metallic finishes are a staple in homes with Italian décor. Generally, warmer metals suit Italian colour schemes, so opt for gold, brass, bronze and copper – and mix them up!

Simple linens. With so much sensory input in furnishings, walls, accessories and flooring, Italian homes often look best with simple linens – try crisp white, cream or other neutrals for draperies and bed coverings. For simple homes, choose ‘fresh off the clothesline’ cottons; for more opulent homes, select gorgeous linens and silks.

Remember, at the core of Italian styling is a love of life. With that as your guiding mantra, you’re sure to create a space that’s ‘bellissimo’!