How to Add "Bling" and a Giveaway!

I love to walk into a room and be hit by that one accessory or element that makes me stop, admire and take notice! I call it "bling" - that flashy or interesting item, that leaves you wanting more, all the while knowing more would be too much! Like fashion, too much "bling" can look garish, but done right it can leave a lasting impression. Let's have a look at some rooms with just right amount of "bling!"

habitually chic

Here is the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in NYC. The aluminum wainscotting certainly adds the "bling". But notice that all the other accessories and elements in this foyer are more graphic or structural in shape and form. This gives your eye a rest and the ability to take in the wainscotting with out too much distraction.

A close up - I love the texture of this application and it's sparkle against wonderful heft of the hand forged railing.

Southern Accents

Here is a wonderful vignette by the talented Daryll Carter with a more subtle addition of "bling". This room has many gorgeous accessories and to Carter's credit it looks fresh and inviting, without looking over staged. But to me, the main elements that make this room work, are the aged wood mirror and sconces. Both add texture and sparkle (and "bling") to the space, and the mirror brings your eye up and adds the illusion of height to the ceiling.

kerry joyce

Of course for most people a simple way to add the "bling" is with a mirror. Here the combination of mirror and mercury glass on the mantel really seems to bring this neutral interior alive.

Mirrors are generally the first thing we think about when adding the "bling". But here the fabulous aged mirror wall from Elle Decor adds an architectural element, as well as tremendous interest and a great backdrop for artwork. I also love the little garden stool to the left - I guess we can call that the "mini bling" in this room.

So Haute

Here is an sophisticated vignette and although the console table is a showshopper, the mirror and candlesticks really draw your eye over to it. I love the way the "bling" can direct how you would like people to recognize elements as well as the pattern in which you want their eye to travel around the room.Washington Post

Here Loi Thai, from our favorite store Tone on Tone, uses mercury glass to add the "bling" in this wonderfully serene guest room. Your eye travels around the room but ultimately lands on this gray cabinet filled with antique mercury glass treasures.
Like all accessories, "bling"elements do not necessarily need to be expensive. Here are some terrific little mercury glass birds from West Elm. These crackled mercury glass pumpkins from Pottery Barn can give you a bit of "bling" all through the fall.

laurie annas

Here are my personal favorite - mercury glass mushrooms. Toss these babies on your coffee table or mantle and your right on track.HGTV

Finally a room where the mercury elements are front and center creating a sculptural art vignette of "bling". Try to visualize a painting here, you just would not get the same striking effect.

I recently acquired some fabulous vintage mercury glass apothecary bottles. I adored them and picked up a few extras for my family and friends, and of course for you, my readers. Just leave a comment on your thoughts on "bling" and you will be entered to win one. Of course all my subscribers are automatically entered to win, so leave a comment for a second chance! Check back on Friday for our winner! Good Luck!

xox-Gina

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