Known for its modern glamour aesthetic blending refined yet comfortable elements, the Restoration Hardware brand has an undeniably distinctive style. Critical components giving shape to their elegant interiors? The strategic use of gilded mirrors and black accents throughout their living room designs.
By harnessing the transformative power of these two decor elements, Restoration Hardware infuses spaces with a cohesive luxe ambience. Below, we’ll explore ways to emulate their elegance formula for creating living rooms both striking and serene.
Gilded Mirrors Set the Tone for Glamour
The Restoration Hardware brand favors framing their ornately detailed mirrors in finishes lending warmth and glitz. Typically gold, brass, silver, or nickel, these metallic surfaces catch the light, imbuing rooms with pure decorative drama.
Types of Gilded Mirrors That Exemplify the Brand’s Style
- Ornate frames featuring baroque curves, rococo detailing, geometric motifs, or antiqued distressing
- Venetian or French inspired shapes blending old-world charm with modern glamour
- Frames with silver, bronze, or golden leaf edges for subtle shine
Strategic Placement to Make a Statement
Restoration Hardware thoughtfully positions their mirrors to maximum visually enhancing effect. Namely:
- Above the mantel or fireplace as the living room’s central focal point
- Gallery style arrangements with clusters of different sized and framed mirrors
- Foyer mirror installation where it offers a noteworthy first impression
Affordable Alternatives for a Similar Effect
Don’t have the same decor budget? There are creative workarounds allowing you to replicate the aesthetic on a wallet. Consider:
- Adding metallic gold leaf detailing along standard frame edges
- Opting for frames with silver, bronze or antique mirrored finishes
- Leaning ornate mirrors against living room walls for a casual-chic vignette
Black Accents Anchor the Look
Strategic hits of black provide the perfect grounded counterbalance to Restoration Hardware’s elegant style. The rich ebony hue also visually recedes, ensuring mirrored and metallic elements maintain prominence. Ways the brand artfully incorporates black decor include:
Types of Black Pieces That Add Interest
- Sculptural black lighting fixtures like tiered chandeliers or lean floor lamps
- Abstract expressionist artwork housed in matte black frames
- Minimalist black ceramic vases, bowls or decorative objects
Incorporating Black into a Neutral Color Scheme
When deftly integrated, even small doses of black make a major design impact. Some techniques?,
- Pairing deep black elements against soft whites and ecru tones
- Anchoring light woods like oak or walnut with contrasting ebony accents
Budget-Friendly Ways to Work in Black
If concerned about costs, more affordable ways to inject black tastefully exist. Such as:
- Black matting around mirror edges or artwork
- Throw pillows or soft blankets in black silk, velvet or wool
- Decorative trays with black marble, glass or ceramic finishes
Pulling It All Together: Design Tips
When incorporating gilded mirrors and black statement pieces into your own living room, keep these guidance strategies top of mind:
Edit Out Competing Details
Declutter surrounding visual noise so mirrors and black accents may take center stage as intended focal points.
Echo Shapes and Details for Cohesion
Notice repeating geometric motifs in mirror framing? Integrate those forms through triangle, circle or line patterns elsewhere.
Vignette Display Around Furniture
Curate mini spatial scenes incorporating both gilded and black decor pieces as vignettes around core seating furniture. This thoughtfully showcases both in one glance.
Incorporate Luxe Feeling Through Tactile Textures
- Cashmere on velvet pillows
- Throws of shearling, woven wool or knit linen
- Smooth marble, polished brass or ceramic tabletop objets
Use Lighting to Create a Moody Aura
Employ ambient downlighting coupled with heavy task illumination for an intimate lounge effect.
Consider Patina and Mix of Materials
Aged mirror frames, gently hammered black metal finishes and reclaimed woods reference old-world refinement.
Achieving Elegance on a Budget
Replicating Restoration Hardware sophistication gets easier courtesy of these economical ideas:
Secondhand and Vintage Finds
Scope resale shops, online markets or estate auctions for unique secondhand statement mirror scores marked down significantly from initial retail pricing.
DIY Projects
Unleash those creative juices! Refinish, repaint or stencil mirrors picked up from garage sales or salvage yards.
Less Expensive Stylistic Alternatives for Key Pieces
- Coffee table books stacked in lacquered black bookends
- Black and white abstract art prints from artists on Etsy or Society6
- Sculptural black wrought iron floor lamps for a fraction of lighting fixture costs
Much as with Restoration Hardware interiors themselves, gilded mirrors and black accent pieces represent powerful transformational tools in living room decor. With ornate reflective surfaces imparting striking sophistication, and inky ebony hues providing essential stabilizing contrast? The elegance formula proves clear.
We trust the guiding principles outlined above make achieving this signature swanky vibe far more attainable. Simply determine which high-glamour installation tactics and styling strategies align best with your personal living space vision. Then watch as those bold metallic and moody black accents work immediate magic elevating rooms to newfound heights of refinement.
