Glass can add colour and interest to spaces
When designers look to infuse colour into a space, glass isn’t typically their first choice. While glass can lend itself to multiple applications, it’s often viewed as too transparent a medium for adding colour. However, if you select the right glass pieces, glass can not only add colour, but interest and dimension to a space.
If you’re considering decorating with glass, here are some do’s and don’ts.
DO:
• Consider using glass objects of all one colour. This can help to make a powerful colour statement. • Consider incorporating other glass decorative pieces in your space, such as lighting. • Mix opaque glass with glass selections that may be more transparent. • Consider using warm tones of glass, such as amber. • Use interesting shapes of glass, such as those that might have objects embedded within the glass or interesting and unusual shapes and sizes. Blown glass lends itself to a large array of possibilities.
DON’T:
• Don’t be afraid to use more than one glass item in the same vignette. Sometimes, decorative glass items placed in a series can be a powerful presentation. • Don’t use too many clear or transparent surfaces. They will likely vanish amid your decor. • Don’t place glass decorative objects on a glass surface. To really highlight your decorative glass items, placement on a solid surface such as wood or stone is best. • Don’t forget white and black are colours. White or glass decorative selections can blend well with other colours in space without clashing. • Don’t overlook the power of investing in quality pieces of decorative glass. Nearly all high-end glass is created by skilled artisans and should stand the test of time without being trendy. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is a television host and interior design and home-staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com, or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.