Toronto Star

Coloured glass is back in on-trend design

Bright hues, pastel tones lend a touch of whimsy and joy to home decor

- KATIE LAUGHRIDGE

Colourful glass has been around for thousands of years, beginning with the ancient Egyptians, according to The Stained Glass Associatio­n of America.

And, of course, lovers of historic architectu­re know and appreciate the stained-glass windows that can be found in many old religious buildings. I grew up attending a church that had the most fabulous colour block-stained-glass windows. They might have felt a bit dated during my childhood, but now they look perfectly mid-century and on-trend as the popularity of mid-century modern design continues.

As much as I appreciate the colourful glass of decades past, right now I’m obsessing over the brightly hued drinking glasses, bottles, decanters and cake stands of today that are elegant, delicate and, most importantl­y, fun. With colours spanning the entire rainbow and beyond, there is always a way to add a bit of whimsy to your tabletop whatever your preferred palette.

Coloured glass more recently enjoyed a heyday in the 1950s and ’60s, when it was brought into homes in a big way. And now I would classify coloured glass as a newly returned trend for 2021. I, for one, am tickled pink. The colours have been revamped to include softer pastel shades, beautiful jewel tones and modern shapes that are as exciting to look at as they are to use.

As a new traditiona­list (and as someone who believes in the more is more mantra of decor) I am all for another way to bring a pop of colour and excitement to my home. The beautiful blue tones of Estelle glasses, for example, bring much-needed joy to a bright and bubbly orange and blue table display.

Coloured glass is a jewel on your table and in your cabinet. When you are done elevating your tabletops, colourful glassware is the perfect addition to a glass or open-door cabinet display.

Don’t worry if you can’t decide on one colour for your home. Mixing and matching is not only accepted, but strongly encouraged. I love how blush pink and soft green glass complement each other — and bring forth thoughts of springtime.

 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? A collection of vintage bottles add their unique, translucen­t colours to a home’s window panes.
DREAMSTIME A collection of vintage bottles add their unique, translucen­t colours to a home’s window panes.
 ??  ?? The blue tones of Estelle glasses complement the bubbly orange tones in this energy-filled place setting.
The blue tones of Estelle glasses complement the bubbly orange tones in this energy-filled place setting.

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