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Written by Julie Hoylen, Lifestyle Editor
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1. Kitchen image from House Beautiful magazine, 2. Runway look from Michael Kors
3. Rescue Beauty Lounge polish in ' Look Rich, Be Cheap' and 4. Bathtub from Waterwork
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Flip through your favorite home or fashion magazines and its pretty clear that metallic colors are some of the hottest hues around. From the shimmery finish on the latest automobile to a stainless steel refrigerator to this season’s must have golden accessory- a little heavy metal goes a long way in creating the look of luxe.
Precious metals have in fact always intrigued mankind. Their rarity and beauty have made them a hot commodity throughout the ages. Today we still associate an object with a metallic finish as having a higher value- even if it’s color is man made. It’s no wonder that silver is our favorite color for technology or that golden statues are given out at award ceremonies. The permanence and grandeur of these colors makes us happy. |
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com |
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Metallics have the ability to complement a spectrum of other hues, which makes them an exciting and sophisticated choice when used as neutral colors for both home interiors and wardrobes. In the garden, these earthly elements naturally find themselves ‘at home’.
Glowing golds, aged copper, sleek silvers, muted bronzes, dark irons, even rusty tins-all add distinct personality and provide that little extra edge that can turn a so-so backyard into a stylish outdoor oasis. And while the idea of adding metallic objects, details and furnishing around your home's exterior may not be such a new one, the addition of metallic hued plants and foliage sprinkled throughout your garden just might be.
But before you run out to the nearest garden center, take a moment to consider which metal or metallic color possess the right feel for the mood you ultimately wish to create. |
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1. Tolix Cafe Chair from Pottery Barn 2. 'Metallica 'Echeveria rudolfhii Echeveria from Proven Winners
3. hose holder from Wisteria 4. Cast Iron Carp 5.and 6. Citronella Candle and plant Conservatory from Anthroplogie |
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Since Silver, iron and any variation of metals that have grey to black tones are true neutrals (meaning their colors don’t actually exist on the color wheel), they easily exist alongside nature's own neutral colors of greens and browns. Shiny silver looks very modern, galvanized tin has a rustic flavor, while aged iron has pure European flair.
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1. Imperial door knocker from Baldwin 2. gold garden stool from Wisteria 3. 'Sizzle Scissors' Acalypha hybrid Copperleaf Plant
from Proven Winners 4. Lion Wall Fountain from Garden Statue Shop 5. sunbrella cushions in rust and outdoor Veneto Couch from DWR
6. Heart Shaped bird bath from NYBG Shop In The Garden store |
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Golden and Coppery colors do have a home on the color wheel, so they tend to stand out a bit more when used as a neutral. This is especially true when they are placed next to their natural complementary colors of greens, blues and purples. Bright gold and brass feel traditional, copper and bronze established, and muted or patinated version of any of the above- truly romantic.
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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When thought of in terms of color temperatures, silvery metals and plants read as cool colors in a scheme while golden and coppery objects and foliage read as warm colors. This is something to think about when you are planning your perfect outdoor room or landscape. If you have a small space and want it to look larger, cooler colors help to making its boundaries recede into the horizon. On the other hand if your goal is to create an intimate area within a large space, then warmer colors will work at drawing attention inward and away from the background. |
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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The hours of day that you will spend the most time in your garden is a color cue to consider as well. Neutral plant colors like silver alongside cool greens, pale purples and blues look their most beautiful in the morning light. Paired against white blooms, silver will shimmer in the moonlight. Warmer metals alongside blooms of oranges, reds and yellows, are not just dramatic but will shine their brightest in the afternoon sun and appear to virtually glow at sunset.
Plants with a metallic sheen add instant glamour to any container garden and can be quietly subtle or absolutley showy when strategically placed throughout the landscape. In a wide variety of textures and size, the perfect addition is just a gardening day away. |
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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1. Silver Cascade® Artemisia stelleriana Dusty Miller 2. Flambe® Yello Chrysocephalum apiculatum Strawflower 3. Sinbad Begonia coccinea Angelwing Begonia 4. Dolce® Mocha Mint® Heuchera hybrid Coral Bells 5. Silver 4-Icicles
Helichrysum thianschanicum Licorice plant 6, Hermann's Pride Lamiastrum galeobdolon
Dead Nettle |
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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1. Coppertina™ Physocarpus opulifolious Ninebark, 2. Acalypha wilkesiana Copperleaf Plant, 3. Ceylon™ Acalypha wilkesiana Copperleaf Plant 4. Freckles Solenostemon scutellarioides Coleus 5. Brazen Acalypha wilkesiana Copperleaf Plant 6. Graceful Grasses™ Toffee Twist Carex flagellifera Toffee Twist Sedge |
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photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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1. Troys Gold Plectranthus ciliatus Plectranthus 2. Pineapple Splash® Solenostemon hybrid Coleus 3. Techny Gold™ Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae 4. Karl Foerster Calamagrostis acutiflora Feather Reed Grass 5. Gold Brocade™ Solenostemon hybrid Coleus 6. Karl Foerster Calamagrostis acutiflora Feather Reed Grass 7. ( center) Sunjoy™ Gold Beret Berberis thunbergii Barberry |
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Photos courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com |
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1. Efanthia Euphorbia amygdaloides hybrid Wood Spurge 2. Dolce® Creme Brulee Heuchera Coral Bells 3. Autumnale Fuchsia hybrid Fuchsia 4. 'Sweet Caroline Bronze Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine 5. 'Sweet Caroline Bronze' Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine 6. Bronze Anniversary™ Abelia grandiflora Abelia |
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1. Nesting Bird outdoor wall sculpture from Maine Cottage, 2.Exter Lantern from Baldwin ,3. Lucca 3 armless lounge chair from DWR
4. iron plant stand from Wisteria. 5. Magic Number Pot from Anthropologie 6.Craftsman house number from Baldwin |
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Whether you pick a metal that reflects your home's architectural style (or better yet -your own personal style), a little metallic sparkle can go a long way to boosting your home's alfresco appeal. It's simply elemental!
All plants featured in this article are available for purchase from provenwinners.com
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 Julie is Sensational Color's Lifestyle Editor. Seeking out stylish gardens is just one of her many colorful obsessions. Her own home features a copper roof, dark bronze urns and a giant brass door knocker- shaped like a seashell. You can read the latest from Julie on Live In Full Color.
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Color for Your Home 
