Get Your Edge On: 11 Ideas for Style in the Fast Lane
Let's go back to 1978. Remember in the movie Grease when Olivia Newton-John surprised John Travolta with her edgy look? Which detail helped her pull it off? Was it the black leather jacket with its red lining, her teased hair or the red lipstick?
What made her look edgy? I often think about details like that when I put rooms together. Even in the most traditional spaces, I like to throw in a surprise. Edgy touches keep a room from looking too predictable and stodgy. They usually occur when we bend the rules ever so slightly.
Sometimes there are existing details in a space that can be highlighted. Other times, there are small touches that can be added. Of course, the perfect blend is ideal — not too much, just a touch will do.
If you have a little Sandy in your personality, here are some ideas to help you pull off that edgy look for your space.
Exposed brick. It is common to find exposed brick in loft spaces and older buildings. Instead of drywalling or painting over your brick, consider leaving it exposed. I especially like when the brick is very rustic with cement or plaster on portions of the wall.
Glam firewood. Create a space for firewood storage that is front and center. Stack it high and add lighting, just as you would with an art installation. Firewood close to the firebox is practical and adds texture to the space.
Exposed plumbing. Plumbing doesn't always have to be buried in a wall. There are many styles of plumbing where portions of the pipes are exposed. Pair this style of plumbing with rustic or modern finishes for a surprising edgy detail.
Trough sink. Trough sinks are great for small shared bathrooms. They give a little extra sink space and provide a twist on the traditional round or oval sink. In addition to giving bathroom counters that edge we're looking for, they are very narrow and make good use of space.
Black and white photography. If you have an opportunity for art placement that is focal to a space, consider black and white photography. Oversized pieces or a grouping add an edge to even the most traditional spaces.
Stainless steel. Whether it's on your countertops, shelving or furniture, a touch of stainless steel adds an edge to any room. Stainless countertops are quite practical and provide commercial durability for residential living.
Black doors. Add drama and edge by painting interior doors black. Not all trim and casings have to be white. Pair black interior doors with crisp white trim and door casings throughout the house. Try Carbon Copy 2117-10 by Benjamin Moore for a perfect black.
Lose your shower door. Glass shower doors are expensive. Clients often get sticker shock when pricing glass for their bathroom remodels. Consider removing the door from your design for that edgy bathroom look. Glass doors help hold heat in; you'll lose that function. But for some folks the idea of an open, zero-threshold shower is appealing. Plus: No more squeegie duty.
Mix styles. For an eclectic look that is definitely edgy, mix styles and bold color. Here, a traditional portrait that feels formal and French is mixed with a punchy orange desk and whimsical painted chair. This mix isn't really correlated; it's just interesting together. Don't be afraid to contrast styles.
Vintage leather. Leather is a no-brainer. It's edgy and it always will be. Vintage leather is even more so. Take a look at eBay or your local antique store. If you find a vintage leather chair, ottoman or sofa that fits your space, just go for it. These pieces always look great and add an interesting texture to your furniture mix.
Black and red. Black is dramatic and red is powerful; the combination is pure edge. Just like Sandy's leather jacket with red lining, it's flashy and fun. Consider a red chair, lamp or pillow against black walls or floors.
Tell us: How have you given a room an edge?
