Make mine metallic

The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 1 of 13, A24 *
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Welcome to the Autumn '24 season of guy with an eye! I hope you've had a splendid summer and are looking forward to the pleasures of fall. Over the next thirteen weeks, we'll continue exploring ways to make your home an expression of who you are and who you want to become.

It's already late enough in September to notice the days getting shorter. When the light dwindles, it's time to maximize what remains – and one of the easiest ways to do this is by adding metallic things to your interior.

It's probably what I had in mind when I stopped to admire this record cover in the window of a Montreal second hand shop. The reflective type seemed to wink at me as I was passing by. Since it was on a route I took daily, I saw its sparkle repeatedly, and finally decided to rescue it for a measly five dollars. It has a prime spot in my living room now, intensifying daylight with a Seventies flourish:

I must have had a similar idea when examining this compact art book at Toronto's BMV. Sure, it's a fine compendium of self portraits over the centuries, but I couldn't resist its mirror-like binding:

Come to think of it, I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to shiny objects. I found this zigzag tray at Guff some time back and it's adding to the menagerie of light-bouncing companions in my living space:

You can take this a step further by acquiring things that do double duty, reflecting light while emitting it themselves. There are plenty of lamps that incorporate chromed surfaces, for an extra brightening effect. I picked up this vintage number at Atomic Design:

It's been joined recently by a find from Montreal's Bond Vintage. Its compact dimensions belie its forceful effect:

Once you start looking for metallics, you'll likely discover you already own things that are waiting to be appreciated anew. Try polishing them up and giving them a new prominence. As the days get darker, this is the season for them to shine.

Guy's buys

Occasional finds selected for you

If you're short on shiny things, you're in luck: Toronto's vintage shops are packed with items that might be meant for you. This Eighties ashtray by Achille Castiglioni is currently available at Zig Zag:

Meanwhile, over at Atomic Design, there's a table lamp from the Seventies that has that doubling quality we just talked about. Snap it up before someone else does!

Over to you

Got an interior design topic you'd like me to write about this fall? Shoot me a note and let me know. This newsletter is a growing community of curious and passionate folks, and it will keep on evolving with your interests.

Thank you for reading.