Sophisticated Edge

With the weather turning chilly and the leaves falling off the trees, this is our favorite time of the year to reach for our stylish leather jackets, boots and bags. Leather (and leather-like) accents bring a subtle yet sophisticated edge to our outfits, and they can do the same for the home. Leather accents in the home don’t have to mean “bachelor pad,” and here are a few ideas for how to walk that line.

• Pair leather pieces with softer materials, to amp down the impact.

 We love the look and feel of leather beds in an assortment of neutral hues, in part because they easily bring just the right amount of style to a bedroom. A leather bed works great against your favorite, tonally complementary duvet and comforter sets, which are automatic pieces of the look. 

Our Freemont bed is the perfect pairing for neutral bedding.
http://www.hillsdalefurniture.com/s/1602BQR/Fremont-Queen-Bed-Set

• No need to go all-out.

 Not sure you want to go all out and purchase that leather recliner? Instead of committing to an all-leather sofa or chair, try adding leather trim around the base of a sofa or chair skirt or leather “picture framing” on the back of a chair. Professional upholsterers can do this for you, but easy DIY instructions are available online if you’re the crafty type. 

Photo credit: cheekychicago.com

• Get cheeky.

Whether in your closet or in your living room, leather will get noticed. Make it even more fun by looking for creative yet practical touches that will make you (and your guests) smile. We love this leather kangaroo desk organizer, perfect for an office and ready for the day to day wear and tear.

Photo credit: momastore.com

• Consider new jobs for old favorites.

Repurposing old standby’s that have lost some of their practical edge is one of our favorite tricks in general, and it can come in really handy with leather. Old, leather trunks—the kind you’re more likely to find in your parents’ attic than in stores nowadays, make gorgeous coffee tables when the thought of using them for travel makes you cringe. 

Photo credit: houzz.com

Leather is durable, easy to care for, and often looks even better with age. We highly recommend adding a dose of it to your home. 

If you already have some around, what are your favorite ways to use it?

If you are looking to add some, check out our leather and faux leather options at hillsdalefurniture.com.