Guest Suite: a Silver and Gold update

Mixing metals has long been a popular decorating choice. As an update of flashy, 1980's chrome and brass, designers Chris Reed And Chris Johnson bring subtle shimmer to nearly every surface of their elegant guest suite for the 2004 San Francisco Decorator Showcase.

A luminous seascape-with morning sun breaking through fog and beginning to dance on the water-served as inspiration for the multipurpose sitting room, which includes areas for conversation, watching television, and dining. Silk-and-hemp woven grass-cloth wallpaper provides a richly textured backdrop for the room. The woodwork and trim were given a three-layer paint treatment that included a silver base coat, a golden accent layer, and slightly tinted clear coat to give the appearance of graceful aging.