I never thought I'd hear myself say this … but gold is in! I'm still a little hesitant to start throwing it completely into the mix just yet, but I'm warming up to the idea of bits and pieces of it as smaller decor items in my spaces. If you thought gold was history, think again — warm washes of rich yellows, ochre's, and aged brass are popping up all over the place. If you're wanting to jump on board, here are some ways to get going with gold.
FEATURE WALL
If pouring gold out all over your room scares you more than inspires you, perhaps just a touch of it on a feature wall in a dining room or hallway would suffice. Grass cloth wall covering in warm and golden undertones, or a few rolls with metallic glints will offer your space a boost by reflecting light and adding a hint of lushness. Paint can also add a pop of richness — take an earthy and mellow shade and highlight a feature wall. Not as permanent as wall covering, paint is always an easy way to achieve major change!
GILDED FURNITURE
I'm loving bed-side and cocktail tables finished in opulent shades of gold right now — they glimmer and have that extra touch of finesse you just don't get with wood or glass materials. Simple and stately, gilded furniture fits into many different styles of decor, but looks especially handsome in crisp, more tailored atmospheres
HARDWARE
It used to be that anything with brassy finishes was the first to go when I got my hands on a kitchen renovation. Lighting, hinges, hardware ... if it was yellow, it hit the dust bin. I've changed my tune lately however; some of my favorite cabinetry hardware is... wait for it... gold! I especially love handles and pulls with slightly burnished washes, and those that are mainly black with bits of spun gold peeking through. If you have dark or espresso stained cabinets, consider switching out your hardware — brushed nickel is nice, but richly finished hardware in glimmering shades of gold are better!
LIGHTING
Have you seen the delicious looking pendants out there from Tom Dixon? Appearing in every design magazine and on every design blog recently, these high-style babies are sleek, contemporary, and add subtle drama to interiors built upon minimalist design elements. Mixing round and square, large and small pendants creates a stunning and original grouping... something to try if you're looking to make a truly unique and distinctive statement.
MIRRORS & TABLE TOP DECOR
An all-time favorite mirror (even before gold hit the scene) of mine has been the Starburst mirror from Crate And Barrel. Inspired by a mid-Century antique, a bright textural circle at the center dipped in gold makes this guy an instant classic. Try experimenting with gold-leafed decorative bowls, serving trays, candle holders/votives, picture frames, amber glass vases, plate chargers, and even snazzy toss pillows for gentle introductions of the metal into your existing spaces.
BLACK
A belief I have for almost every space, touches of black are a must, especially in spaces laced with gold embellishments. Black visually grounds your interiors and adds a compelling edge most metallic finishes radiate next to. If you're looking for that ultimate chic combination of colours to use with your new found love of gold, a gorgeous palette of black, gold, cream, pearl, and linen will seal the deal in a heartbeat!
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 8, 2012
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