Going for gold in home decor

After taking second place to silver, gold is now asserting itself as the new finish in interiors.

Tribune News Service
February 23, 2018 at 4:49PM
A bedside vignette using gold accents is mixed with organic elements such as succulents.
A bedside vignette using gold accents is mixed with organic elements such as succulents. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gold has long been associated with luxury and glamour. Now it's one of the hottest and most utilized finishes in home decor. Gold or brass accents can serve as the perfect complement to your existing decor. Whether you want to go all-in for gold or just add a few touches of the white-hot finish, here are some basic design rules to keep in mind.

DO

• Use gold as accents in accessory items such as throw pillows.

• Consider infusing gold or brass accents in your art, either in the artwork itself or in the frame.

• Try using gold in a series of similar accent pieces such as a long row of mirrors hung on the wall.

• Incorporate small gold accents in smaller areas such as nightstands or bookcases.

• Experiment with accent pieces of different sizes and shapes.

DON'T

• Overdo it. Less is more, especially when it comes to gold. Use it purposefully and sparingly.

• Use gold on too many primary or large pieces in a room. It can easily overwhelm a space.

• Miss an opportunity to mix gold with other metallic elements such as silver.

• Forget that it's a good idea to mix different materials such as lacquer and wood with gold elements.

• Pair gold accents with too many patterns. Solid colors such as black and white can help enhance gold accent pieces.


Small gold figurines used to style a bookshelf helps make the bookcase an attractive focal point. (Design Recipes) ORG XMIT: 1222674
Small gold figurines used to style a bookshelf helps make the bookcase an attractive focal point. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
A mix of small- and medium-sized gold accent pieces helps create drama in this bookcase display. (Design Recipes) ORG XMIT: 1222674
A mix of small- and medium-sized gold accent pieces helps create drama in this bookcase display. (Design Recipes) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Broken ìeggî ceramic art lined in gold makes a dramatic statement in this living room. (Design Recipes) ORG XMIT: 1222674
Broken “egg” ceramic art lined in gold makes a dramatic statement in this living room. Photos by Design Recipes (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Gold artwork paired with a gold accent piece helps make this entry area shine. (Design Recipes) ORG XMIT: 1222674
Gold artwork paired with a gold accent piece helps make this entry area shine. (Design Recipes) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Cathy Hobbs

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