Gold is back – and with a vengeance! Don’t think for a moment of the 1980s. Today’s gold is soft, sophisticated and must-have. Read on and you’ll fall in love with gold again…I promise!

Why Gold? Gold is timeless, luxurious and opulent. It instantly adds romance and makes any room warmer and more inviting.

How Much Gold? A little goes a long way, but it really depends on how adventurous you are and how much gold appeals to your senses. Here are some suggestions:

• An itty bitty bit of gold. If you just want a touch of gold, try updating your cupboard or furniture handles in gold, or invest in gorgeous furniture like this accent table with fabulous gold hardware.
  

  Caracole French Connection Chest

  Or how about small photo and art frames? Make a collection for a wall or table display. Another great idea is gold curtain rods, subtle and so eye catching.
• Big and bold gold. Statement pieces in gold make any room instantly glamourous. I love large, ornate mirrors in dusty gold, whether vintage or new. Add one to your hallway! Of course, gold on furniture is simply magical. Check out this dining table, accent table and hall table.

Stunning, yes? Gold is particularly trendy on headboards, whether as a finishing touch with cast iron, in a fabric headboard or in the beautiful metallic and wood piece shown here.

• In-between, up-the-middle gold touches. Break out the spray paint (go soft, not bright) and give a new life to clay pots, candlesticks and trinkets. How about gold light fixtures, sconces or lamp bases? They make any room sparkle!

Where Does Gold Fit? Gold works with traditional, transitional, eclectic and contemporary décor. Gold touches befit any room, but is truly special in rooms where you want to relax – the living room, dining room, bedroom or bathroom. It’s also a great ‘welcome’ in the foyer. Consider these ideas:

• Gold on the walls. Remember, ‘go subtle’ is your mantra. Small gold polka dots look amazing on a pale wall. They’re available in vinyl and you apply them yourself. Work out a pattern and voila! Gold wallpaper is also on trend with fine stripes, florals or geometrics. Perfect for an accent wall.
• Gold on the ceiling. Those polka dots look great on the ceiling too. Or even pale gold stripes on white. Love these ideas for a powder room!

What Matches Gold? To keep gold from looking ‘cheap’, it works best with neutrals. My favourite combination is gold with gray, but it also works with taupe, beige and black and white for a stronger look. For a demure, ‘pretty’ approach, blend gold with mauve or softest aqua.

Thankfully, gold works well with other metals, so you don’t have to abandon what you already own and love! Gold with pewter and nickel is oh-so-chic; with bronze and copper it’s rich and charming. Multiple metals combine artfully for a layered, complex look.

What about Gold Fabric? Fabric is a great way to add gold affordably. Picture gold drapes in sheer or silk. Don’t forget throws and cushions – there’s no easier way to add instant gold appeal!

Bring a little gold to your life – and enjoy!

Tags: decor, design tips, trends