Modern Gold
Much like the concrete vanity in the previous photo, this grayed-out stair provides context to the gold planter, which stands out as a compelling counterpoint to so much matte gray. But what really completes the design are the green plants springing forth from the gold planters like the famous tree that grew in Brooklyn. The lesson here: Gold looks great with down-to-earth materials organic and man-made.
The previous two photos leaned heavily toward organic modern, and here we see the same coupling of glitzy gold and mellower organics with a more Scandinavian influence. If plants may be said to soften white’s rigid monochrome in Scandinavian designs, gold helps warm things up. The smallest kiss of gold on the planters contributes the greatest evidence of the vignette’s “completeness” here. The takeaway: If your space feels incomplete, add a little gold and see what happens.
Gold and brass furniture finishes are “haute” once again, and there are two primary ways to use them to your advantage: First, if you’re committed to the look, you might specify metallic legs for every piece of furniture whose legs are visible. (Just be sure to offset the metal with an abundance of leg-less furniture). Alternatively, gold furniture finishes are a terrific solution for blending new furniture into a finished room. Whereas it can be difficult to match the wood tones of new furniture to your older pieces, gold will stand alone without any risk of matchiness or, worse, “mismatch-iness”.
As popular as any one metallic, mixing metals is majorly trending right now. Paired with neutrals or all on its own, a mixed metal scheme will always be current because it side-steps any trendiness issues by incorporating multiple finishes at once: MIxing silver or platinum with gold is an obviously chic move, but you could also mix rose gold, today’s “it” metallic with either of the two for a look that’s totally unique.
The golds I’ve been cooing over so far have been decidedly shiny, but they don’t have to be. Take this living room for example. It’s technically monochromatic gold, but there’s really nothing flashy about it. It’s simply a comfortable space that overflows with warmth and sophistication from gold’s color, not sheen.
If bold, shocking sheen is what you’re after, you might consider painting your cabinets or liquor closet to resemble a cave of pirate treasure. The gold-leafed interior of this well-stocked London bar literally jumps out and yells, “Boo!” Even without the neon sign, the surprise of shimmering amber gold against bland white walls could knock a person out.
“Gold” is hardly an inert hue. With so many variations from rosy to ochre, there’s bound to be at least a few that work for your interior. This kitchen island is significantly more brassy than the last, but its impact is just as strong. Using materials with built-in visual interest like texture or sheen in broad swaths makes minimalist rooms come alive.
I dare say, you’d be hard-pressed to find a color scheme that gold doesn’t work with. From yuletide reds and greens to flesh tones in champagne, few other colors can claim gold’s range as a coordinate. It deserves to be said, however, that golds mix famously well with jewel tones for a glamorous edge in both modern and traditional interiors. Add a punchy wallpaper, and the room is complete!
Another twist on the jewel tone and gold combo calls for an infusion of black and white, especially in the form of graphic stripes. This polished penthouse by Tobi Fairley is all about texture, and gold accents pile it on as thick as the lacquer on the floors. To that effect, when gold sees its reflection, its magnitude is doubled.
Ashley Bell’s invigorating redesign of this East Dallas home features bold Jonathan Adler rugs and at least half of the design principles illustrated in this ideabook: Mixed metallics on the loveseat, black white & jewel tone color scheme, gold desk chair legs and nesting table embellishment taking the place of a third wood species, and a large ficus tree for good measure.
We’re not knocking the gilded palace look, but if it’s not to your taste, a lighter touch of gold accents paired with humble materials like concrete will bring glamour back down to earth. A juxtaposition of high and low, precious and mundane, signals a tasteful refinement that can’t help but look sophisticated.
Q