How to Bring Gold Into Your Home

Add an element of glamour to your interiors with the timeless beauty and lustre of gold

Pooja Khanna Tyagi 28 February 2017

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More

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Most of us Indians love our gold. So how about looking beyond its conventional use and bringing a little bit of its sheen into our urban homes? There is such richness in its colour that it effortlessly adds an element of glamour to any interior. Here are tips on how to use the hues and the warm glow of this golden metal.

Group DCA

In the upholstery
Introduce shades of gold in the upholstery, drapery, cushions or carpet. In this room, the soft furnishings in copper gold in front of the wall art contrast against the lighter drapes and carpet to give a rich, layered depth to the room. It’s important to strike the right balance so that the golden hues look elegant and eclectic and not gaudy. Practise restraint; in this case the use of browns anchor the shine.

Tip: Consider zardozi (gold thread embroidery) motifs on the cushions and curtains for an ethnic Indian look.

Roy Campana Photography

On the ceiling
Or go over the top and add a good dose of the grandiose to your decor with metallic gold paint on the ceiling. In this space, gold is taken further onto the door and to the floor skirting. It’s hard to miss the intricately carved console table and the mirror frame, too. To balance and lift all that shine, royal-blue wallpaper with gold motifs completes the look.

Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Through accessories…
If you want old-world charm, go for an antique look. To achieve this, bring in statement pieces in dull gold and accessorise the room the way it has been done here with the nested side tables and the mirror. You can also consider an accent wall and finish it with a two-tone golden metallic paint.

Essentia Environments

…like lights…
Large illuminators painted gold can make for standalone statement pieces in a room. Choose gold-lined chandeliers or even simple pendant lights in a gold-metallic finish to add a touch of opulence in the space.

Contours The Design Company

You can also heighten the ambience of any room with the golden glow of indirect light. It could be incorporated in the ceiling, wall panelling or even within a raised wooden floor. This design addition never goes wrong.

Essentia Environments

…and vases
An easier way to add shine to your space is by bringing in smaller items like vases, candle holders, show plates, and other curios dipped in the golden colour. You could also create a DIY project for yourself for the weekend – paint a few key photo or art frames in gold.

Nexus Designs

As a headboard
Pad your headboard with golden fabric. You can go as big as shown in this space or even a smaller backrest in the right colour can bring about a good infusion of shimmer to your bedroom. Consider using light browns, pale yellow and white in the scheme. They all play wonderfully against each other.

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On the entrance door
If you live in a gated community , then you can consider installing a front door with golden motifs and mouldings. Some believe that gold (or the colour) on the main door can attract good luck and good fortune. I would think it may attract unnecessary attention – but that’s your call.

Tip: Gold polished motifs can be used on the bed headboard and on cabinetry; they go very well with dark walnut veneers.

Group DCA

Molten gold
Another way to add the golden touch is with backlit honey onyx. Just see how the translucent stone exudes warmth. Make sure to keep rest of the decor neutral and make the onyx the only attraction.

Tip: Backlit onyx works well when integrated behind the TV panel.

Helen scott

As tile highlighters
Make a statement with gold in the bathrooms! It is an unexpected place to find glamour of this degree. In this bathroom, metallic tiles are cleverly used to create an accent feature and mark out different areas. The space looks so luxurious.

Tip: Consider gold metallic tiling only within the punctured niche along with a spot light and make it the centre of attraction.

10 Ways to Beautify Your Bathroom Niches

Moshi Gitelis - Photographer

Use black and gold
Give in to the dark side and allow its magnetic charm to take over your interiors. The combination of black and gold looks rich and can draw a lot of attention when used together. Just see how the golden frame around a vintage painting looks stunning with dramatic lights on a black wall.

M. Wright Design

In this powder room, a black vanity is embellished with gold faucets and washbasin, exposed brass legs and a detailed mirror frame.

Tip: Gold-plated faucets look very beautiful but only if properly maintained. To avoid watermarks and to retain the shine, wipe the faucets regularly with a solution made by mixing one part vinegar and three parts water. It should be followed by a dry wipe.

Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
10 Ways to Add Jaalis to a Contemporary Home

Tell us:
What are the innovative ways in which you have integrated gold in your home? Share in the Comments section below.