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Old Gold is a New Neutral
Forget Brassy—These Gold Tones are Sophisticated and Timeless
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
Using the words "gold" and "neutral" in the same sentence sounds a bit like an oxymoron. Gold has a reputation for being gaudy, pretentious, and flamboyant much like a Vegas casino. Depending on who you ask, the same gold one might find glamorous is the same gold that reminds me of a Liberace performance jacket. I do remember a time when gold was on trend but even then it was used in excess.
I'm not proposing we do away with gold completely, but just tone it down a bit. Gold tones such as satin gold, matte gold, and spun gold are softer, more subtle. Personally, I think gold hues should have the same characteristic as well-behaved children. They should be friendly and play well beside others. Here are a few examples.
I'm not proposing we do away with gold completely, but just tone it down a bit. Gold tones such as satin gold, matte gold, and spun gold are softer, more subtle. Personally, I think gold hues should have the same characteristic as well-behaved children. They should be friendly and play well beside others. Here are a few examples.
Amber waves of mosaic tile take my breath away. This intricate tile pattern turns this lavatory into a masterpiece.
This play on a nautical theme is sophisticated and timeless. The golden tassels and miniature sunburst mirror are restrained yet elegant.
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| A little goes a long way. This gold nugget-inspired lamp adds a touch of warmth to a modern loft. |
by Amy Lau Design
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Gold and seagrass are an unlikely combination, but with the addition of the capiz chandelier the space immediately feels coastal.
Give old gold new life in an entryway. Just add contemporary wall decor and lighting for a look that will outlast all trends.
Gold tones are soft spoken in this quaint bedroom. The subdued golden pillows pop against a luxurious velvet upholstered headboard.
Combine the palest gold with a hint of pink to create an effervescent champagne hue.
Make a style statement with matte gold and high-gloss black. The molten mirror and lamp give this traditional vignette an updated look.
You can never go wrong with using gold in small doses. Gilded sculptures can become treasured heirlooms for generations to come.
More: Taking Home the Gold
More: Taking Home the Gold
Ideabook published on Dec. 15, 2010.
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Great to finally meet you face to face, Becky!
So much so that I used the same color in my otherwise dim stairwell. The reflective quality of the semi gloss enlivens this transitional space.