Regal and opulent, the luster of gold has bewitched for millennia. Now, a modern approach and shining ideas mean this metal is more precious than ever.
With metallics on-trend, it was only a matter of time before we started noticing some of our favorite designers using them in their clients' homes. In Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's family home in Beverly Hills, interior designer Jake Arnold has mastered the metallic interior design trend for 2023.
Beautifully understated, metallics reflect light and open up a space, so use them to give a dull room an interesting, unexpected touch.
No stranger to crafting warm and cossetting spaces, Jake Arnold is a purveyor of luxury, warm minimalist design, so it is not surprising that metallic accents have made their mark in John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's home.
Gold is a fundamental feature in the lounge adjacent to the living room. The gilded de Gournay wallpaper delicately wraps the space, allowing light to beautifully bounce off its decadent design. But what do designers think of the return of gold and other metallic accents in the home?
Judy Smith, Crown Paints color consultant regularly embraces painting and decorating with metallics: 'Using metallic paint at home is ideal for introducing texture and "movement" to walls – and it gives a unique finish with not too much effort.'
'Metallic paint and wallpaper also complement different types of lighting. It will add warmth and a glow to your room at night, whether paired with candles or table lamps. Likewise, sunlight will reflect off the paint during different times of the day, bringing more natural light to your space.'
'Despite what some people may think, metallic paint, wallpaper and finishes can work anywhere in the home. When it comes to using it, no room is off-limits for this treatment. If decorating with gold in a whole living space, as shown above, is a bit daunting for you, adding a metallic accent is a great way to make a statement. You can paint or paper a feature wall in a section of a room or get creative and make your own design using a stencil and masking tape for a truly unique finish.'
To pull off this look, apply a metallic finish through gilding, eglomise accents or wallpaper. Don't be nervous about using metallics – gold and silver are versatile. 'Plus they work with a range of palettes, from vivid blues to moody grays,' says Lucy Clark, found and creative director of Studio Clark + Co. 'Whether used in a lounge or dining room, a gilded accent will make it instantly more glamorous.'
