Decorating & Design
August 5, 2016
Take Home The Gold: 30 Metallic Decorating Ideas

With the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics kicking off this week, we have medals on the mind. Take a trip through the most beautiful House & Home interiors featuring gold, silver and bronze. Go Canada, go!

Hints of gold — in the Murano-glass chandelier, slender legs of the bench and reading lamp — give this handsome bachelor pad a sense of refinement.

A silver punched lantern-style light fixture ties in with the silver pantry jars on the walnut shelves, reflecting the light from the wall of windows.

Unlacquered brass fixtures and storage accessories will develop a gentle and warm patina over time. We especially love that bronzed shower head!

In the kitchen of designer Allison Willson’s own Edwardian home, she used brass to tie the space together. The stainless steel hood was trimmed to match the cupboard hardware, faucet and island light fixtures, creating a nice mix of silvers and golds.

In this sunlight-filled principal bedroom, dark grasscloth wallpaper tempers the light. A gold convex mirror, bedside lamp and accessories pop against the deep purple hue of the walls, giving the space a regal feel.

In this bathroom, a converted chest of drawers functions as a vanity. An ornate bronze-trimmed mirror, antique bronze pulls, sconces and a wall-mounted faucet inject life into the white subway tiles and Caesarstone countertop.

A geometric gold lantern creates a focal point in the open-concept, two-storey great room and highlights the space’s dramatic high ceiling.

The effervescent orb-style chandelier creates a soft impact, which will fill the space with a warm glow when lit, and ties into the bulrush-style floor lamps.

A mosaic of silver tile is luminescent next to the wood finishes in this modern bathroom. A grey rug and vanity countertop tie the cool and warm tones together.

In the living room of Barbara Sgroi’s 1970s Mexico retreat, a silver Achille Castiglioni arc lamp, which has followed them from home to home, complements the glamorous mid-century modern aesthetic.

In Debra and Barry Campbell’s living room, a palette of creams and whites mean that the gold and bronze accents interspersed throughout add a sense of luxury that might have gotten lost in a colorful room.

In their dining room, a ’60s Italian chandelier highlights the circular tray ceiling. The silver dish and candlesticks bring traditional appeal to the retro space.

In order to accent the dining room’s unique oval shape, designer Katherine Newman went for a gold ring around the ceiling, creating just the right amount of glitz. A gold-hued fireplace surround and floating sconces provide even more warmth.

In a Muskoka, Ontario, cottage the designers went with a classic polished tin freestanding tub to bring some glamor to the rustic principal ensuite.

In style blogger Gabrielle Savoie’s petite apartment, copper-plated stools bring a modern focal point to a basic white kitchen.

Long silver bar cupboard pulls pop against the dark grey cabinets creating a thoroughly modern look. The three silver domed pendants above the island bring cohesiveness to the look.

In the kitchen of a Victorian house, a 1970s-style bubble light fixture creates a standout focal point. The brass tray on the island mirrors the glowing golden tone of the pendant.

In this Nova Scotian family home, a baroque mirror is a playful contrast to the spare aesthetic of the rest of the bathroom.

In homeowners Linda Sigal and Irwin Zelniker’s 50-year-old Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed Montreal apartment, metallic accents bring glamor to the space.

In a quite sitting area off the living room, a mix of silvers, bronzes and golds further adds to the home’s glam feel without being too overwhelming. A neutral wall color and dark glossy floors help keep things grounded.

In the den, a hammered-brass table and gilded frames bring warmth to the dark walls and grey furnishings.

In their wow-factor dining room, a gold starburst chandelier and gilded mirror play off the lustrous silver wallpaper. The artful layering of metallic accents are worthy enough of a medal, we think!

In their kitchen, a unique mirrored backsplash lends itself to the edging on the island. Light gold accessories on the island are luminescent against the simple white surface.

In a fashion-forward city condo, Tommy Smythe used vintage French gold-colored knobs on the tuxedo-trimmed kitchen cabinets, which tie in the gilded mirror and punched-brass fruit bowl.

In this Scandinavian-inspired kitchen, the warm metal accents — from the light fixture to the cup hooks to the pale gold knife block — temper the light wood scheme.

In Les Ensembliers design duo Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette’s rental apartment, silver X-benches pick up on the topsy-turvy lines of the zebra-patterned wallpaper, giving depth to print.

Sometimes simplicity is best. Here a single golden vase is a quiet moment within the decorated living room, but still commands attention thanks to its bright metallic hue.

The iconic weave of the trio of silver Bertoia barstools takes this classically appointed kitchen in a decidedly more modern direction.

A bold gold oven hood and matching flush-mount lights bring some warmth to the blue cabinets in this decorated kitchen.

An effervescent glass mirror by artist Roberto Giulio Rida brings a warm bronze tone to the room, picking up on the bronze floor lamp as well as the delicate metal pulls.