Timeless and trendy, warm metals add elegance and shine to any style

There are plenty of ways to incorporate shine into our homes and wardrobes, but this season’s most prevalent and precious elements definitely take their cues from the rich, golden light of late autumn, giving us a bit of warmth to bring along into the winter months.

Gold is a timeless décor choice, and it’s seeing a bit of a Renaissance in style circles of late along with other so-called ‘warm metals’ like bronze, copper, and brass. We first noticed gold tones on New York Fashion Week’s runways earlier this year, and more recently on the Emmy’s Red Carpet where many television’s best-dressed wore metallic shades – sometimes in gowns made of actual metal.

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Designers at High Point Market, the largest furniture show in the world, tipped their own hats to the fashion world and introduced light fixtures, furniture, artwork, and more in gold leaf, rose gold, and brushed brass, pairing them with organic pieces such as tables made with reclaimed wood, vintage chests of drawers with carved embellishments, or handcrafted lamps and vases with nature-inspired designs.

Now it’s our turn, and the timing couldn’t be better; nothing lights up the bold browns, oranges, and reds of the season — or, for that matter, the coming cool tones of white snow and ice — more naturally and beautifully than a touch of gold. Plus, mixing fabrics, textures, and fashion eras is making this trend more accessible than ever. Metallic skirts are being paired with bouclé sweaters and gold lamé jackets with black leggings and suede boots. Vintage pieces including brooches, pendants, and clutches can be paired with more modern gray, black, and brown neutrals, and even the DIY-er can create some flashy accessories with metallic yarns, jewelry kits, or acrylic gems that can replace traditional buttons.

To work it into home decor, start by repurposing existing household objects with a paint brush and some gold leaf: a bar cart can become a plant stand, a wine rack can store scarves and jewelry, and picture frames can become headboards.

Additionally, cabinet doors and dresser drawers can receive a quick refresh with new handles and drawer pulls, or consider new window treatments with metallic features, such as grommet-top or clip-ring curtains mounted on decorative rods.

Whatever your style, gold and other warm metals are the rare neutrals that add elegance and nuance to any room. To add a vintage touch, look for mid-century pieces, which often celebrate warm metals and pair well with organic elements including exotic woods, earthenware, and natural fiber rugs. Gold also serves a global aesthetic well; fans of European style will find gold, copper, and bronze hues easily in brocade, toile, and Paisley patterns as well as a number of fabrics, from cotton to silk to tweed. These soft elements can be paired with more striking accents such as a hardwood end table in a chic champagne finish, an ottoman embellished with brass tacks, or even a dramatic four-armed chandelier for just a hint of Versailles-inspired style.

Have you gone for gold in your home or wardrobe? Show off!
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