8 Design Elements That Bring on the Bling in a Modern Way
Don't fancy granny's gold antiques, or mum's crystal chandelier, but want that luxe look anyway? Try these instead
Chiquit Brammall
7 August 2017
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
1. Tile
Metallic tiles are so on-trend right now, especially when they’re used to contrast the ubiquitous industrial style in a refreshing way. Here, they’re used as a backsplash in this otherwise simple kitchen.
Metallic tiles are so on-trend right now, especially when they’re used to contrast the ubiquitous industrial style in a refreshing way. Here, they’re used as a backsplash in this otherwise simple kitchen.
There are bigger metallic-finish tiles, too, such as the wall tiles on this bathroom. For a small space like this, it’s a fabulous way to make it feel extra luxurious and yet keep it low-maintenance.
2. Wall finish
A brushed brass effect on the bar’s vertical surfaces as well as under the stairs is emphasised by the gold print wallpaper in this Art Deco-styled home. Special-effect paint or metallic-look laminate can achieve this ultra-lavish effect even when you’re on a budget.
Read more about this home
A brushed brass effect on the bar’s vertical surfaces as well as under the stairs is emphasised by the gold print wallpaper in this Art Deco-styled home. Special-effect paint or metallic-look laminate can achieve this ultra-lavish effect even when you’re on a budget.
Read more about this home
3. Wallpaper
Try a softly metallic, pearlised feature wall for a sophisticated, feminine feel in a bedroom.
Try a softly metallic, pearlised feature wall for a sophisticated, feminine feel in a bedroom.
4. Onyx wall
Backlit onyx looks like sheer marble by day, and precious stone by night. A little goes a long way, as in this kitchen-bar top (left); a lot is extra, extra luxe (above).
Read more about this home
Backlit onyx looks like sheer marble by day, and precious stone by night. A little goes a long way, as in this kitchen-bar top (left); a lot is extra, extra luxe (above).
Read more about this home
5. Soft furnishings
Although the brass chandelier is the first metallic, jewel-like element you notice in this room, there are subtler, rich touches such as the drapes and rug that echo the sheen and colour. Layers of a toned-down metallic rather than in-your-face gold elements give a room a more sophisticated luxuriousness .
Read more about this room
Although the brass chandelier is the first metallic, jewel-like element you notice in this room, there are subtler, rich touches such as the drapes and rug that echo the sheen and colour. Layers of a toned-down metallic rather than in-your-face gold elements give a room a more sophisticated luxuriousness .
Read more about this room
6. Metal fittings, etc.
Think of these as you would jewellery to complete your look. Chrome, mirrored, brass, copper – these are the sleek, contemporary options to a traditional gold used on bathroom fittings, lamps, frames and furniture legs. Mix with marble for an especially lush effect.
Luxury touches to upscale your bathroom
Think of these as you would jewellery to complete your look. Chrome, mirrored, brass, copper – these are the sleek, contemporary options to a traditional gold used on bathroom fittings, lamps, frames and furniture legs. Mix with marble for an especially lush effect.
Luxury touches to upscale your bathroom
7. Metallic decor accessories
Select some fun details such as the pair of copper polar bears and apples (above) that bring out the metal elements of the furniture.
Select some fun details such as the pair of copper polar bears and apples (above) that bring out the metal elements of the furniture.
8. Mother-of-pearl
Metals aren’t the only jewel-like elements that can luxe up your decor. Think pearls! Here, mother-of-pearl mosaic-clad lamps on either side of the bed pick up the shimmer of the coral diptych, and the sheen of the bedding fabrics.
TELL US
How do you do luxury in the home? Let us know in the Comments section.
Metals aren’t the only jewel-like elements that can luxe up your decor. Think pearls! Here, mother-of-pearl mosaic-clad lamps on either side of the bed pick up the shimmer of the coral diptych, and the sheen of the bedding fabrics.
TELL US
How do you do luxury in the home? Let us know in the Comments section.
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Thanks for featuring our bathroom, we love the distinctive look the copper and marble adds to the space.