How Gold Accents Refine the Modern Home

In a world of understated luxury, gold whispers, it doesn’t shout. More than a mere accent, it’s a transformative touch, capable of elevating the mundane to the magnificent. From the subtle gleam of kitchen hardware to the bold statement of a gilded bathroom sink, gold offers a spectrum of possibilities. This isn’t about ostentation; it’s about curated refinement—a lesson learned firsthand by Sweeten homeowners who’ve discovered the art of weaving this precious metal into the very fabric of their homes.

Seeking touches of luxury at home? Decorate with gold accents in the kitchen, bathroom, dining, and living rooms

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Decorate in gold accents for a subtle or dramatic look

The art of gold lies in its placement. A delicate touch—a minimalist light fixture, perhaps—infuses subtle glamour. For a bolder declaration, consider graphic wallpaper or a collection of statement fixtures. Paired with neutral palettes or natural materials like wood, gold achieves its most impactful effect, offering a nuanced approach to interior elevation.

Here, Sweeten homeowners renovate with this finish to add a punch of personality to their spaces. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure deposits—for free.

A bright shimmer against dark kitchen cabinets

(Above) Rachel + Marco’s renovated kitchen with gold barstools, cabinet pulls, and fixtures

(Above) Mixing metals in Tiffany and Chad’s kitchen remodel

Rachel and Marco posted their duplex home renovation project on Sweeten. The changes were most apparent in the kitchen. They chose a professional stove that they loved and matched their kitchen cabinets to the almost-black finish. This made their next choice easy: Offset the black oven with brighter gold accents. They did this by weaving gold through the cabinet hardware. The base of the elongated kitchen table also showcased the hue. 

For Tiffany and Chad, a newly remodeled kitchen lit up their Park Slope condo. It was a combination of each of their favorite styles: traditional/country with an industrial vibe. The black and gold hardware was the small touch of shine it needed. It was also their favorite part of the kitchen. The couple, who project managed their own renovation, encountered a few delivery and quality bumps along the way. Thanks to their contractor’s alternative solution, the installation of their cabinets was completed.

Gold as the focal point in the bathroom

(Above) Allyson’s gold-accented bathroom

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(Above) Allyson’s custom floor inlaid with gold-hued accents

(Above) Leah’s bathroom with subtle gold accents

(Above) Gold-trimmed shower door

Allyson, an avid traveler, purchased a circa-1920s home in Brooklyn. She found a Sweeten general contractor who would bring her very unique vision to life. Allyson had collected artwork from around the world which inspired her design. Incorporating rich, gold-bronze hues was one way to do so. She had brass-rod inlays laid into the custom floor. Gold-brass sinks were sourced from Australia with similarly bright sconces just above. 

Leah had already been through a kitchen renovation when she turned to Sweeten for her next project: her bathroom. The frumpy 1970s aesthetic would be replaced with a more contemporary design. The rip-and-replace renovation didn’t take long, and it came out better than she thought. Originally she planned to incorporate white and silver tones. But, at the last minute, she decided to add a touch of warmth by using gold fixtures. 

A bright welcome in an entryway

(Above) Mitzie + Jenifer’s gold-leafed foyer

Jenifer, a media exec, and Mitzie, a product designer, recognized the potential of their new Brooklyn apartment. Despite its need for a remodel, it was located in the desirable DUMBO neighborhood and the right fit for the couple. Their Sweeten contractor overhauled the entire apartment along with a design-forward entryway. The gold hand foil wallpaper was bold but surrounding it with wood elements provided a nice equilibrium.

Adding gold accents to a dining room

(Above) Deanna + Daria’s elegant and grand dining room

When millennial sisters Deanna and Daria found a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, they jumped at the chance to buy it. They enlisted a Sweeten contractor to reimagine the space to meet their needs. Their traditional style with a Chinoiserie influence was characterized by bold patterns and color choices. This was on full display in their dining room: wallpaper, chandelier, and doorknobs all in a gold finish.

Mixing metals in the living room

(Above) Tara Benet-designed living room

Interior designer Tara Benet was tasked to update her clients’ three-bedroom apartment in the I.M. Pei-designed Kips Bay tower in Manhattan. The kitchen had been renovated a few years back, so the focus was on the living and dining rooms. Benet chose a white color palette for the living room. It would complement the deep, rich blues and spicier gold tones. Gold hues are reflected throughout the room: chandelier, furniture legs, and decorative accessories.

When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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