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Gold and white make a classic combination

An ever-changing color palette keeps home décor stimulating and interesting. As the winter season gives us frosty white scenes outside in some parts of the country, we are seeing a similar design trend for interiors for 2015: gold and white. Unlike some recent color trend predictions, this is one almost anyone can live with.

This classic combination never goes out of style. The calming effect of white and the warm, welcoming charm of gold is an easy duo with which to work. It is all part of the “return to glamour” movement that we have seen for the past couple of seasons.

“Consumers are taking pride in their homes and want to live in a glamorous space, which can be achieved whether they have a small or large budget,” Alden Parkes owner Lynne McArdle says. “The once-popular silver and chrome looks are also being pulled together with today’s white and gold tones, which is allowing consumers to incorporate older and cherished pieces with their new ‘on trend’ pieces while still achieving that clean, yet glam, look.”

The gold tone is a warm, rich, worn finish, not the brassy shine of years past. Velvety gold tones are available in new and vintage pieces. An accent mirror or gold picture frame set against a freshly painted white wall is fresh and luminous. It adds a touch of glamour without drama.

When selecting wall paint, consider Sherwin-Williams Pure White. It’s creamy with warm undertones that enhance the richness of gold while still staying true to white.

Interior designers are also opting for white furniture. With today’s high-tech, durable and easy-to-clean fabrics, white is no longer taboo. You don’t have to wait for your children to grow up to invest in white furnishings.

If you’re still not convinced that your family is ready for a white sofa, consider using white in the bedroom. White bedding mixed with gold accessories and lamps creates a peaceful, resplendent retreat.

Hardware is an easy way to introduce the gold and white duo into your existing decor. If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are white, replace the existing silver or black hardware with gold knobs and pulls. Complete the picture by replacing lighting with soft gold pendants or sconces, and add a gold-framed mirror over the vanity.

When a trend returns to vogue, I love to hit the resale shops, antique markets and my own attic to rediscover pieces that can be recycled into my decor. Vintage furniture can be reupholstered or slipcovered in durable Sunbrella white canvas fabric. Metal tables and lamps can be spray painted in a flat gold finish. Wooden chests and armoires with a coat of white enamel paint and new gold hardware are affordably returned to action.

This month, give your walls a fresh coat of white paint, bring out your gold accessories and invest in a piece of white furniture or bedding. You’re going to love the classic look of glamour that white and gold bring to your home.

Designer and home improvement expert Vicki Payne is host and producer of “For Your Home,” available on PBS, Create TV and in national and international syndication. Reach her at ForYourHome.com.

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