There’s something precious and wonderful about the holiday season; the twinkle lights, the candlelit glow, the shimmers woven through here and there. We’re drawn to sparkle this time of year because it sets the season apart. It signals celebration, warmth, and wonder.
But here’s the secret: that sense of magic doesn’t have to disappear when the holiday decorating ends.
Metallics, brass, copper, silver, gold, and even rich lacquered finishes, have the remarkable ability to elevate everyday spaces with the same soft shimmer we admire during the magical/fleeting days of December.
Metallic finishes can be bold or barely-there, festive or quietly elegant. And when used thoughtfully, they can bring a year-round glow to your home that feels timeless rather than seasonal. What do I mean by that? Let’s dig in a little deeper.
Picture a pair of star-patterned mugs with gilded handles, the kind you might pull out for hot chocolate by the tree. They sparkle beautifully against the blurred glow of holiday home decor, but their charm doesn’t fade once the ornaments are packed away. They remain special; they can shimmer long into the colder days of winter, capturing dances of light on many more cold evenings.
Or imagine a modern bathroom where a brushed brass faucet meets the soft flicker of candles. It feels luxurious and enchanted during the holidays, but equally calming on a lazy/hazy summer evening, catching the last light of the sky. Even small sparkle items, like a gold chess set, can serve as functional art, not to mention something people within the home may actually enjoy playing!
Nothing compares to the nostalgia and sheen of copper or brass cookware. Hanging copper molds or pots on a kitchen rail introduces warmth and history all at once; they immediately signal that the cook in the home is proud of their collection. Their rosy sheen reflects light beautifully, whether it’s December candlelight or an early-May sunrise.
An effective way to bring metallics into your home is to start small and intentionally. Instead of overhauling a room, try adding one or two pieces that catch the light in subtle ways. A brass candlestick on your dining table can instantly warm the space without feeling tied to a specific season. A metallic tray placed on a coffee table or vanity brings both function and a reflective glow. Even something as simple as introducing a gold-accented retro radio or a dish tray into your daily routine adds a hint of sparkle that feels special every day!
Metallic finishes function almost like neutrals: they can blend and elevate without demanding attention. They also act as connectors, linking together colors and textures within a room.
A copper kettle can tie into the warmth of wooden cabinetry. A silver frame can balance cool-toned walls. A soft-gold pendant light can harmonize with an eclectic mix of decor; It’s about creating small sparks of joy that brighten every day!
As a color expert/color specialist, my guiding philosophy is simple: if something brings light and joy into your home, it deserves to be part of your space year-round! Don’t be afraid to share in your decor what feels magical, what makes you happy, and what brings you joy!
Sparkle doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to feel seasonal. It simply has to inspire you and make you smile!
