Shock and Au: Make your new home interior shine with gold

In the world of interior design trends, gold is proving a keeper as Dulux has demonstrated with their chosen Colour of the Year 2016 - Cherished Gold.

It's a warm, intense gold, influenced ochre that works beautifully with other tones and demonstrates perfectly the scope that gold offers in decorating. 

Gold has taken the design world by storm and it is exciting to see how its influence comes across in everything from accessories and fabrics to wallpapers, paints and furniture.

Interior fashionistas certainly know how to get the most out of this hot metal, which can be teamed with warm earthy colours, pastels or rich jewel shades. But the less confident should not be afraid to have a go, too. If you haven't got the courage to embrace the colour of the hour wholeheartedly, then try adding touches of gold to a neutral scheme. You will be amazed at how just a small nod to the trend will give instant lift and sparkle to a room. 

Gold lightens and brightens rooms, adding interest to dark corners, creating warm and inviting spaces instantly. It's amazing how even a sprinkle of gold can have such an impact.

Don't think of gold in terms of its shiny, hard metallic form, golden colours expressed in fabrics and wallpaper are equally magical. Above all, this is a seriously versatile shade. 

Gold + pastels/neutrals

A simple scattering of golden cushions, lampshades, occasional chairs and rugs can bring a neutral scheme to life. A sprinkling of gold will give greys and creams a boost, resulting in a scheme that is upbeat and contemporary, as opposed to bland and lifeless. 

Retro gold

Throughout history, gold has had an important role to play in buildings and interior design with fabulously opulent results. Owners of period properties can take inspiration from the past and yet still be bang on trend. Victorians loved deep, rich jewel colours, such as burgundy, olive green, Prussian blue, shades of purple and of course these are all perfect for combining with gold. Try gold-tasselled tie-backs and fringing, button-back furniture with gilded wood, gold flocked wallpapers, gilt carved mirrors and porcelain with gold highlights. 

Gold in a contemporary setting

Don't for one minute think that gold should be restricted to heritage interiors. Uber-cool, super-white modern schemes look absolutely fabulous with a blast of earthy gold. It adds warmth and prevents a room from becoming antiseptic and clinical. White kitchen units can be transformed by gold mosaic tiles or a golden ochre glass splashback. 

Gold and black

Black and gold is a classic combination beloved by designers. It offers elegance and sophistication and is an effortlessly grown up choice. Team black lacquered chinoiserie furniture featuring gold decoration, with golden walls, pale creamy gold upholstery and inky black curtains.  

Captions: 

1 Metallic curtains - whether in gold, silver or bronze - will add a glamorous sparkle to any room, faux silk curtains, £57, Colours at B&Q,  

2 Pineapples were once a sign of luxury and affluence and make eye-catching decorative accessories, gold pineapple, £89.95, www.miafleur.com 

3 Bask in a golden glow with this stunning hand-drawn wallpaper that mixes English gardens and birds with vibrant colours evocative of Rajasthan, Golding Bunting Birds Wallpaper, £88 per 10m roll, www.occipinti.com/shop 

4 Black and gold is a classic colour pairing as this sleek contemporary chandelier demonstrates, Hexagonal polished brass and black glass chandelier, £6,560, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk 

5 Cherished Gold is Dulux's Colour of the Year for 2016