There has always been something magical about glitter. It always makes a shimmery presence this time of year, on holiday party outfits and part of festive at midnight on December 31^st. But why should we limit this decorative element to the holidays? Surely we could all use a bit of magic in our homes year round! I’ve found some fabulous ways to incorporate glitter into your daily design, from dramatic glam to subtle sparkle.

From the Ground Up

Turn a drab concrete slab into glittery goodness with this project from Kathy of Crafty Chica. We love the idea of using it to glam up a garage or art studio.

Matted & Framed

Who says glitter has to be overwhelming? This sweet and sophisticated wall art by Steph from Glitter & Goat Cheese adds a little dazzle to the room without dominating. And what a fun craft project this would be to do with the kids over the winter break!

Full Feature Wall

Anyone remember the movie “Napoleon Dynamite” (“my lips hurt real bad!”)? Well, Napoleon’s nerdy brother Kip, played by Aaron Ruell, is a really fantastic photographer in real life, creating color-saturated interior scenes in each of his photographs. I especially was drawn to this piece featuring a rose-colored glitter wall. How fabulous would this look in a Hollywood Regency style room? To recreate the look at home, Benjamin Moore makes a terrific glittery topcoat called Studio Finishes Glitter Effect (311). Apply it to add a veil of iridescent glimmer to your walls or even to update a piece of furniture.

Punchy Paper

If you prefer glitter in smaller doses, but still want to make a bold statement, Osborne & Little’s Teatro Collection includes glitter wallpapers, such as Colombina and Manzoni (seen below). Apply to your walls, shelves and furniture to add a touch of sparkle.

Not so Foreign Accents

Not into the glitz and glam? This whimsical birdcage, created by Paula from Frog Prince Paperie created for an enchanting baby shower, is accented with glitter birds and flowers. It would look oh so charming in a little girl’s room and is a perfect illustration of how glitter can be used in vintage-inspired design. Jessica from Such Pretty Things channeled a similar look, bunching glittery branches together and perching butterflies and birds in them for a candy-colored piece that wows. Photos: Crafty Chica, Glitter & Goat Cheese, Aaron Ruell, Osborne & Little, Frog Prince Paperie, Such Pretty Things