Whether you prefer the glitz of radiant gold or the history of burnished bronze, metallics give a rich luster to a room that few materials can emulate. What began as an accessory trend, with antique silver frames and gilded mirrors, can now be seen in wall coverings, fabrics and large-scale furniture and in colors that go beyond nature’s creations with luminescent purples, blues and greens. The old-school rule against mixing metals should be melted. This chic foyer, created by David Jimenez , shows how two tones can blend beautifully together. The gold metallic wallpaper sets the perfect backdrop for the mirrored console table featuring two large brass lamps.

Though they may have the reputation of being cold and stark, metallics can instantly warm up a space, as seen with the Chelsea Iron Lifetime collection of Bratt Décor . For DIY divas, you can easily re-create this look on your own furniture. Jenny from Little Green Notebook has a wonderful how-to for giving a dose of glam to any wooden piece using metal leaf.

Add metallics in a variety of textures to your décor, as seen in the seafoam green and gold bedroom design by LeeAnn Thornton . This room sparkles from the gold starbust mirror to the gold circle rug to the gold metallic Moroccan poufs while the silvery wallpaper and the metallic throw pillows in Tina from Signed by Tina ’s room give it a rock ‘n roll vibe. Who says metallic has to stop at neutrals? Those that crave color can have the shimmering effect grace their décor with glimmering purples, blues, pinks and greens, as seen in this Graham & Brown Alium Purple wallpaper.

Collage:Alium purple wallpaper by Graham & Brown Juliette pillow by Z Gallerie Silver Pebbles Rug by CB2 Metallic Gold Moroccan leather pouf by Furbish Studio Ruffled napkins by Z Gallerie