Interior Design Ideas

Bling for the Crib; Ideas to get some Interior Design Sparkle

July 6, 2026

Lucky for you is that some Windex, ammonia or vinegar mixed with elbow grease and applied to your mirrors, windows and lamps will get you some sparkle for free. But what else can we do?

On the Walls….

Ralph Lauren has a line of metallic paints which give the room a glow. They tend to be fairly dark and so I think that they are most effective in rooms where you would try a dark shade, such as a powder room, hallway, den or bedroom. Or on a tray ceiling. But with 40 colors there is no need to limit your choice to the usual gold, silver and bronze hues.

Mylar wall covering is also a possibility, with choices running the spectrum from foil backed grass cloth, to metallic textures which are embossed, to large scale patterns with metallic or pearlescent inks.

Adding strategically placed mirrors will bounce light and views into otherwise dark corners. Their glass as well as a gilt or silver leaf frame adds to the sparkle and Venetian pieces and intricately beveled mirrors refract the light even more.

With light fixtures…

More than just a light source some designs bend and refract light to magnify the effect.

On the windows….

Metal venetian blinds are looking modern again. In the right space they can be a perfect foil to the furnishings, but you’ve got to keep them dusted.

Some fabrics and trimmings are also incorporating lurex and metallic threads for a more subtle shine. And don’t forget the drapery hardware…

On the furniture…..

Metropolitan Home writes that one of the big design trends they saw during the spring market at Highpoint was metallic leather furniture. A sectional covered in glistening leather may be a bit over the top, but a piece or two would be fabulous.

Some accessory furniture and tables will also bring some sheen into the interior. From cast aluminum, to polished brass, to layered on painted finishes, the choices are available to suit every interior from modern to traditional. In fact the more simple and uniform your other furnishings, the more your room will need one of these additions.

With accessories…..

They truly are the “jewelry” of interior design, and for those who can’t make the leap to embrace gold painted walls or a pearlecsent leather chair, well, this is the way to proceed. My mother collected cut glass, and many of our grannies felt that a proper bridal trouseau included sterling silver. I know that you hate to polish it, but a silver tea service is spectacular when placed on an antique mahogany sideboard. Presenting table set with silver rimmed china and crystal goblets for a candle light dinner is a true treat for some lucky guests.

Likewise a mirrored tray holding vials of perfume on a dressing table adds an elegant shimmer. Or a bar laid out with ice buckets and shakers and all the other paraphernalia required to mix a proper cocktail…

So if you’ve got it, clean it and flaunt it. Otherwise, be on the lookout look for a way to add a little bling to your crib.

Share/Save

Posted in: Elements of Design, General