Gold – one of the most priceless metals in the world. I wonder why designers have such a love-hate relationship with gold, well brass actually! Gold is quite expensive, after all. Only kings could afford to decorate with gold, so the common man turned to its similar-hued cousin, brass. Brass decor items are common in almost all Indian homes. It denotes wealth and prosperity.
So when Fieldstone Hill Design issued the {Ditto} DIY Challenge for June, I couldn’t resist putting in my two cents’ worth. The challenge is to “Gild something, or paint it gold! Then use it in a lovely display“. Here is the inspiration picture. Art and design by Samantha Reitmayer Sano of Style/Swoon.
The Inspiration Picture
I thought I might start by putting together an inspiration or mood board, just for fun. I started looking at golden-hued decor pieces. And surprisingly, I found many. Gold is definitely making a comeback. From bright gold-colored pieces to dull antique brass to a more rose gold hued copper. It is all out there!
Traditionally in India, the golden hue of brass or copper decorative pieces is grounded by earthenware and dark wooden pieces to create a balance. That being said, it can totally work in a more modern setting too.
The first board I put together has a modern, airy feel to it with a white leather ottoman, sunburst mirror, a gold leaf side table and a drum pendant shade.
A Modern Gold Decor Mood Board
The next mood board is an Indian decor board with typical Indian and Anglo-Indian furniture and traditional Indian brass decor accents.
A Traditional Indian Gold Decor Mood Board
This mood board is quite similar to furniture and decor pieces at my home in India, except for the pendant light. The round pedestal table, foot stools, brass wall plate, bowls and vase are found in most Indian homes in one form or the other.
Find more decor inspiration on my Gold/Brass Mood Board on Pinterest.
Now that I have played around with inspiration boards, I thought hard about what I could use in a golden vignette or display, for the June {Ditto} DIY Challenge.
Oh, the job might have been easier if it was Christmas. Gold is my go-to color choice for the holidays. I also use it well into January. Here is my post-Christmas side table vignette.
Aside from Christmas decorations, I have a brass candle holder, a small brass basket, and an old gilded frame. That’s about it. I decided to just use the items I had on hand, and this is what I came up with.
Presenting, the June {Ditto} DIY Gold Challenge entry.
I was inspired by the books and artwork backdrop in the inspiration picture.
I stuck my book page wreath on a framed print and used it as an off-center backdrop. I placed a couple of books in front with a golden basket on top. By the way, books are great to add color and also height to display pieces. The basket holds a potted plant. I used my brass candlestick and my beloved porcelain friend for a bit of whimsy.
How cute is the little elephant! I made the pink pillar candle by melting bits of leftover scented candles.
I had fun creating this little display and love how it all came together.
For those who noticed, the blue table is a little project I worked on, and a post is coming up!
So, what do you think? Do you use gold in decor? Let me know in the comments.
Here is the tutorial on making the book page wreath.
The post on the succulents in painted pots can be found here.
If you like what you see, please follow my blog via Email (button on the right), Pinterest or Bloglovin’, or maybe even all three!!!
I am linking up my post to the {Ditto} DIY Challenge for June. Do pop on over to read more about next month’s theme and see if you would like to participate!
I am also linking up to June Before And After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick, and to parties at these awesome blogs.
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Hey Anjana! I remember this post now! I even hit the “like” on it. I still do like it. I like how the red of the book is reflected in the red candle and the pink ears of the elephant. From a photography standpoint, did you try to shoot the vignette face on, more at table level – like your inspiration photo? I think it would be a stronger photo in that angle, and then turn the books and the art straight, with the books placed slightly 3/4 in front of the art. I would also explore the idea of removing the basket and just set the potted plant on the books by itself. What would you think of these ideas? ~M.
Thanks M! You know, I never thought of setting the books in front of the art as in the inspiration pic. I was trying to fill the table. But now I’ve learnt that sometimes stuff need to be moved around for better shots!
I know what you mean about the basket. I added it only because it was a gold vignette challenge. But now I think the candle holder would’ve been enough. Especially if the books were also in front of the art and not spread so much. I should try that.
Thanks for the fresh perspective!
Hey thanks for ur comment on my space 🙂 wanna share my fb page hope I will see a new like from u!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/Ingeniousmrs
Beautiful vignette! Love the gold touches! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
Thank you, Maria! Glad you liked it.
Will be coming over.
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with gold, but what you did looks great! Thank you for sharing at Give Me The Goods!
Dimples & Pig Tales
Thank you!
Your vignette is so pretty! And I’m loving that gold metal and glass table on your mood board! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Thank you, Jenna! I fell in love with the gold leaf side table too.
I love your spin on the challenge! It looks very glam (especially with the blue table), but not too over-the-top. I love how the little elephant and book page wreath keeps it from being too stuffy. It all works really well together!
Thank you, Emily. Glad you liked it. Gold can be overwhelming if not used sparingly!
Beautiful! I love your charming little elephant too! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up!
Thanks for visiting!
I’m glad someone else still likes gold (look alike) which many want to call brass (not in my book.) Since people think brass is outdated, I’ve gathered plenty through yard sales, esp for outdoor deck decor because it weathers well. One of these days, they’ll wished they had kept this stuff. Your post just might make it popular again. enJOYed!
Aww…thank you! You are right, gold/brass is timeless!!
Lovely post and we love the boards you have put together. Lots are great things to look at in your post.
So glad you linked up with us at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.
Have a wonderful week~
Sharon and Denise!
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Thank you. Glad you liked it!
love all the gold touches!! there is nothing like a glam splash of gold! Thanks for linking up to our party! I hope you will join us for next month’s challenge!
Thank you. Amazing challenge!
Beautiful vignette..loved your mood board too.
Thank you, Nayana!
What a great idea – I used rocks in my Ditto DIY challenge too and I think I will use some more in my Christmas diplays from now one too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for visiting. Glad you liked it!
I love your take on the Ditto DIY challenge! What a great little vignette! Fun mood boards, too. I popped over from Making the World Cuter–thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Thank you, Abby! Glad you liked it!!