I Wasn’t Planning to Decorate With Gold – Until Kelsea Ballerini’s Grammys Gown Inspired a Metallic Home Moment for 2026
I'm channeling red carpet glamor and leaning into the metallic trend – these timeless finishes aren't going anywhere
If you're looking to bring a touch of glamor into your home, metallic accents aren't difficult to incorporate: a brass lamp, a gold-framed mirror, or even a few polished candlesticks will complete the look. When it comes to more contemporary interiors, however, metallics can feel like a risky choice – but I'm certain we'll be seeing plenty of dazzling decor in 2026.
While brass, nickel and chrome have all had their time in the spotlight over the past few years, I've found myself leaning toward classic gold details recently. Decorating with gold isn't just about breathing new life into antiques and flea market finds; approached with precision, it can bring sleekness and sophistication to even the simplest spaces.
Shop the Kelsea-Inspired Gold Edit
From pillow covers to candlesticks, plenty of glittering gold decor is calling my name. I'm even tempted to invest in statement pieces like the Oren Ellis Rusch gold area rug from Wayfair – in honor of Kelsea's stunning gown, of course.
I'm swooning over this richly patterned pillow cover. The contrasting black and gold hues will bring a real sense of theater to any space; I'd complete the look using block colors, like the gold velvet Winifred pillows from Joon Loloi.
Whether you're building a table centerpiece or styling a mantelpiece, these gold tapers are guaranteed to make a statement. Matching candlesticks will dial up the opulence, while a classic ceramic option will create a more rustic feel.
Bold, abstract, and undeniably chic, this hand-tufted rug would be the perfect addition to a contemporary design scheme. Just like Kelsea's gown, it brings plenty of texture and dimension to traditional metallics.
My home is bursting with trinket trays and catchall dishes. Combining style and function, they're my favorite way to accessorize a space – and I love a coastal-inspired silhouette like this one.
If you love trawling antique stores but don't have hours to spare, this gorgeous candle holder is a truly timeless piece. Your guests will be desperate to know where you found it.
Statement details is a couch trend that's set to take over in 2026, but I'll be starting out by investing in a few tasseled pillows just like this one. I love the blend of gold and earthy green.
Kelsea's sequined gown certainly commanded attention on the red carpet, but you'd be forgiven for thinking that it might not exactly translate into interior design. In my mind, however, it's a brilliant starting point.
Take McGee & Co's vintage gold pillow cover, which boasts a similar set of dramatic metallic swirls; or the Orren Ellis gold area rug from Wayfair, which is guaranteed to bring a dash of drama to your living room or entryway. Leaning into the metallic trend doesn't mean covering every surface in glitter – it's simply an opportunity to experiment with some playful touches.
If you're partial to a more understated look, gold is also a failsafe addition to a neutral scheme. I love accessorizing a simple wooden dresser with Serena & Lily's gold taper candles (perched in matching gold candle holders, of course), or adding a classic piece like CB2's polished brass catchall dish to my coffee table.
Naturally, metallics will always invite a feeling of opulence, but they're more versatile than you might think. While I'll never shy away from adding gold accents to a cream or taupe backdrop, Kelsea has inspired me to experiment with some more unexpected color combinations: notably, the lime green tassels on her dress are making me desperate to try a gold and green pairing.
According to designers, metallics will play a crucial role in numerous interior design trends for 2026 – and they signal a growing preference for bold, luxurious schemes.
'Metallic accents are showing up across a range of styles,' confirms Sally Barton, founder of Sally Barton Interiors. 'Think English-inspired spaces, the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, and Art Deco spaces defined by curved, sculptural forms. In each, metals add structure, warmth, and a sense of heritage, representing a move away from minimalism toward richer, more expressive design.'
Whether you love statement gold pieces or you prefer subtle, vintage-inspired touches, metallic decor is guaranteed to lift your spirits and brighten your home. Think of it as a welcome antidote to the winter gloom; I'll certainly be channeling Hollywood glamor in honor of Kelsea's show-stopping gown.
