Luster for life

All that glitters isn't gold. We should be so lucky. No, thanks to that so-called winter wonderland outside, we've got plenty of glistening sights - courtesy of ice slicks, snow drifts, and all those sparkly shards obscuring our windshields. But iridescence can be totally welcome indoors, as a hot new design trend proves. We're not talking about your mother's mother-of-pearl: today's iridescent fabrics, shell inlays, and pearlescent wallpapers offer modern ways to add textured touches of luster to your home. And you'll find that embracing the trend doesn't have to mean over-the-top opulence - you don't have to channel a queen (of the drag or Marie Antoinette variety) to add a dose of the shiny stuff to your décor. "It can be both refined and sophisticated in moderation," says Rachel Reider of Rachel Reider Interiors, a Boston-based interior-design firm. We tapped Reider for ideas on how to work some glitz into any abode.

Food for Thought

Unless you have an über-masculine space, there's really no décor that couldn't use a splash of glamour. "It's about the mood," says Reider. "This trend is sophisticated, so I love shimmer in settings where entertainment is the main focus, like the dining room." Hanging in her own dining room is the luxe Serena Drum Chandelier ($3,025) from Hudson (312 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, 617.292.0900). With natural capiz shell discs and antiqued brass details, it gives off an ambient glow that's perfect for glam dinner parties.

"If the room is more serious or about relaxation, you wouldn't want it to be a main element," Reider continues. Consider the bedroom: you might not want all those reflective surfaces in a place used for slumber (unless you're a mirror-above-the-bed kind of person). Instead, try a single piece like the X Bench in Brussels pearl ($595). Available at Jonathan Adler (129 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.437.0018), this fully upholstered cushion bench features fabric reminiscent of a shell's pearly interior.

Small Shimmers

Don't blind everyone who walks in your door. Start small with accents and accessories, like a side table or a few mother-of-pearl vases. "If you're not quite ready to embrace this new trend, adding smaller pieces to your space can be a great way to experiment," Reider says. "Carefully placed accessories are little jewels that add instant glamour to a room." Take the white earthenware serving bowls that recently arrived at Koo de Kir (65 Chestnut Street, Boston, 617.723.8111). Exclusive to Koo de Kir, the handmade bowls have a clear glossy glaze on the inside and brushed gold-leaf rims ($34-$125).

Lighten Up

Lustrous surfaces can be great solutions for small, dark spaces. "Light reflects off of the surfaces, creating a feeling of light and airiness," says Reider. Consider a wallpaper like the Graham & Brown Hula Wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki in soft green ($60/roll), available at allmodern.com. This unique clay-coat paper boasts a wonderful matte finish with metallic and gloss embellishments. Osborne & Little also has a great collection of opalescent wallpapers, from the subtle Lysander to the striking Asuka ($88.40/roll); both are available at the local Osborne & Little Showroom (Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Boston, 617.449.5506). If you're after full-on glitz, check out the "Mother of Pearl" wall tiles ($2 each) from Maya Romanoff (mayaromanoff.com). Line the back of a bookshelf to illuminate an otherwise shadowy nook.

Beware of Bling

There's always a danger of overdoing a bold trend like this, so Reider recommends layering lustrous pieces with contrasting elements. "Juxtapose touches with more classic wood tones and rough textures like linen to strike an interesting balance," she says.

"Balance is paramount," Reider continues. "Pick key elements to highlight rather than going for full-on shimmer to create an end result that's refined and sophisticated rather than flashy." The small shell inlays and hand-painted silver scroll designs of the Syrian Shell Inlaid Accent Table ($1,235-$1,485) at Mohr & McPherson (460 Harrison Avenue, Boston, 617.210.7900) offer just the right amount of shimmer, anchored by the strength of the dark wood.

"If you're more fashionista than designer, think of it like an outfit," explains Reider. "Pick one or two statement pieces rather than going head to toe." That way, the end result will still feel like home - not Versailles. And if some people don't like it, let them eat cake. With gilded flatware, of course.

Cheryl Fenton is a freelance writer who also blogs at EasyPeasyBlog.com.