Interior Obsessions – High Gloss

Throughout the past years, there has been an upswing in the use of natural materials, a decline in the use of plastics, and by association, a desire for realistic finishes. This can be seen in fashion in the appeal of matte nail polish and messy hairstyles. In the interior scene, it has shown most clearly in a profusion of matte accessories like those by Jonathan Adler and honed stone countertops. But as is the nature of trends, once the pendulum has swung in one direction for long enough, its opposite becomes desirable once again.

And so it is that the high-gloss lacquer finish has once again started to appear on the scene. This is not the shiny granite counter and plastic of the 80s, but a measured amount of gloss, tempered by materials that have limited reflection; upholstery that ranges from cottons to velvets, paint that includes both flat areas and lacquers. I’m not talking about a single glossy accessory, but high-gloss paints on walls, shiny cabinets or sparkling reflective floors or ceilings, something to make a strong impact. And how can you give this trend a try in your own home? Try using a high-gloss finish for that colored accent wall, or add a lacquered furniture piece to heighten the shine factor in your favorite room. Just don’t forget to balance it out with some non-reflective surfaces, they make that gloss really shine!

How are you adding shine to your home?

(above) Gloss and Matte Paint Job

Shiny Metal Ceiling + Reflective Floor

Lacquered Doors

Black Gloss Paint + Shiny White Floors

Shiny Black Wood Floor

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.