Decorating trend: Black and gold

Talk to any old-school interior designer and he or she will share the same rule: Every room needs a bit of black. The edgy shade sharpens up a bland space and adds a touch of sophistication to your home. And it mingles especially well with gold. One color brings the drama and the other adds elegance.

Chambord French press, $70, www.anthropologie.com

Desire Gold Mustard wallpaper, $75 per roll,www.grahambrown.com

Exotica Cheetah Pelt Collection, $185 for a 4-by-6 wool rug,www.ecarpetgallery.com



CB2 bookends, $30 for set of two, www.cb2.com

 
Ikea Angenam bowl, $20

One simple way to bring this trend into your home is to buy a gilt frame at a thrift store. Insert a piece of thin board painted with black chalkboard paint. Hang it anywhere.