Luxe Lacquered Finishes Are Trending—Here's How to Nail the High-Gloss Look

Lacquered finishes are experiencing a significant resurgence in home design, offering a versatile aesthetic that can elevate various interior styles, from modern to traditional. These highly reflective surfaces introduce a sense of luxury, depth, and dimension to a space. Designers like Sarah Jefferys of Sarah Jefferys Architecture and Interiors, Challie Stillman, vice president of creative at Resource Furniture, and Aurora Espinoza, a designer at Kutchenhaus Doral and nobilia, highlight the numerous benefits of incorporating lacquer into home decor. One of the primary advantages of lacquered finishes is their luminous quality. The glossy surface reflects light, which can make a room appear brighter and more spacious, contributing to a heightened sense of luxury and a contemporary feel. While often associated with bold, statement colors, lacquers in subdued neutrals can also achieve a polished, modern aesthetic. Beyond their visual appeal, lacquered finishes are also practical; their smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain, making them a functional choice for busy households. Lacquered finishes are adaptable to diverse design contexts. In traditional homes, they can be used to emphasize intricate details like plaster moldings, enhancing the beauty of historic architectural elements. For transitional or eclectic spaces, lacquered pieces introduce a contemporary shine without overwhelming the existing decor. The glamorous and geometric style of Art Deco, for instance, naturally aligns with the use of shiny lacquered surfaces. Experts recommend several ways to integrate lacquered finishes throughout the home. Lacquered cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms creates a streamlined, high-end look, especially when paired with stainless steel or natural stone countertops. These cabinets can also contribute to a sense of wellness by maximizing natural light. For those hesitant to commit fully, accent furniture and decor, such as lacquered trays, picture frames, coffee tables, or sideboards, offer subtle pops of shine and a taste of the trend. Wall paneling, particularly an accent wall in an entryway or dining room, can add depth and elegance. Architectural details like interior doors, moldings, and built-ins also benefit from a glossy finish, making a strong architectural statement and introducing color while utilizing the reflective properties of lacquer. Successful integration of lacquered finishes hinges on balance. To achieve a cohesive and stylish look, it's advisable to start with smaller pieces to understand how lacquer interacts with light and texture in a specific space. Embracing color with high-gloss lacquer can create a rich, luxurious, and adventurous statement, though neutral lacquers also offer sophistication. Pairing high-gloss surfaces with matte textures like wood or natural stone helps to prevent a space from feeling over-polished, creating a fresh, contemporary, and multi-layered aesthetic. Careful consideration of lighting is crucial to avoid harsh glare; soft, diffused, or indirect lighting, such as custom-designed light coves, is recommended. Highlighting architectural features with lacquer can naturally boost a room's inherent style. Lastly, moderation is key to avoid overwhelming a space, though a bold, monochromatic design statement can be achieved by covering an entire room in lacquer, offering an elegant "wow factor." #LacqueredFinishes #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HighGloss #ModernAesthetic #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeStyling #LacqueredFinishes #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HighGloss #ModernAesthetic #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeStyling