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Martha Stewart has revived a surprising '70s color trend – and it's the most 'visually intriguing' shade of summer

The lifestyle mogul has given us permission to play with the most provocative shade on the color wheel – and designers say it's here to stay

Martha Stewart
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Martha Stewart is a leading lifestyle guru for a reason: she not only observes trends – she creates them. 

The founder of her eponymous media empire is no stranger to shaping our kitchen and garden habits, as she has done for centuries. However, most recently (perhaps unintentionally), Martha has moved on to sculpting color trends – starting with gold: the retro classic we welcome to our homes with open arms. 

Martha shared a look inside the most James Bond-esque property we've seen her share before. The space in question exhibits luxe gold flooring – accentuated by metallic accent pieces – including a vase and a statement mirror in the same hue.

When combined with otherwise neutral paints and furnishings, these gold features make just the right amount of a statement – creating, what designers describe, as a 'harmonious balance between vintage and contemporary elements.'

'When you think of the 70s, you can't help but conjure images of a bygone era filled with shag carpets, lava lamps, and funky disco music. However, one element that truly stands out in this era's design landscape is the pervasive presence of gold,' says New York-based designer, Kati Curtis 'The 70s Gold trend represents a striking fusion of luxury, boldness, and a touch of nostalgia.'

Kati Curtis
Kati Curtis

Kati Curtis is the founder and principal designer of Kati Curtis Design – a firm based in New York City. Her studio specializes in 'classic design with a global influence' – stretching from residential to commercial spaces. Kati is known for her reputation for achieving highly individual results for her international clientele.

With its dramatic aesthetic, we would be forgiven for thinking that gold is one of the least versatile hues to incorporate into our homes; however, Kati suggests the opposite is, in fact, true. 

'One of the key aspects of the 70s gold design trend that I appreciate is its versatility. It can be incorporated into various design styles, from retro to modern, without overwhelming the overall aesthetic,' she says. 'When used judiciously, gold accents can bring a sense of warmth and richness to a space, creating a harmonious balance between vintage and contemporary elements.'

How to bring gold into our interiors

Of course, after witnessing Martha's gold floor, we're more than tempted to recreate this exact look in our living rooms. However, there are ways to flirt with the color, without fully committing to this retro color trend

'I like to experiment with different textures and finishes when incorporating gold into my work. Whether it's a sleek gold and chrome coffee table or a statement chandelier, the interplay of metals adds depth and dimension to a room, making it feel dynamic and visually intriguing.' 

We're beginning with a distinctly similar mirror, available via Etsy below.

Vintage Eagle Mirror | $898 at Etsy

Vintage Eagle Mirror | $898 at Etsy

Dating back to the 1930s, this gold-hued eagle mirror strongly resembles the one seen in Martha's backdrop. It's a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while getting behind this alluring color trend.

The designer recommends 'maintaining a balance between gold accents and the surrounding elements' – much like Martha does through her balancing paint choices.

'It's important to let the gold elements act as focal points, highlighting specific areas of a room and drawing the eye in,' Kati says. 


Regal and opulent, the luster of gold has bewitched for millennia. Now, a modern approach and shining ideas, as shown above, mean this metal is more precious than ever.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.