Lustrous Lacquer

Hallway by Steven Gambrel

As I may have mentioned before, I love lacquer! The effect of this wonderful finish is sleek and watery, and light can't help but bounce around in the space.

Living room by Melissa Rufty

The polish of the lacquer sheds the walls' flat, rigid appearance, and they suddenly become three dimensional, acting almost like a mirror would by creating depth.

Miles Redd discussed this entryway during his Antiques in the Gardens speech, saying that he wanted to offset the owners' dark, inherited furnishings with playful color and shimmering surfaces.

Faye Cone took out a hefty staircase here, replacing it with this floating model, and then lacquered the adjacent wall to create even more airiness and fluidity.

Room by Melissa Rufty

Nate Berkus opts to lacquer only the ceiling in this bright Florida poolhouse, contrasting the warmth of the chocolate color with the watery coolness of the lacquer's polish. Below, he goes all out with a deep blue in a New York library.

Hallway by Todd Klein

Goodness, how I would love to come home to this entry hallway every day! The color and finish are ethereal and, to me, sheer perfection!

If you're going to go with lacquer, why not go all out, as Thomas Britt does in this rich, sultry living room. The contrast of purple and green is opulent, and the lacquer acts as the sparkling jewelry on this regal ensemble.

Although achieving the lacquered finish in these photos is no easy feat (generally requiring the work of a seasoned professional), the effect is priceless: creating space and light and.... well, luster.