Samples

This collection of samples showcases a range of finishes and techniques used in gilding practice. Each piece demonstrates the textures, materials, and decorative possibilities available when working with gold leaf and traditional surface preparation. We design pre-visualisations alongside you to explore ideas and develop bespoke decorative finishes tailored to your space, allowing you to see how materials, patterns, and gilded surfaces will look before the work begins. If you’ve seen a picture that inspires you, share it with us and we can design a bespoke gilded artwork to perfectly fit your space.

Included are examples for gilded feature walls, designed for painting directly onto gold leaf surfaces,
as well as verre églomisé samples — the traditional art of gilding on the reverse of glass — suitable for splashbacks, mirrors, and luminous decorative panels. You will also find cracked gesso finishes that work particularly well on feature walls, cabinetry, and furniture.

These samples offer a glimpse into the many ways gilding can be used to bring warmth, light, and quiet luxury to interiors.

All of these samples were hand-crafted by Tilia Gilding’s director, Rachael Linton.

They can be viewed in person by visiting the Tilia Gilding studio in Hāwea Flat, Otago, or at the Architecture and Design Library in Wānaka.