Famed Mexican architect Luis Barragan's own house in Mexico City, built in 1947, is a beacon for design enthusiasts everywhere; after visiting the house, English architect John Pawson called it "a place of theater, quiet theater, but no less dramatic for that." Among the subtle theatrical touches: a gold painting by Mathias Goeritz (see an example at Christie's), positioned at the top of an otherwise monastic stairwell.

Photo via Casa Luis Barragan.

Above: Goeritz used gold leaf on wood for his painting; you could also use prestretched artist's canvases; Blick Art Materials carries a wide range; prices start at $9.69 for an 11-by-14-inch Stretched Canvas.

Above: Old World Art Gold Leaf Kit; $14.99 at Blick Art Materials.