Hot Stuff: Get your shine on with metallic accents

written by Andrea Savage August 17, 2018

Metal is HOT, HOT, HOT! The popularity of this trend in design and interiors has helped to push it into the spotlight and it appears everywhere – on kitchen bench-tops and back splashes, staircases, railings and ceilings and everywhere in between. The diversity of metal ensures it harmonizes with a variety of styles from industrial and contemporary, to plush and glamourous. Visually, it spells style and luxury and delivers a refined and polished look.

These are two of my favourite images. The green and copper kitchen – Cameron Diaz no less!

Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan Kitchen

The staircase railing- uber cool!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/64/49/f8644925667f9f1d6b137ed191c1d0cd.jpg

You do need to consider your colour palette when you are choosing metallic accents to decorate your space. For some interiors, cool metals like chrome and silver pair well with blues, turquoise and violet but this palette can also work with warmer metals like copper and brass. It depends what look you want to achieve. This project of ours results in the ultimate mix, brass and chrome together!

Maximalist Modern Kitchen by Design Intervention (mood board images link below)

If you are just starting out, accessories are the easiest way to add metallic style to your surrounds via the use of items like candle holders, vases and vintage mirrors, because when chosen with care and displayed to advantage, these accents can prove eye catching. However, because of their reflective quality and impact in a space, a little can go a long way.

A great way to add metallic zing to a room is through the use of furniture as this can introduce a paired back contemporary vibe or add a sense of nostalgia, depending on the finish. Contemporary may be considered by some to be rather cold and minimalist but metals such as gold and brass will add warmth without detracting from the contemporary aesthetic.

Design Intervention Projects

Neutral rooms in grey (still up there in the popularity stakes), are perfect for using metallic accents as these add depth, warmth, texture and colour and in this instance, you can break the rule which says you can’t mix your metals in home décor. Mixing metals is currently so on trend, especially as it delivers depth and character to a space.

Serene Style by Design Intervention

How about using an upholstery or curtaining fabric with metallic accents in your living area? There are myriad designs to choose from and I particularly love a window treatment with a fall of a length of curtaining and the subtle gleam of metal where it catches the light.

Or, cushions and pillows in accents of gold or copper?

Who wouldn’t be drawn to the luxe comfort of a gleaming metal bed? For me, it would act like a magnet following a busy day at work……

http://wylielauderhouse.com/kelly-wearstler-bedroom.html

And let’s not forget flooring, with metal worked into tiles or carpet providing strands of light, it can result in a dramatic affect for any interior.

We all spend hours in our kitchens. Have you considered a metal backsplash as this works wonderfully when combined with suitable cabinetry, or metal cabinets instead…?

World’s Best Kitchen by Design Intervention

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/46936021091012339/

Stainless steel is the common thread in nearly every kitchen and it facilitates the introduction of other metal accents in this space. What about a copper hood and range, a much coveted item, or a row of copper pots if that breaks the bank, or a copper light!

Don’t like the super polished look of metal? Don’t despair! Metals come in an amazing array of textures and there is no shortage of finishes – satin, dry brushed, matte, painted and powder coated. The versatility of metal allows us to work the same type of metal in different ways, resulting in very different finishes. Matte, brushed and polished steel are distinct from one another and their differences impact how they catch and reflect light with quite dramatic results.

Metal is ancient and enduring; our love affair with metallics has reached new heights as technology offers us limitless opportunities to transform it into whatever we wish. When it comes to our homes, it becomes subjective – we may covet it or hate it, but either way, with a few guidelines, any one can nail a metallic themed interior. So if you have been dithering about decorating with metal, take that leap and I give you a cast iron guarantee that you will award yourself a gold star!