Metallics are trending. Think rose gold, aged brass, gold lacquer… because a touch of the shiny stuff will instantly elevate your interior space to new and glamourous heights. Metallics give the blandest of rooms a warmer, more luxurious look.
A little not a lot
To achieve the best results, however, metallic finishes need to be used sparingly. Too much and you can end up with a room that resembles, well, Trump Tower. A little goes a long way.
Our new ranges from Bontempi Casa are using metallics to great effect.
Many of Bontempi’s designs are offered with a number of fantastic ‘metal’ finishes. Their Bridge Barrel table above, for example, has legs in a variety of lacquers. Finishes include dark brass, natural silver, gold, aged brass and rose gold. Stunning shades that lift table designs from the stylish to the luxuriously stylish.
Likewise, Bonaldo, one of Italy’s leading manufacturers, has a stunning collection of modern designs that incorporate metallics as an optional finish.
The Frame K sideboard, above, designed by the award-winning Alain Gilles, is a great illustration of best use of this trend.
Firstly, the sides, doors and top of the sideboard can be chosen in ceramic. This looks like marble but is a fabulously hard-wearing, stain and scratch resistant surface. So you’re already off to a flying start on the luxury look front. Then there’s the choice of one of six metallic lacquers for the frame, taking the design to a higher level still.
Bringing in the light
The popularity of dark wall colours in interiors has taken off in a big way. Dark blues, greys and jewel colours are everywhere. To balance this, interior designers often add pops of colour. This is also where metallics can come into their own.
Using small metallic accessories in a darker scheme can look stunning. That’s also because any available light will be picked up and effortlessly reflected.
Soften the look
Metallics, conversely, can also appear a little cold.
To soften the look, designers often pair it with soft, tactile fabrics. Velvets, cashmere or the ever-popular boucle. The resulting contrast is striking.
These upholstered Iola chairs, from Miniforms, have been fitted with matt rose gold legs. Other options include copper and zinc coated metal.
The look is luxurious. You can see a marked contrast between the metallic choice and the same chair fitted with natural ash legs. It’s still a beautiful chair design but the wooden legs give it a totally different, more utilitarian feel and look.
Artisanal x metallics
One of Italy’s best-kept furniture secrets is Saba Italia. Saba is a family run company established over 30 years ago and headed up by Amelia Pegorin. Amelia’s business started as a small upholstery workshop. These days her designs are sold worldwide.
Saba works mainly with natural materials with all the sewing still done by hand. Respect for the skilled, artisanal worker remains at the forefront of what they do. Incorporating metallics into designs runs alongside this.
Their New York bars stools, below, have slightly quilted backs, softening the look. In contrast to this are the slim, steel legs. Beautiful metallic finishes include copper, bronze gold matt, bronze copper and satin brass.
So inject some glamour. Brighten up a dull space. Go for metallics – in our book they’re simply timeless classics.
Above, the brand new Mogg Pipeline coffee tables by BCXSY. A strong graphic design available in lacquered brass finish or textured black.
Below, the Judd metallic wall units seen here in a dark bronze metal.
