Steel, nickel and polished chrome are the metallics of the moment – designs like these demonstrate the best ways to use them
FEATURE Ellen Finch
ACCENT PIECE
A step up from accessories, confident metal-framed furniture works wonders to introduce a contemporary edge into a scheme. Chrome and stainless steel can feel industrial in style, but mixing a piece of furniture or two made from the materials – a side table, say – in a softer space adds an element of surprise. For this chic, more industrial-like scheme by Los Angeles-based interior design studio Shapeside, the classic Hans J Wegner Flag Halyard chair helps to create a cool vignette.
LOOKING UP
Polished steel tiles with a 3D water-ripple effect area luxe alternative to a panelled ceiling for this sauna space by Polish design practices Akurat and PB/STUDIO – and the tone of the tiles is made warmer by the light that reflects off of them. ‘Since the building itself is partially dug in the ground, the sole source of natural light – a horizontal ribbon window – was at an abnormal height just below the ceiling,’ explains Akurat’s founder and creative director Maciej Ryniewicz. ‘We felt that opposed to a flat dull ceiling, light bouncing off these tiles would be an interesting pattern to gaze at when relaxing after a session in the sauna, helping create an immersive experience.’
SHINE ON
The likes of polished chrome are meant for more than bathroom fixtures: this lightreflecting, highly impactful metallic is the perfect finish for a decorative feature. Pair with actual mirrors for the best effect: in this space by Australian design practice Studio Doherty, a mirrored side table and pendant light are the supporting acts to the mirrored panels, which themselves double up as handy home bar storage and an eye-catching piece of art.
IN THE DETAIL
It’s the small things that matterinthisscheme:theglint of the sofa’s chrome feet, drawn out by the metallicesque border of the rug. This is a gentler way to approach cool metal finishes, using fabric to pick out the tones. Paired with white boucle, warmwhitewallsandastriking painting, this is a scheme that feels very easy
