Saturday 31 October 2015

How to Incorporate Metals in Interior Design

Industrial chic has been taking the interior design world by storm over the last few years. This style comeback has meant that features that were previously looked down upon, like exposed bricks walls or iron beams, have now become all the rage. This has also spawned a new interest in incorporating metals and metallic colours into other kinds of styles in the home.

Chrome
Chrome is probably the most popular kind of metal that we’ve been seeing recently. While it was once exclusively the domain of the bathroom, it has since made its way into the rest of the home too. It’s shiny, metallic surfaces are now being used in light fixtures or as the legs of chairs, tables and other furnishings. While nickel is more expensive, and arguably has a less extreme-looking finish, chrome is one of the more cost-effective solutions to furnishing your home that remains popular with those looking for a clean and futuristic look.



Copper
Materials like copper, gold, and brass went out of fashion after their heyday in the 1980s, with many younger designers feeling that they looked old-fashioned or even ostentatious by modern standards. This kind of retro aesthetic is returning, though, and this year Dulex named Copper Blush as the colour of the year. Copper lamps like those found here make for a great standout item in a room, particularly when used to bring a shot of colour into an otherwise neutral space. Another benefit of the material is that its alloys are 100% recyclable, making it perfect for those looking to incorporate eco-friendly materials into their home and lifestyle.

Steel
Finally, steel is perhaps the material most associated with the resurgence of industrial design. There are many different types of steel, each varying in their carbon content, but typically most interior designers stick with the stainless variety. It’s often used in a similar manner to chrome, as an accent to furnishings or as stairway railings, but it’s when it’s used on a larger scale that it’s most striking, like as the main property in coating an entire ceiling or wall. Like chrome, it has a reflective finish that draws the eye, but the duller colour and texture it has better reflects the industrial setting it originates from.

While the industrial style may not be everyone's cup of tea, you may be surprised about how versatile some of the materials can be. Try experimenting with different looks in your own home to see which one works best for you.


*guestpost
Everything written here is done so by the blog owner and it may appear elsewhere.
All content and images © Beautyqueenuk unless otherwise stated. Blog design by Beautyqueenuk