ALL THAT GLITTERS ...
Metals like copper, bronze, brass and gold have been trending for a while now, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere soon. That’s because despite their seemingly cold nature, they can actually bring a lot of warmth and elegance to a space, as well as a touch of much-needed cheer, especially in these tenuous times.
“With everything going on in the world these days, I think everyone is craving a little warmth — it’s like a defense mechanism,” said Patricia Lepage, the manager at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a high-end furnishings retailer in the heart of Griffintown, on Wellington St., which has seen a distinct increase in the popularity of metallics over the past three years. “When we feel the need to reach out, gather together and be festive, we automatically crave metallics.”
Bernard Pepin, who specializes in chromology — or the psychology of colour — and is a senior colour consultant and the president of Atmosphere Design, explains why. “In general, metal is cold, especially stainless steel and aluminum, which are grey. Even though it’s popular in fashion and design, grey creates feelings of sadness and loneliness,” he said.
“Gold is the opposite; it conjures images of richness and can put you in a more positive mood. Warmer tones create happiness and laughter. They also promote human interaction and communication.”
So depending on its type, finish (antiqued, brushed, hammered or polished, to name a few), and the colours and textures it’s paired with, metal can serve a number of purposes in interior design. It can alternately make a space look more industrial, architectural or even glamorous.
“Re claimed metal is nice because it’s more visually interesting, with its oxidized finish and patina,” Pepin said. “The look is very popular now because it has a human feel to it. It’s real and it evokes an emotion.” To create a more industrial feel, Pepin recommends using reclaimed metal in an unexpected way, by creating a table, kitchen island, or even bar stools.
“Darker metals create a very sharp, defined and angular room — very architectural,” said JeanMichel Gadoua, creative director at Celadon, the showroom located next to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams on Peel St. that features exclusive collections of furniture, lighting and accessories.
“Even if the object has a round shape, metal conveys something that is stark and precise, and makes things feel more geometric.”
As for creating an elegant effect, Lepage suggests pairing highly polished and/or brushed metals with natural materials like wood and marble, as well as rich textures and colours. In addition to creating a more upscale look, the combination also results in the illusion of more space.
“For small spaces, metallic pieces that are reflective are amazing, especially paired with a rich rug and some nice fabrics,” she said. “Metallics reflect a lot of light, which works really well in an open concept with a lot of windows. It goes well with the airy look that’s really popular with condos right now.”
Examples of metallic objects that work well in small spaces include side tables, bar carts, kitchen details, bathroom fixtures and lighting, as well as mirrors.
“Playing with contrasts is what’s really popular now and metal pairs very well with glass and mirror, especially antiqued and smoked mirror,” she said. “It’s a nice play between the past and present, the old and new.”
While certain colour combinations are no-brainers — black and white, for example — metal can be a little trickier to work with because it tends to read as more of a neutral, Gadoua said.
“Visually speaking, metal is very neutral — but it can be warm if you go with brass or it can be cold if you go with polished stainless steel.
“Because of its versatility, it pairs well with a variety of colours ,” Gadoua said ,“and, for them oment, it’ s really replacing wood tones.”
Pep in said navy blue and burgundy are natural matches for gold. “They’re complementary colours and each one makes the other look better than it is. They work better as a pair than alone.”
Rose gold, which is made by combining gold with copper and silver and has been trending since Apple released its iPhone of the same colour, looks best when paired with emerald green, Pepin added.
With just a touch of metal going a long way, it’ s important to be mindful of combinations that aren’t as complementary.
“I wouldn’t mix pastel colours with metallics.” Lepage said, “and I think some metals shouldn’t go with certain fabrics, like white leather. It’s not good.”
That said, she’s all for mixing metals. “Designers really like to mix the different metals, which is something new because when our parents had one kind of metal, like brass, then was brass. Now, it’s fun to mix it up,” she said.
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