Getting heavy with the metal
Whatever your interior style, it’s time to embrace a little industrial chic, says SAMANTHA MASSEY
OOZING with understated luxury and an industrious edge, metallics have long been one of the most versatile elements in interior design.
In hardworking kitchens and functional yet fabulous bathrooms, metals have held a very obvious appeal. But today, their use goes way beyond the utilitarian, and can be embraced by every room.
From lampshades to side tables and occasional chairs to those little luxuries, metals will add interest and opulence without distracting from the rest of your interior scheme.
INDUSTRY WIDE
Industrial chic has become something of a timeless trend in interiors – a move that really came into its own when huge, abandoned factories and warehouses, often found in city centres started being redeveloped into loft-living apartments.
Alongside exposed brick walls and raw, concrete flooring, metal played a part in creating cool, contemporary living spaces that transcend the generations.
And while a suburban semi might feel miles away from a city centre studio, industrial chic really lends itself to any home.
Start with one or two key pieces; an occasional chair with brushed metal legs in place of upholstery or a storage unit reminiscent of something discovered in an old factory.
Want to go further? Consider a feature wall or floor in a metaleffect tile. Thanks to advances in tile manufacturing, there are plenty of porcelain tiles that have the look of metal but all the benefits of a modern tile.