Metallic glamour
Adorn your bathroom with finishes and accessories in the materials of the moment – gold, copper and brass
Chrome has been king of the bathroom for some time but, as with kitchens, this is all changing. Though we’re not advocating the return of gaudy, swan-shaped brassware or wall-towall copper tiles, there is definitely a trend for modern metallic finishes, and it’s worth tapping into for your new bathroom design.
ON THE SURFACE To prevent your walls looking as if they’ve been touched by the hand of King Midas, use metallics sparingly but with purpose. A border of gold or copper mosaics surrounding plain field tiles behind a basin or bath, or in a shower cubicle, will give the feeling of glamour without veering into tackiness. Lustre and iridescent tiles are an attractive option, as they will shimmer and add light and openness. For floors, opt for natural stone or ceramic floor tiles with similar tones. BOLD BRASSWARE As the name suggests, brassware has the metal at its heart, as it’s a durable material. Usually, the brass core is treated with chrome or nickel to produce the shiny steel look we’ve been in love with for so long. Now, inspired by the return of copper and brass elsewhere in the home, taps are shrugging off their silver coating to adopt a new, more luxurious look. For traditional schemes, go for taps in brushed copper or antique gold, as these will give a softer finish. If your taste runs to contemporary high-gloss cabinetry, pair your furniture with a brighter gold design featuring clean modern lines, such as the Axor tap by Philippe Starck. Buy the best you can afford, too, as poorly plated taps will tarnish easily – go for high-density, high-carat gold plate on a nickel base for optimum longevity and durability.
GET THE SHADE RIGHT Gold is definitely experiencing a renaissance now, but it’s important to set the right tone. Think gentle champagne and rose shades rather than showy, orangey tones. To take the edge off brass and copper, look for brushed finishes, which prevent them from appearing excessively shiny. ACCESSORIES Mirrors, open shelving and lights all come in a host of gold, copper and brass finishes. Keep lines fairly clean and resist the urge to buy every accessory you can find in a metallic: instead, add a few simple white pieces for balance.
Try combining warm and cool metallic accents if you want to create a modern, glamorous, space” well-balanced
An intentionally antiqued aesthetic is coming back into fashion, manifesting itself in patinated hues of copper, rose gold brass” and
Brushed finishes are a little more understated, but still carry all the necessary visual detail and impact