The introduction of metals into interior spaces can add a touch of cleanness and class. On the other hand, it might bring a measure of industrial harshness to an otherwise soft and gentle interior. Metals have proven exceptionally on-trend throughout 2019, and the fashion has continued into 2020. From copper to steel to iron to chrome, using metal as an accent can help to create those sharp highlights that’ll break apart any room they’re placed in.
If you’re considering bringing more metals into your living space, and you’re willing to get your hands dirty yourself, then it’s worth acquainting yourself with the various drill bits and saws that will best match with the material you’ll be shaping. SGS Engineering provide a detailed guide.
Copper
Unlike neutral-coloured metals like chrome, which tend to bring coldness into an interior, copper has a distinctly warming effect. If placed near a light source, it’ll tend to diffuse that warming glow across nearby surfaces, making it a great match for light fixtures and fire-surrounds. Beaten copper will create some pleasing reflections – and you’ll be able to find reclaimed copper sheets to put to work in your home quite easily.
Brass
Brass occupies a similar territory to copper, in that it’s nice and colourful. It’s used as an alternative to gold in furniture and fixtures, and calls to mind the excess of the Jazz Age and the 1980s. There’s a danger here that you’ll overdo it and create a tacky effect; but if you’re judicious, then you can create a real sense of drama and opulence, particularly around chandeliers and mirror-frames.
Corrugated Aluminium
This is a material that’s highly unlike many of the other options. It comes in the form of long sheets which can be installed into ceilings, walls, and even curved surfaces. It’s entirely recyclable, which makes it a perfect match for homeowners of an environmental disposition, and it’s found its way into countless eco-homes. Of course, you don’t have to deck out an entire room in it to begin with; you might instead start with sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. If you find that you take to the effect, then you can migrate it into the main house.
Chrome Fixtures
While copper and brass look great in furniture and light fittings, it’s chrome, nickel and stainless steel that tend to predominate in plumbing fixtures. These silvery materials can put up with plenty of moisture without degrading, and thus they’re an obvious choice in these settings. If you want a more industrial look, then you might opt for a brushed finish rather than a reflective one – though the latter will tend to bring the best from more intricate, Victorian styles which have recently enjoyed a resurgence.
Wrought Iron
With it comes to timeless class, it’s difficult to beat wrought iron. It’ll look great both indoors and outside, and it makes a perfect match with bannisters, wall lights and patio tables. If you don’t want to commission a master metalworker to custom-build an entire staircase, then starting with a few choice door-handles on your kitchen cabinets is a sensible choice.
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