The use of metals as accents is still a popular choice. Metals add a touch of earthiness and a contemporary feel to any setting.
In many modern styles of furniture, metals such as brushed nickel, brass, stainless steel and wrought iron, are popular design elements.
I love the look of a light burled walnut or maple with nickel-plated or stainless-steel hardware on contemporary furniture. The style is linear and crisp, while maintaining a natural feel.
Our feature kitchen photograph, courtesy of Masco Canada, has several metal accents that work well with natural elements in the space. The dark cabinetry really sets off the stainless-steel cabinet hardware. The stainless-steel appliances, including the microwave and range hood, give contemporary flair to what could have been a country kitchen. The smooth surfaces of the stainless-steel appliances give balance to the highly textured wicker accents and furniture. The metal accents provide just enough balance to give this room what I call a modern country flavour. Other touches of metal that you may not have noticed in this room include the chair legs, switch plate covers, chrome faucets and condiment jar lids. If you want to add some metal to your décor it can be done through these smaller accessories.
Other metals, such as copper, have been used in cookware and other accents in the past. Now they are inching their way back into décor in a more updated fashion. Notice there are copper ceiling covers on the pendant light in our feature room.
In other rooms
Stainless-steel bathroom fixtures and accessories are a good choice. They are easy to clean and have a clinical appeal that represents a hygienic environment. A stainless-steel tub, sink and toilet are ultra modern with an industrial edge. Apothecary jars with metal lids, metal-framed wall mirrors and metal towel bars are just a few items that can be easily incorporated into a bathroom. Add to this some natural wood accents and finishes, this industrial style will be warmed up and balanced.
Metal hardware, sinks and faucets are an easy choice for the kitchen. Consider hanging your stainless-steel pots instead of hiding them in the cupboard. You'll have metal accents and more storage space. A caddy filled with stainless-steel kitchen utensils will have the same effect. Metal or wire baskets of cutlery on display will provide a casual but contemporary touch. Places such as Urban Barn, Pier One and department stores have unique metal bowls and accent pieces that can look stunning in any room. Less common metal surfaces such as a stainless-steel tiled backsplash or stainless-steel countertop can be stunning as well. One or two key pieces are all you need.
The décor in other rooms can benefit from items such as metal lamp bases, drapery rods and curtain panels with grommets. When choosing furniture, consider pieces with metal accents. (Check out the 'tables' link at www.thefurnitureartist.com for ideas.) Choose fabrics that have a metallic-looking sheen to bring some glamour to your space. Replace current cabinet hardware on entertainment units and so on with sleek metal items. Wire trash bins, laundry hampers, metal clocks and metal photo frames are just a few more items to consider adding to the mix.
You can even research creating a faux metallic paint finish on just about any surface in your home. Add faux steel insert panels to your wood cabinets or paint the top of a side table in a faux copper finish. Start with small projects. You could also buy metallic paints to paint small items such as clay pots, lamp shades or drapery hardware. Ask your paint dealer to help you choose the right paint for your intended surface and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Jazz up upholstered furniture by adding metal furniture tacks as an accent. You can buy them in lengths of pre-attached strips to use on furniture, wooden trunks, picture frames, mirrors and so forth. Lengths of inexpensive bathtub chain can also be used to jazz up similar items.
If you're on a tight budget, check out what's available at dollar stores. They often carry wire baskets, small storage boxes with metal accents and craft supplies that may work for your project. Also, look for salvage items such as tin ceiling tiles (you may find one or two that can be framed as is to use as artwork), an old wire birdcage that can be cleaned up to use as an accent piece, or any number of unique metal accents at flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores. If you live in an older home, strip the ornate heat vent covers to bring them back to their original, unpainted metal finish.
In Feng Shui, the metal element is associated with wealth, protection and organization. If you need help with any one of these it couldn't hurt to add a little metal to your space. Some of the metals that are used in Feng Shui include stainless steel, aluminum, brass, silver and iron.
A little metal can go a long way to adding pizzazz to your space.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
