Timeless or Trendy: Metallic Fixtures

Working in a creative field, whether it’s interior design, fashion, marketing, or one of many others, means that you need to be on top of your game in tracking trends. While some make a stronger statement than others, trends are typically fun to experiment with and work into a project on a small scale, but when our clients are investing both savings and time into their home, we want to be sure that the finished space is true to their style and will stand the test of time. Metallics in particular is one topic that comes up more often than not, so we thought we’d chat about a few that look like they’ll be around for the long haul…

Black

Black has the inherent potential to make a bold statement, if not defining the space entirely. Yet, now more than ever before in modern-day design, black doesn’t simply insinuate a commitment to dark, moody, or weighted spaces. Since becoming a common finish in interiors, there are plenty of profiles and sizes to work with in every style, from traditional to contemporary, or streamlined and ultra-modern. In the past, we have implemented black metal accents through fixtures (faucets and bath hardware), lighting, and furniture. We love the understated elegance it can add to just about any space, especially when there are other features we want to subtly accentuate. One aspect about black that keeps it from going out of style is its undeniable sense of simplicity - an asset that often makes black fixtures the go-to answer when looking to put the finishing touches on a room with many elements to bridge.

Brass

You’ll notice our Instagram and portfolio is chockful of brass fixtures. While we absolutely love (like seriously, love) brass, there is a method to the madness. Back when brass was near strictly a polished finish, prone to oxidizing or resembling something closer to yellow (anyone else taking a quick trip back to the 80s?), it could quickly look like an antiquated feature. But, as there are always great elements to pull from styles that have come and gone, brass has since made a come back - new and improved, and really just better than ever! It is now available in a variety of tones and finishes to choose from, preventing unwanted reminders of the past. We trust this finish for its ability to immediately brighten the room, adding a subtle hint of sophisticated charm, whether the space is meant to be cool and casual or formal and stately. Unless our client or the style of home we’re working with calls for aged brass, we typically go for fixtures that have a brushed finish and muted yellow tones to ensure that it will not overpower any other elements in the space, but serve as a sharp accent for years to come.

Bronze

We find ourselves working with bronze less often, but certainly feel that it has staying power in design for its natural beauty, brilliant aging qualities, and prominence in the history of art and architecture! Having deeper earth tones and a patina over time, bronze is suitable for spaces with a lofty or rustic ambiance, especially when you’re aiming to showcase a sense of character rooted in the past. Like brass, however, there are more contemporary finishes available that prevent bronze fixtures from changing colour, so when bronze does prove to be the better fit over brass, we don’t worry about it dating our clients’ space against their will! With its subtle yet stunning burnt orange and rust undertones, we adore the contrast bronze provides against shades of blue, green, white, and black.

Chrome

What could be a better nod to design and innovation than chrome? It has stood the test of time as a staple component for every style, from retro chic to ultra-modern minimalist, chrome has even found its way into the conventions of traditional interiors. Unfortunately, its versatile nature has recently left chrome victim to being seen as a builder-basic finish - but, we believe that has less to do with the way it looks and more to do with the particular piece itself. There are plenty of opportunities for chrome to shine in your interior, it just comes down to finding a fixture, be that a faucet, hardware, or lighting, that fits cohesively with other elements in your space. Between its cool, metallic tone and glossy finish, we typically look at chrome fixtures with streamlined profiles and minimal detailing. There are many options out there with beautiful profiles, innovative features, and various sizes that leave chrome looking as relevant, clean, and classic as ever! It pairs beautifully with grays and blues, but will truly stand out amongst just about any colour or finish, thanks to its inherent silver sparkle.

If you’re ready to renovate your space or begin a new-build, we’d love to be a part of the project!

Are you ready to build, renovate or update? Contact us.

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