Metal Trends

Aura Metallic Triangle Porcelain Wall Tiles on splashback

Image credit: Walls & Floors
By Amy Cutmore
The metallic trend is huge for homes in 2024: here’s how to rock it

21 December 2023

When it comes to predicting the next big thing, it’s rare that Pinterest gets it wrong. After all, 482 million people use the site to plan everything from their next party outfit to a kitchen makeover, giving a unique insight into the future.

In 2022, Pinterest anticipated the rise of biophilic design, and in 2023 it foresaw the rise of luxury at home and mushroom shapes, particularly in lighting. So when its latest report flagged up a metallic trend, ‘hot metals’, we had to take notice.

“Cool silver tones and bold chrome are resonating right now,” says the Pinterest Predicts 2024 report. “Melty metallics will make their way into the mainstream in 2024 as people trade in their trusty neutrals for something a bit more hardcore. Gen Z and Millennials are driving this heavy metal aesthetic.”

It’s intriguing. But also a tad nerve-wracking. Because how do we adopt this metallic trend without our homes looking like the set of a sci-fi movie? Here, some of our favourite interiors experts explain how to weave metallics into your existing schemes tastefully. Their tips for a liveable look are interior-design gold – or silver, or bronze.
Concentrate on matt finishes

If you spent 2023 embracing the trend for ‘quiet luxury’, you may be wondering how to reconcile this with metal’s rock ‘n’ roll image.

“When we think about metallics, we often think of flashy finishes,” says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse.

“However, by choosing brushed gold and brass, metallics can add a sense of understated luxury to your space. The matte finish brings an elegant touch and works harmoniously with muted tones like sandy neutrals and organic fabrics like linen, making it the perfect finishing touch in a minimaluxe scheme.”

Home Design Trends of 2024

 

Gold or Silver: Which is right for your skin tone?

Home decor: New home trends for 2022

The Mercury News reports the following trends for the new year: White cabinetry is still in style, and cabinets will be seen in various shades of it. Complementing the cabinets in 2022 are counters in creamy shades of quartz with open vein patterns. Beneath feet, the flooring is luxury vinyl plank that mimics wood. The flooring colors are warm. In contrast to the floors are refrigerators and stoves in bold stainless steel – a look that still rules in appliances. Lighting fixtures and hardware in 2022 are minimalist and or in mid-century style, and black or brushed nickel are chic. Technology for the home will be controlled from the phone.

Interiors: More of the same for next year

“If you love interiors, chances are good that you already know that gold and brass are back in. According to Inspire Me! Home Decor’s Farah Merhi, that’s not going to change anytime soon,” The EveryGirl reveals.

“In general, I see 2022 to be about expression, mixing metals, and bolder use of color, pattern and materials,” says Tom Stringer [ofTom Stringer Design Partners in Chicago]. https://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/advice-from-designers/g37991442/interior-design-trends-2022

Gold tone metals are, “not a new trend, but an ongoing trend. Beautiful warm gold tones are still going strong!

…Materials like un-lacquered brass have always been a standout beauty in home decor! No wonder this classic has risen to the top to be an enduring trend,” according to StoneGable blog. Although gold is a trend, “I think a mix of metal colors and finishes is the sweet spot for decorating our homes in 2022.” https://www.stonegableblog.com/decor-trends-sneak-peek-for-2022

Metal is used “everywhere” in interior design, and “warm metals like brass, bronze, and copper are still very popular with designers”, explains Interior Decor Trends.https://www.indecortrends.com/interior-design-trends-for-the-year-2022 That blog tells us, “Metal lamps combine perfectly with marble, glass and concrete, and coffee tables and tables will be advantageously surrounded by dark brown wood and velvet furniture…” Also regarding metals: “they have been entering our houses for a long time, but with some difficulty, due to the fear that they usually have that they may collide with the rest of the decoration,” What’s more: “However, silver walls, in just the right amount, can give a very elegant and original touch to any corner.”

Gold Finishes for Fixtures

As far as fixtures go, gold tones are still having a moment. Look for metal with a matte or flat finish. This could be brushed brass, matte bronze, or champagne gold tones.

Use these colors for knobs, pulls, light fixtures, and little decor touches throughout your space,” suggests Charleston Crafted. https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/interior-design-trends

Metal Trends for 2021-2022

GOLD Remains Hot

Stonegableblog.com states it well: “This is not a new trend, but an ongoing trend. Beautiful warm gold tones are still going strong! … Materials like unlacquered brass have always been a standout beauty in home decor! No wonder this classic has risen to the top to be an enduring trend.

Even though, goldtone materials are trendy I think a mix of metal colors and finishes is the sweet spot for decorating our homes in 2022.

Some trends in finishes for 2020-2021

Most of our customers want their items to match the room’s other metallic surfaces.  Kitchen sink has a brushed nickel faucet, then the cabinet hardware should also be finished in brushed nickel. But recently some customers are getting bold and mixing two colors like copper and nickel.  Collectedinterior.com proclaimed last year “Metals are going to be all over the place …. We’re talking silver, gold, tin, and copper.” Tin panels are predicted to be a popular backsplash option for kitchens. The mixed metal decor trend will also be pretty popular. Silver and brown metals will work well together, like iron and gold or bronze. Be careful not to mix more than three metals in one space, or your decor could become way too busy and overwhelming for one room. The right interior design firm can help you find balance.”

Here’s a look at some popular finishes:

 

How to mix hardware finishes the right way

t used to be that mixing metals and materials was considered hodge-podge. Lovers of a loom that’s both refined and eclectic, rejoice! Mixing metal finishes can …. Read More

 

Yes, It’s True: Brass Finishes Are Popular Again

Thanks to new tone and finish options that pair nicely with other metals, brass is making a comeback as a top choice in residential design.  https://www.builderonline.com/design/yes-its-true-brass-finishes-are-popular-again_o

– from the bigchill.com

 Metallics That Look Stunning in Your Kitchen

Gold.  If you like gold as much as President Trump,  use the bold metal on kitchen cabinets, countertops, or as the backsplash behind your kitchen sink or stove. If you prefer just a touch of gold, use it as an accent metal on cabinet hardware, light fixtures, or on your sink handles.

Gold pairs well with lighter shades like white or gray, while also complimenting more dramatic colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, rose pink, olive green, and black.

 

Silver

Known for its elegant sparkle, silver is a glamorous metal that looks good in any kitchen. You can never go wrong accenting your kitchen with glistening silver, creating a welcoming atmosphere that is modern and impressionable. Silver works great on kitchen appliances, light fixtures, sink fixtures, or cabinet hardware for an instant touch of shine.

If you’re going for a modern, futuristic look in your kitchen, silver pairs well with white, blue, black, and gray. If looking for a more traditional look, silver adds a touch of glamour to more dramatic colors like navy blue, cherry red, or mint green.

 

 

 

Copper

Color-wise, copper is the closest to orange and the warmest metal on the spectrum. In your kitchen, copper is a surprisingly practical choice for many surfaces and accessories. Countertops maintain an elegant sheen and glow when covered in copper, and the metal is surprisingly easy to wipe down and maintain. Copper is a great material for water works too, as weathered copper ages well and looks great for sink fittings. As a rule of thumb, lighter coppers are more suited to contemporary rooms, while darker coppers look better in traditional kitchens.

Did you know? Copper actually has natural antimicrobial properties and has the ability to resist a wide range of bacterias. This makes copper a great choice for your kitchen sink or countertop.

Rose Gold

Rose gold, also known as pink gold, has a very subtle and delicate color. Known for its shiny pink hue, rose gold is said to represent love. Rose gold has gained popularity in kitchen decor over the last few years and pairs well with a variety of colors and shades. Use rose gold in your kitchen on light fixtures, sink fixtures, cabinet hardware, or anywhere your heart desires.

Did you know? The more copper alloy in the metal, the deeper the rosy tones will be.

Bronze

Bronze is a sophisticated metal, comprised of about 90% copper and 10% tin. The classic metal is darker than copper and has more cool tones rather than warm. Bronze turns green when it oxidizes, lending a tarnished look that can make your kitchen look worldly and cozy. Bronze is a bold metal that will still hold its own when paired with dramatic colors like black, hunter green, charcoal gray, or navy blue.

Nickel

Nickel is a bright, strong, and lustrous metal that can be found in everything from the stainless steel used in our kitchen to the batteries that power our remote controls. Nickel has a silvery-white appearance with a slight golden cast, and often times can take on a more impressive sheen than silver can. Nickel is a sophisticated addition to your kitchen, matching pretty much any color you pair it with.

“Art Deco has long been an influence on creatives in every industry and interior designers are no exception. While brass remains a perennial favourite, at least for the foreseeable, you can expect new mixes of materials and clean forms in 2020. Think lozenge-shaped lamps with marble and metal bases, simple geometric outlines and curves galore, but more understated than previous incarnations. Rather than glamour and overindulgence, the new look is a pared-back, minimalist interpretation of 1930s design,” explains LoveProperty.com.

Image: https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/90220/30-hot-new-design-trends-landing-in-2020

GOLD AND BLACK CHROME

“Move over stainless, chrome and nickel! Gold is probably hitting its zenith of popularity in the home decor trend movement for 2020! We have seen it gaining an immense following of natural brass, bronze, and gold lovers! And who can resist it after almost a decade of all that silver!…

Gold metal is nothing new. It is just coming on very strong in new and exciting ways! Natural brass that earns its own patina and other gilded metals are showing up in sleek designs for the modern home,” is some of the design news reported by StoneGableBlog.com, and “As the saying goes… what goes around comes around! And so it is in decorating. But returning styles usually come back with a little different spin! I love the pared-down, slimmer profile of the gold accents I am seeing! This is not the brass and gold of the 1880’s and 90’s! I think gold metal is a very welcomed returning classic! There is room in on-trend home decor for all metals. And they look their best when they are mixed together. Choose gold to be your predominate metal color and mix it with a bit of nickel! Gold and nickel look gorgeous together! Don’t shy away from the gold trend just don’t be too matchy-matchy!” https://www.stonegableblog.com/7-home-decor-trends-for-2020/