Think of metal surfaces in the home and thoughts of stainless steel in the kitchen quickly come to mind.
However, interior designers are using metal in a variety of other creative ways in home improvement projects. As fabrication methods continue to evolve, various metals are becoming more and more popular in ‘industrial’ and other new looks.
Steel
Steel, both the stainless and other varieties, is being used in everything from ribbed metal ceilings to stainless steel mosaic wall tiles. The latter is commonly used in bathrooms and in kitchen back-splashes. However, the shimmering stainless tiles can also comprise entire living room walls.
Nowadays, one might find entire kitchen islands fabricated from stainless steel. One concept, the ‘mono-block,’ features an island deliberately crafted to look like a giant block of solid steel.
The structural strength of steel allows for imaginative stair designs. Steel allows for asymmetrical staircases as well as gravity-defying designs. Metal stairs offer a low-maintenance, super-durable option to the homeowner.
Exposed structural components made of steel can include triangular and other geometric shapes. Visible welds can add visual impact. Rivets that are left exposed can increase visual interest as well.
Copper
Copper water walls combine ever-changing visual aesthetics with the relaxing sounds of flowing water. Such walls may come pre-built, ready to hang. Or, large water walls can be built right in during a remodel.
The texture of hammered copper can be effectively employed in fireplace design. The texture and feel of copper surfaces can be endlessly varied. Copper works well in warm, earth-tone interiors. Brushed copper can be appropriately incorporated into ult ra-modern concepts.
When one thinks of the use of copper in interior design, pennies are probably not among your first thoughts! However, one can quickly calculate that a floor made with embedded pennies is possible without undue expense. The unique patina that these copper/zinc rounds develop can add both texture and conversation in both family rooms and bars.
Aluminum
LED lighting and the natural reflectivity of aluminum are now utilized together to create dramatic new effects. In some applications, brushed aluminum spans entire living room walls, for example. LED lighting in the walls and adjacent ceilings then benefits from the metal’s reflectivity.
With metal, a designer can contrast both reflectivity and texture. For example, brushed metal can contrast with marble flooring. Highly reflective metals serve as a contrast to matte surfaces. Glass can also be blended with metal in endlessly varied ways.
Our design/build services can include the use of an endless array of creative building materials. So that we might learn of your creative home improvement and remodeling goals, please contact us today.