Image via Adobe Stock License
If you’ve noticed an uptick in in conversation around metallic accents in design, you’re not imagining it. The charm of chrome and the allure of metallic accents cater to both home decor enthusiasts and seasoned designers. And recently buzz words like “mixed metals” and “chrome fixtures” are being used to discuss how to add character to any space in your home. Discover how to transform your home into a haven of modern elegance with metallics. We’ll unveil the versatility of using metallic accents in your home and ways to keep your metallic decor shimmering for years.
The Allure of Metallic Accents
Metals and fabrics have been constant pairs in the long narrative of design. Yet, as contemporary trends redefine what’s in vogue, metallic accents offer a timeless beauty that marries both form and function. Metallics are also a fantastic way to make your home look more expensive on a budget.
From the evocative history and cultural significance of wrought-iron gates to the gilded frames in museum halls, there is an enduring charm in the reflective glow of copper, bronze, and silver. Home interior designers and décor buffs are using harnessing mixed metals to enhance spaces around the home. If you aren’t using metals in your home décor, now’s the time to try.
Versatility in Design
Image via Adobe Stock License
Metallic hues can be used flexibly which is what makes them a designer’s dream. Whether you’re trying to take the ambience in your kitchen up a notch, or upgrade your bathroom with quiet luxury, think metallics. A well-placed mirror with a brass finished frame or brushed bronze light fixture can be just what you’re looking for to change the tone in your space.
Reflective Qualities
Image via Adobe Stock License
One of the best characteristics of metallic accents is the way they catch and use light. If natural light is in short supply, fixtures and furniture with reflective qualities can change a room. Try a few of these items to create light:
- Brass or chrome doorknobs and cabinet fixtures in the kitchen
- Retro brass chandelier or wall sconce in the living room
- Penny-colored copper candelabras or bowls for your dining table
- A mod nod to space age feels with chrome décor
- Aged brass accents like fireplace screens, throughout your home for a vintage feel
Chrome: The Marriage of Modern and Retro Elegance
Image via Adobe Stock License
Since the invention of chrome in the 1920s and its legacy in mid-century modern décor in the 50s, this metal has been a bold, brazen choice that fuses vintage charm with space-age coolness. Why choose chrome?
Clean Lines and Sleek Surfaces
Chrome invokes clean, geometric lines in an era where mid-century modern has found a revival, these attributes are the building blocks of chic decor. Cabinets, fixtures, and furniture in chrome give an illusion of lightness and unobtrusiveness. Chrome really shines (pun intended) in eye-catching light fixtures. They anchor environments rooms in airy clarity, think a well-curated minimalist living room or an efficient, spacious office.
Timeless Appeal
Chrome isn’t just trendy; it’s also timeless. Its resilience in design trends stems from its ability to reinvent itself. Chrome stands the test of time, keeping its pristine finish with minimal fuss, guarding your investment in both style and longevity.
Incorporating Metallic Accents into Your Home
Design begins with experimentation — your home may be a blank canvas awaiting an upgrade, or just in need of some metallic tweaks. Here are some ways to bring metallics into your home.
Statement Pieces
Image via Adobe Stock License
A singular metallic statement piece can transform a room. It draws the eye and depending on style, invites conversation. Imagine a side table with interwoven chrome legs, an ornate gold wall clock, or a stunning copper chandelier Make an easy impact by mixing the metals of your table or light fixture.
Mixed Metals
Image via Adobe Stock License
To infuse a broader narrative of metallics throughout your home, mixing various metal finishes is a sophisticated route. It’s crucial here to establish a guiding aesthetic — the warm sheen of copper pairs beautifully with the deep luster of bronze, while silver and chrome offer a contemporary edge that beckons companions in black and white palettes.
Metal Wall and Ceiling Accents
Free Image via Unsplash
Perhaps an underappreciated medium, metal wall decor serves a twofold purpose. It acts as a visual break in the architecture, a space that demands recognition, while also serving a tangible function—be it metallic picture frames in various metallic wall sconces, or a fun hanging metallic statement feature. Feeling retro? Mirrored disco balls are the perfect way to add a fun, 70s-inspired funky flair with metallic appeal.
Metallic Wallpaper
Image via Adobe Stock License
A fun avenue in the domain of metallics is wallpaper— featuring the sheen and texture of metal. From gold-veined marbling to the reflective powers of a modern pattern, wallpaper with metallic accents introduces light and interest to any room, especially if other textures are earthy and colors are neutral.
Maintenance and Care
Image via Adobe Stock License
With metals come maintenance. Here are ways to keep your metallic accents shining for years to come.
Regular Cleaning
For everyday maintenance, often a simple dusting or wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is sufficient. For stubborn spots, a gentle dish soap solution will do. The key is to avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch or dull the finish.
Preventing Tarnish
Preventing tarnish is vital. Positioning metal décor away from moisture as a first step. Applying a microcrystalline wax can act as a protective barrier, delaying the onset of tarnish and simplifying future cleaning.
Need something stronger? Most big box stores have a plethora of chemical metal cleaners for distinct types of metals. Just ensure that the piece you’re cleaning is a real metallic and not metallic paint. As beautiful as your painted metallic mirror is, that finish could respond poorly to chemical cleaners.
Make your home gleam with the help from CubeSmart
Create a home that reflects your unique style, incorporating metallic decor without clutter! CubeSmart Self Storage offers the perfect solution. With a variety of storage options, you can keep your home tidy without having to sacrifice your favorite things. Whether you’re redecorating or need a place to store extra décor, Cubesmart makes it easy to maintain the build ambiance and style in your home while managing the mess.
