Metal kitchen decor features an aluminum patterned cooktop backsplash in a diamond pattern to serve as a shiny focal point in this electic, edgy kitchen. The backplash is designed by Stainless Living[/caption]There’s a new mindset about metal as a décor and design tool. No longer is it a utilitarian material only found in commercial kitchens. Today, metal is surfacing in modern residential kitchens as a go-to material for its beauty, durability, affordability and sanitary properties. Metal was a hot topic recently at the National Kitchen and Bath show where it was the subject of a design workshop. Despite what you might think, metal isn’t just for contemporary décor. It goes well with any style: vintage, romance, traditional, cottage, rustic, modern, Mediterranean, retro and all incarnations in between.
I interviewed the presenter of this workshop, Nicole Busenbark, of American Trim, a manufacturer and designer of metal components for the kitchen. For homeowners who love the look of metal but aren't sure how it translates in kitchen, here's help envisioning how metal can make your kitchen shine:
Metal Goes Great with Monochromatic Décor:
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All metal kitchen designed and manufactured by American Trim[/caption]Metal is the perfect complement to simple lines and monochromatic colors such as grays, whites, and beiges because metal is naturally neutral. Metal also has that sleek, seamless look coveted in kitchen design at the moment. Plus, we all know how easy metal is to clean and maintain.
Metal can Enhance Your Kitchen Lighting:
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Layered lighting gains even more wattage by reflecting off of metal surfaces in the kitchen. This kitchen's metal accents are designed and manufactured by American Trim.[/caption]Unpainted metal’s reflective qualities brighten up a room. The reflective surface makes rooms seem larger. “Combining metal with layered lighting changes the intensity and direction of the light and adds more visual interest at each layer,” says Busenbark. Layered lighting consists of background lighting, accent lighting for visual effect, and task lighting. A play of lighting can add interesting shadow and highlight effects.
Metal’s reflective qualities also make it the perfect backdrop for open or glass door shelving. “Many times objects with a degree of transparency are placed on these shelves showing through the wall behind. Using metal behind the shelves adds luxury and when combined with lighting an even more dramatic statement,” says Busenbark.
Metal Can Color Block:
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Metal can color block as seen here as the silver perfect compliment to the red kitchen cabinets.[/caption]Metal can complete a block of color while at the same time adding an additional material or element to the kitchen design, whether it be a backsplash, a level of cabinets, or even an appliance.
Metal Can Draw Focus:
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This diamond printed metal backsplash by Stainless Living serves as a stylish centerpiece for the kitchen.[/caption]Decorative metal draws attention because for its sheen and interesting design possibilities. Consider adding a patterned metal backsplash for visual interest and texture. "Whether it is a classic or modern backsplash, a gorgeous decorative finish on an appliance or a piece of wall art, each piece draws you in and grabs your attention," explains Busenbark. Metal also makes a space appear larger. When used on the ceiling, metal creates an illusion of high ceilings and space.
Metal Adds Texture:
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metal counter hammered and finished to look like copper[/caption]Metal in the mix of modern and natural materials such as wood, stone, vegetation or burlap against a modern glass, metal, leather or fabric pattern give the kitchen both dimension and texture. An affordable option for the copper finish is tinted aluminum that mimics copper. “This is an extreme cost savings and eliminates issues of cleaning and protecting copper. Using tinted aluminum, you do lose the patina,” explains Busenbark.
Metal Suits Any Style:
Whether you opt for copper, stainless steel or aluminum decorative elements, metal suits any style. Keep in mind that aluminum tends to be more affordable and flexible to work with and looks just like stainless steel with its finger-print free surface. "For more rustic and country kitchen styles, consider wood shelving with a metal background or a rustic table with metal chairs. Wall art also is a great way to bring in metal," suggests Busenbark.
For the more romantic kitchen style, Busenbark suggests a soft metal finish like aluminum for a backsplash, block of cabinets or on the counter. "You just have to limit the use to keep the look soft not industrial. For a more classic kitchen style like Victorian, it is all about unique accessories like a bird cage or a pot rack. Then for the more modern kitchens metal is master. It can be cabinets, countertops, an island, just about any surface or all."
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Stainless steel kitchen island countertop by Stainless Living helps light up the kitchen with its reflective surface.[/caption]No matter what your kitchen decor, metal makes a strong statement: it's sanitary, durable, stain resistant, sleek and affordable. Metal comes in many tints and finishes so finding the perfect match for your wall colors, appliances and fixtures just comes down to personal preference. For more design ideas and the latest products, news and trends in home design and construction, I invite you to follow me on Houzz where I am a contributing writer.
Absolutely agree - although the quality of the metal makes a big difference to look, feel and usability. Metal is a superb design finish in bulthaup kitchens. Over the past few years we have been using various aluminium's including natural, dark grey and bronze - and now in 2013 there is a new colour, sand. It works in old houses as well as new - see one we have done in UK at http://www.bulthaup-winchester.co.uk/luxury_kitchen_victorian_villa.html .
ReplyDeleteStainless steel is also a fantastic worktop surface, if you can see the scratches as the patina of your life. It is durable, practical, hygienic etc etc.Love it!
This is a great article with fabulous ideas for using metal. There is one thing from a Feng Shui perspective about the use of metal. When working with the Five Elements in Feng Shui (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water), it is recommended we have more "water" and "fire" in the kitchen then other elements. The sink and stove do bring in some of this energy, but not enough, especially when using a lot of "metal." The next element in quantity would be "earth" which can be resolved by having granite counters or tile floors. Least would be "metal" and "wood" - both of which are often used for cabinetry creating an imbalance in the elements within the kitchen. I often teach kitchen and bath designers about this in seminars. If you are interested, here is a link to a series of posts where I discuss it more. http://greenchidesigns.com/2011/06/feng-shui-kitchen-feng-shui-kitchen-colors-home-buyers-and-yang-energy-part-1/ It helps create a more balanced environment as well as nurturing feel to the "heart of the home."
ReplyDeleteI love metal in the kitchen. A copper sink or hood looks beautiful with just about any color cabinet.
ReplyDeleteI like the metal work in kitchen.This is good article with fabulous ideas for using metal in kitchen.but if we want more for our kithen then we should go for granite works.
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