5 Metal & Metal Effect Interior Design Ideas
Sponsored Content: This blog post is a collaboration with Casalgrande Padana. As usual, all advice, thoughts & opinions are my own.
Metal and metal effect materials within interior design are key to creating room schemes that portray strength, resilience, luxury, and a richness that only the clean lines, textures and tones of metal can depict. From the ornamental nature of brass to the durability of steel, metal and metal effect characteristics have a warmth and a beauty that is unparalleled against other architectural or decorative elements.
Casalgrande Padana’s Kerinox Bianco lapped tiles embody the reflective nature of metal, brightening this open-plan living area.
In collaboration with the luxury Italian tile brand Casalgrande Padana (who produce three individual collections of highly durable and low-maintenance metal effect porcelain stoneware wall and floor tiles: Metallica, Kerinox and Steeltech), I am presenting five interior schemes where metal and metal effects can be used to create room designs that exhibit and display the utmost in modern luxury.
The full spectrum of Casalgrande Padana’s metal-effect wall and floor tiles from their Kerinox, Metallica and Steeltech collections.
Casalgrande Padana’s Kerinox Grigio natural porcelain stoneware metal effect tiles. The Kerinox collection is available in four colour variants (Antracite, Bianco, Grigio and Sabbia), two formats (60x60 cm and 90x90 cm) and three surfaces that complement one another (natural, lapped and polished).
Create a striking and dramatic dark interior using metal and metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles
From the jet black colour of iron, to the rich, high-end tones of bronze, dark interiors and the colours and effects of metal go hand in hand. To completely embrace a dramatic, metallic decor scheme, combine the darker hues of Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles on the floor and/or wall in a kitchen or a bathroom where many of the room fixtures will be constructed from metal. The deep, dark tones of Steeltech Antracite paired with plated chrome on taps or the brushed steel of ovens or refrigerators will result in a strong and commanding design scheme distinctly urban in style.
Casalgrande Padana’s Steeltech Antracite porcelain stoneware tiles on the walls and the floor of this kitchen creates a strong and masculine design. The metal oxide effect of Steeltech complements the steel, chrome and silver finishes of the kitchen fixtures.
For a dark, metallic scheme within a living space, cover walls and floors in Steeltech or Kerinox Antracite and pair with warm fabrics in burgundy, teal, or plum tones - the effects and reflections of the metal effect tile surface will emphasise the richness of these full-bodied colours.
Steeltech Antracite metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles provide a dramatic backdrop and emphasise rich, warm colours placed on or in front of them.
Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect tile collections combine the warm chrome look and effects of Corten steel merged with those of metal oxides, recreating metal’s oxidation, colours, and effects; while the high-resistance and technical performance of the porcelain offers practicality and is easy to lay and clean.
1. Steeltech Antracite metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana 2. Rockett St George Black Round Wooden Chopping Board / 3. HAY Design Petit Standard Chair - Black / 4. Vintage Cut Glass Tumbler With Gold Rim / 5. Tom Dixon Melt LED Pendant Light - Smoke / 6. Alessi Plisse Kettle / 7. Cox & Cox Raw Steel Wine Rack / 8. Alessi Edo Frying Pan / 9. Bristan Liquorice Monobloc Kitchen Mixer Tap / 10. Mario Luca Giusti Bonnie & Clyde Salt & Pepper Set / 11. AYTM Volvi Bowl / 12. La Redoute Nazama 24-Piece Cutlery Set
Use copper tones to accentuate other natural materials
Warm, earthy tones are the key colours for 2021 as they are revitalising and reassuring at a time when the pandemic has left us so unsettled. The muted brown hues of copper (along with its interesting, aged patina) pair and work perfectly with the on-trend materials of cane, rattan, jute, hessian and sisal, as well as provide an organic backdrop for greenery both inside and outside of the home.
Natural finish Steeltech Corten accentuates the gentle brown tones found in on-trend furnishings made from cardboard, rattan and cane.
1. Steeltech Corten metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. La Redoute Waska Rattan Bed / 3. Ferm Living Plant Pot / 4. Spiral Shell Shaped Rattan Lamp Shade / 5. Liana Double Wardrobe / 6. Gubi Shell Table Lamp
Create a feature wall with Casalgrande Padana’s Steeltech Corten - a highly durable porcelain tile that replicates the warm character of aged copper. The wide range of tile sizes available (from the classic 30x60 cm to the larger 90x90 cm and 60x120 cm versions) means that you can apply the smaller scale tiles indoors, while outdoor patio and garden areas can be covered with the larger slabs. The shimmery, warm copper tones are the perfect backdrop for furniture made from natural fibres, while in outdoor spaces wild grasses and other greenery are accentuated when planted in front of Steeltech Corten.
The coppery tones of Steeltech Corten provide a great backdrop for greenery and plants used both inside and out of the home. Flooring: Steeltech Beige.
Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles are perfect to use in exterior areas of the home as they are unaffected by fluctuations in temperature and do not warp. They are also able to withstand the appearance of algae and mould thanks to the Bios Antibacterial® technology.
Draw in the light with the reflective nature of metal
One of the most alluring things about metal is its ability to reflect high wavelengths of light. The natural reflective capacity via the shiny surface of metal creates a high visual impact within interior design as it bounces light around spaces and radiates reflections from windows and doors.
Flooring: Lapped-finish Steeltech Grigio; Wall: Lapped-finish Steeltech Corten. The lapped finish of the wall and floor tiles draw and inhale the light for an enchanting visual impact.
Rooms and open-plan spaces can feel elongated when walls are covered in metal or metal effects, as the reflection from windows and doors create the illusion of a continuation of light. When used on floors, light reverberates off lighter shades and tones to create bright and airy spaces.
The focal wall covered in Steeltech Corten creates the illusion of a wider space, as it provides a continuation of the floor to ceiling windows with its reflective nature. Steeltech Beige on the floor is used as a contrast and stops the deep copper tones of the wall from feeling overbearing.
Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles are available in a range of finishes with ‘lapped’ fully embracing the shiny, reflective nature of metal. The lighter tones (such as Bianco and Sabbia from the Kerinox collection) particularly absorb and rebound the light to create a lustrous and incandescent atmosphere.
Steeltech Corton and Gringo in a lapped finish bounces and circulates the light around this sharp, contemporary bathroom.
Steeltech Beige creates an interesting play of light and shadows within a room.
To create a bright, light and reflective decor scheme, use the lighter shades of metal effect wall and floor tiles in a lapped finish and combine them with light furnishings and decorative accessories made from glass and polished metals to contribute to the ingestion of light into the room.
Kerinox Bianco metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Cesta Metalica Table Lamp / 3. Samsung Frame TV with white bezel / 4. Tom Dixon Press Bowl / 5. Bernhard Osann for Nemo wall light / 6. Shona Accent Armchair in Whitewash Boucle / 7. Rosanna Ceravolo Media Console / 8. Caramel Marble & Amber Glass Coffee Table
Project strength and luxury with the rich, architectural character of metal
Structural and sophisticated, the use of metal in interior design is used to create mature, sharp and stylish spaces. Metal has beauty, character and strength thanks to its deep tones, tactile textures and rich appearance.
For use within interiors and with an anti-slip finish for exteriors, Casalgrande Padana tiles enable a flooring continuation and a flow from inside to out. The Bios Antibacterial® technology eradicates bacteria and combats the appearance of mould, making the tiles perfect for exterior use. Flooring: Kerinox Grigio (60x60 cm) with Natural and Non-slip R11 finishes.
Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect wall and floor tiles look remarkable when paired with structural metallic elements of the home, such as crittall windows or aluminium sliding or bi-fold doors. The overall decor scheme is benefited from walnut and leather furniture and home accessories, which add warmth and enrich a strong and luxurious metallic based design.
Kerinox Sabbia replicates the marks, colours and effects of aged metal. Casalgrande Padana porcelain stoneware tiles are made exclusively from natural raw materials and contain no glazes, plastic or harmful substances and come in 100% environmentally friendly packaging.
The use of metal furnishings and metal effect tiles define a strong, architecturally modern space. Floor and walls: Steeltech Gringo in a Lapped finish.
Metallica Inox metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman / 3. Monograph Eternity Calendar / 4. The Conran Shop NY Clock / 5. Anglepoise 90 Mini Desk Lamp / 6. Ferm Living Brass Pencil Holder / 7. Kaari Wall Shelving Unit / 8. Drape Desk in Walnut & Leather / 9. Beetle Meeting Chair with Polished Aluminium Castors / 10. MINO 3W Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Embrace a modern, sharp design scheme with metallic clean lines
While wrought iron is often associated with the detailed curves and shapes of the blacksmith sculpting decorative railings and gates, generally in interior design metal is used in the context of sharp shapes, neat corners and structural lines. Table and chair legs, stair railings and lamp bases are mostly made from metal and these straight, clean lines create definition within a contemporary design scheme for a look that is perfected and refined.
Sharp, pointed corners and clean metallic lines in the furnishings are enhanced with the shiny lapped finish of Kerinox Bianco on the floor (90x90 cm).
Thin, structurally strong lines also allow air and light to travel around them, thus small-scale rooms remain feeling open and spacious even when containing furniture. To beautifully accompany these clean lines, use a shiny lapped finish of Kerinox Bianco or Steeltech Beige on the walls and floor which will reflect the light that the thin, metallic lines have welcomed into the room.
The strip of Kerinox Antracite on the floor establishes a defined walkway and draws the eye along and across his mezzanine.
Metal effect floor and wall tiles can also be used to create the illusion of defined walkways and paths. The strong surface effects create an interesting continuity that stretches the eye lengthways.
Steeltech Gringo metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Aster Coat Stand 6 Hooks / 3. Axis Task Lamp / 4. Flos Coordinates C4 Ceiling Light / 5. H&M small metal tray / 6. La Redoute Oblone Metal Console Table / 7. Pols Potten Vase
With Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles, the possibilities are endless. Click here to view the collections in full and find a local retailer.
All imagery used in this article belongs to and is used with the kind permission of Casalgrande Padana.
