Metal Mixology for your home

Whenever we hear names of metals like copper, iron, or even bronze what comes to mind is construction; they are mainly used in the finishes for the home. But these metals can also be ornamental for your home. They add texture and elegance to a room. They are, especially common in bathrooms and kitchens. So how do we work with them?

As time changes, modern interior décor has embraced metals to create clean and spacious homes. Metals feature in side tables, counters, appliances, lighting fixtures, lamps, vases, furniture legs and a range of accessories. Always consider the colour of the room as you select your metals.

Iron: Wrought iron is the most common; and is quite durable. It normally rusts if used in the outdoor; but that is still part of its beauty. Keep in mind that moisture is the number-one enemy of wrought iron but that should not discourage you from including it in your interior decorating. To protect your iron ornaments, apply furniture polish once a year or when it looks dull.

Stone: This is a great way to bring nature indoors. Granite is the most popular stone for interior decor. You can take care of your stone by cleaning the surface with a mild soap.

Bronze: This metal is available in a variety of finishes. A damp cloth is enough to clean your bronze ornaments.

Copper: This is available in a variety of finishes. It has become common as more people seek traditional décor, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. You can clean your copper using soapy water; avoid harsh chemicals.

1. If you love eclectic décor, consider using mixed metals in your room. Select a primary metal then pick secondary ones to blend with it. You can, for instance, take copper as your secondary metal in the kitchen, then have silver or gold as secondary metal colours, depending on which blends better with the appliances and furniture.

2. Ensure your metals complement the furnishings. A dining room table with vintage chrome will blend well with silver accents, with contrast metals in a warmer metal like copper.

3. You can also create contrast with metal furniture and accents. If your room is decorated predominantly in warm colours like brown or yellow, silver would be a great secondary metal in the form of a desk set, for example. If the room has cool hues like blue or violet, gold or copper will create some balance.

4. Arrange metal knickknacks like candlesticks, bells, vases, or statues singly or in groups of odd numbers like three or five. They will look more appealing if you arrange them asymmetrically. For example, place a gold candleholder with a metallic silver candle on it on your mantle. On its left side, place three silver candleholders with metallic gold candles on them. You can echo the silver and gold in the room with other arrangements like a silver ice bucket on the sideboard.

5. Metals can also be used to create a focal point. Place mixed metals in prominent areas.

6. Use metal bowls of potpourri on your dressing table and bathroom counters.

7. Metallic wall art and wrought iron wall hangings are also a popular way of decorating with metal.

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