Metallics in interiors have come a long way from when their use was seen as daring and a little outré. In fact, they’ve officially crossed over into being so ubiquitous in interior design colour palettes that they are being called ‘the new neutral’.
In the same way as a classic neutral like white or taupe makes colour pop, metallics can add brilliant contrast. Likewise, a sophisticated, muted metallic can confidently stand alone against a soft or neutral shade.
The lushness of metallics is incredibly seductive. They can shimmer brightly like a discotheque or glow with a discreet, matted sheen. Used boldly, they are richly reflective and exciting. Applied with a light hand, they are an unexpected and sophisticated.
Pantone Colour Institute, the international colour authority and tastemaker, has forecast that metallics will continue to be huge in 2018. As Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone said at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show:
“Metallics we know are classic, but they have really moved over into neutrals.”
A touch of Iridescence is just as seductive as a full metallic. As Eiseman puts it “the human eye can absolutely not avoid” pearlised or cleverly translucent materials.
The Pantone Metallics Palette is a response to continued market demand, with an extensive selection of distinctive spot colours for designers to harness as they wish.
The Australian soft furnishings market offers a diverse range of metallic touches. Take these gorgeous decorative pieces from Decor + Design exhibitor Africanologie. The donut-shaped ‘Bangle Tutsi’ comes in a copper, silver or gold leaf finish and is mounted on a metal stand. They can be displayed alone or as a contrasting group.
Bangle Tutsi. Image: Africanologie
One of the Australian design industry’s favourite furniture & soft furnishing suppliers, Cromwell, has a knack for using metallics in clever ways.
We love the stylish simplicity of these square charcoal and metallic silver geometric cushions. Use them as a delicately sophisticated touch against a pale pink sofa, or dramatic and masculine against black or taupe.
Square Charcoal and Geometric Print Cushions. Image: Cromwell
Decor + Design 2018 will take place in Melbourne from 19 – 22 July and will feature over 250 of Australia’s leading soft furnishing and interior design companies. Features of the show include the Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series and the VIVID – Australia’s longest running competition for emerging product designers.
Subscribe to receive news on the latest movements in the world of interiors, as well as announcements on who will be speaking at Australia’s No.1 Interior Event in 2018.