What’s hot for your home
By: Beverly Allen - January 23rd, 2007
When Isaac Newton suggested that to every action, there is a reaction, he wasn’t talking about home fashion trends. But he could have been. It’s a theory that would explain the resurgence of metals in home appliances, décor and textiles after years in which a cool, monochromatic colour palette and a minimalist approach to room accessories dominated the scene.
Metallics are everywhere, says Melanie Rice, colour advisor for Para Paints. “I think it’s partly a reaction to the flat finishes we’ve seen so much of,” she says. But the shiny décor accessories being shown today are far removed from the bold hues that were popular in the 80s—the last time metals were big.
“While metal, especially gold, is definitely back, the look is more burnished than brassy,” says interior designer and LMP columnist William MacDonald. “It’s being used in much more sophisticated way than in the 80s, when the look was often just over the top.”
MacDonald and Rice agree that metallics will have the most impact when used sparingly—in accessories such as picture frames or mirrors, in accents such as gilded edges on tables and trim on lamps, or as a feature wall or panel.
One quick way to add a touch of gold to any setting is with
picture frames. Ikea has a very affordable range of gold painted frames, including the 10 by 10 centimetre Guld Djursholm, which sells for about $8. A larger frame in a deeper brass tone, the Metall Forserum is 30 by 39 centimetres, and sells for about $23.
Soft silver metallic wallpaper on a headboard or in a panel can add sparkle to a room. A line of metallic wallpapers, including the Blue Mountain silver and black paper shown, is available by special order at Home Depot. Sheer drapery panels can also be used to add subtle shimmer. Home Depot’s sheer Commonwealth polyester organza panels (127 by 213 centimetres) cost about $10.
New metallic paints and glazes can make walls glisten. Para Paints, for example, has metallic glazes and tints that can be mixed to create 36 different colours. While it is possible to apply a metallic glaze yourself, Rice suggests that the product works best when it’s sprayed—and that, she says, is a job better left to professionals. A gallon of Para’s metallic glaze sells for about $120.
If you like the reflective look, MacDonald suggests choosing one wall for the treatment, or using it in a small room, such a powder room. He also likes a metallic look on a ceiling. “It can look amazing, he says, “especially when lit with the right lights or a special chandelier.” At the very high end, MacDonald is seeing gold leaf used to accent architectural detail.
Homeowners should keep in mind that not every room is fit for the golden treatment, says MacDonald. “I think a room has to have some architectural interest, a little bit of grandeur, if metals are being used to any extent.”
While stainless steel kitchen appliances have become very popular, the higher price tag puts them out of reach for some. If you love the look, but can’t justify the expense, there’s a new product designed to provide an affordable alternative.
Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel combines microscopic
pieces of stainless steel with a hybrid polymer to create a spreadable mixture that can be applied like paint, and is as durable as the finish of a car. It can be used on white or coloured appliances, as well as brass, chrome, wood, metal and plastic.
The product is not available at retail outlets, but can be ordered online at www.liquidstainlesssteel.com. According to the website, an average size refrigerator, range and dishwasher can be transformed with a stainless steel finish for US$139. A sample kit is available for US$9, exclusive of shipping and handling.