Metallics

A room without any metal tends to look unfinished, like a sentence without a full stop. A single brass candlestick or a silver bowl catches light that matte surfaces absorb, and it makes the textures around it read more clearly.

This edit covers gold, silver, brass and steel. There is the Zakkia Hammered Silver Bowl in nickel-plated brass, a Zakkia brass candlestick and a set of three silver tealight holders, round stainless steel trays in gold or silver, and Old Mill Road gold edged grey plates. Karlsson Little Big Time wall clocks come in gold or silver, and Karlsson watches cover steel, gold and black finishes. In the bathroom, the Umbra Junip wall soap pump is stainless steel.

Choose a lead metal for each room and repeat it two or three times. Warm metals suit timber and cream; cool metals suit white, grey and black. For the warm side only, see our gold edit.

Should all the metals in a room match?
They do not need to match, but they should look chosen. Pick one lead metal and use it most, then add a second as a small accent. Tapware, lighting and handles count, so start with what is already there.

How do I clean brass without ruining it?
For everyday care, wipe with a soft dry cloth. For tarnish, use a dedicated brass polish sparingly and buff it off. Plenty of people prefer the soft patina brass develops over time, so there is no need to keep it mirror bright.

What is nickel-plated brass?
It is brass with a thin layer of nickel over the top, giving a silver finish with the weight of brass underneath. The Zakkia Hammered Silver Bowl is made this way and polished by hand for its reflective finish.

Where do metallic accents work best?
Near a light source. A silver bowl on a sunny sill, a brass candlestick on a mantel or a gold clock opposite a window will catch and bounce light. In a dark corner, metal tends to just look grey.