In the wide world of home decor, I’m always surprised by the limited use of metallic accessory pieces in designs. One would think they’d be as ubiquitous as the gold and silver baubles that occupy one’s jewelry collection due to the visual interest and personality they possess. I see so many parallels between designing a home and building one’s wardrobe. As you know, I’m a huge advocate for investing in timeless clothing with forever staying power that can be uniquely accessorized over and over again. On the furniture side, the same rings true. In fact, we hear top, celebrity-loved designers like Jake Arnold repeatedly making the argument to invest in non-trendy furniture silhouettes because these pieces can be newly accessorized or reupholstered if one feels the need for an update.
Metallic decor creates a beautiful contrast to the soft, woven surfaces that exist through one’s home. In the right place, they catch the sunbeams throughout the day, magnifying the light and creating dancing reflections across a room. When people have a fear of adopting metallic pieces, I find it comes from a place of wanting to avoid a glam vibe within their cozy, understated home. Fear not, this can’t happen with just a few select metal pieces when curated and styled in just the right way. And if shiny metallic scares you, there are plenty of gorgeous, more tarnished or hammered options on the market that will be just right.
Here are some examples of the subtle use of metallic objects across some homes featured in Architectural Digest. They’re never the star…always the supporting cast, but without them, there would be less dimension.
Nancy Pearce’s Bronze Artifacts
Nancy Pearce is one of the first places I go for metallic goodies. If you’ve seen prior photos I’ve posed here and on social media, you’ll recognize my obsession with her gourd bowl - made from the bottom of a gourd. It sits in one of the sunniest spots in our home, so it glows throughout the day.
Nancy Pearce creates objects, which she poetically refers to as artifacts since they’ll stand the test of time, through a sand-casting method. The artifacts are often made from incredibly ordinary, everyday objects that one would never think could be elevated. Her work captures moments in time - many of which ring true to me personally. She also has the ability to do custom work. I follow her on social media and always find the requests she does both fascinating and beautiful. Outside of shopping direct, you can find her at a few stockists.
I especially love her cast cassette tapes because they take me back to my childhood. My first ever tape was Will Smith, Big Willie Style (circa 1997) and I can still remember my excitement as I pulled back the wrapping paper.
I always laugh when I see her bagel around local boutiques. She made it in celebration of the NYT article about the best bagels being in LA.
And here are two examples of her custom work - a bronze Nike sneaker and some apples.
Founded by Oskar Zięta, he and his team of architects, engineers, and designers have created inflated steel objects through their proprietary technology. They “transform metal sheets into tridimensional wonders.” I’ve long admired their work, especially their Plopp stools which can serve not only as seating, but as side tables. I’ve had them favorited for years on my Pinterest and hopefully one of these will make it into my home in the future.
As Bottega Veneta was refreshing their stores throughout the globe, they contracted Zieta for furniture. I first discovered this when we were in Rome last year, being drawn to the Bottega store not for the bags that I saw through the windows, but for the stools and tables. When I told one of the store associates that I was familiar with the designer, she proceeded to give my husband and me an interior design tour of every corner of their store. I was in love!
More Metallics
Netherland-based artist Tim Teven creates chrome pressure vases that look like they’re slowly melting into the tabletop. In the US, you can purchase them here.
The Other Aesthetic carries a more wallet-friendly metallic vase option.
The Vernor Panton Tray for Georg Jensen is an iconic piece with design history.
The Alessi silver Sarría fruit bowl was designed by the Spanish architect Lluís Clote.
The Tom Dixon aluminum cloud vessel is a sculpture that can even double as a vase or an ice bucket.
The CB2 Piero polished stainless steel bowl with only 5 star reviews comes in 2 sizes.
The Arteriors Vescovi Bud Vase is a combination of multiple tubes, which makes it easier to arrange flowers.
This small Ferm Living brass oyster dish was posted with some East Coast friends in mind.
This vintage brass bowl on Etsy is such a great find and a wonderful price. I’m obsessed. I also love this option too.
Now go make some metallic magic in your home.
x jz
Images | 1 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 2 - 7 | Architectural Digest | 8 - 9 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 10 | South Loop Loft | 11 - 12 | Nancy Pearce | 13 | me | 14 - 16 | Zieta | 17 | Tim Teven | 18 | The Other Aesthetic | 19 | Saks Fifth Avenue | 20 | Nordic Nest | 21 | Perigold | 22 | CB2 | 23 | Saks Fifth Avenue | 24 | Smallable | 25 | Etsy
Note: I do not get paid for nor make money off of this post. All opinions are my own.