Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.

Melissa and Grant’s Birchgrove home is now charging toward the finish line. The major furniture pieces are in production and several key items have already arrived on site. Builder Sean Ducrest of BuildCrest Projects is handling the custom joinery, including carefully colour-matching live-edged Tasmanian Oak shelves that will sit above two open fireplaces. With painting complete, we’re entering my favourite phase – the styling.

Regular readers will remember Grant’s music room, a secluded space designed for listening to his extensive vinyl collection and enjoying quiet moments surrounded by books and music. It’s an internal room with no windows, but features a beautiful sandstone fire surround and bespoke joinery. Together we’ve chosen a bold colour palette and a striking geometric carpet, and I’ll be introducing touches of metallic gold through fabric, wallpaper and accessories to create contrast against the deep blue walls. Stay tuned; this space is about to come alive.

Which brings me neatly to this month’s topic: the return of metallics. From shimmering wallpapers to burnished brass details, metallic finishes are once again shining in contemporary interiors, though in a far more refined way than their 1980s heyday. Used thoughtfully, they bring light, texture and a subtle sense of luxury, transforming rooms from flat to fabulous without overwhelming them.

Shimmer, Shine and Sophistication

Metallics are back, but not as we once knew them. Forget the brash chrome tapware and mirrored furniture of the early 2000s; today’s metallics are nuanced, textural and endlessly versatile. When used thoughtfully, they bring warmth, light and a touch of quiet glamour to any interior.

In recent years, interior design has embraced an earthy, organic sensibility through matte finishes, natural stone, textured timbers and handwoven textiles. Metallics fit seamlessly within this palette, not as showy statements but as subtle accents that catch the light and elevate a space. They can make even the most understated palette feel finished and intentional.

Why Metallics Endure

There’s a reason metallic finishes never truly go out of style. Throughout history, they’ve symbolised light, wealth and artistry. From the gilded ceilings of Renaissance palaces to the brass railings of Art Deco bars, metallics have always had the power to draw the eye and signal craftsmanship.

Today we use them differently, less about opulence but more about depth and reflection. A brushed gold edge on a coffee table, a bronze pendant light above a kitchen island or a soft pewter fabric woven with metallic thread can all add that elusive element of “lift” that separates a good room from a great one.

The key lies in balance. Too much shine can feel gaudy or overpowering, but just enough catches the light, adds dimension and gives the room a sense of movement.

A twisted piece of art in beaten metal, sitting on a dark green background

How to Use Metallics Well

1. Start Small
If you’re new to metallics, begin with accents such as picture frames, lamp bases, a side table or even decorative bowls. These can introduce the tone without dominating the room.

2. Mix, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of sticking to one metal throughout a space. Combining tones like antique brass with aged iron or pewter with brushed nickel creates visual interest. The trick is to repeat each finish at least twice so it looks intentional rather than accidental.

3. Consider the Mood
Different metals evoke different feelings. Golds are warm and glamorous; silvers feel crisp and modern; copper brings energy and earthiness. Pewter and bronze strike a wonderful balance between them all. Choose based on the atmosphere you want to create.

4. Mind the Finish
A high-gloss metallic can easily overwhelm, especially under strong light. Brushed, burnished or antiqued finishes feel more sophisticated and pair beautifully with natural textures such as timber, linen and stone.

5. Think Beyond Hardware
Metallics needn’t be confined to taps, handles or trims. Wallpaper, fabric and paint can all introduce a subtle shimmer. Textured metallic wallcoverings, like the gold-and-chocolate geometric pattern in Grant’s music room, can create drama without relying on bright colour.

6. Use Light to Your Advantage
Metallic surfaces reflect both natural and artificial light. Positioning them near windows, lamps or sconces helps bounce illumination around the room and gives even darker spaces a welcoming glow.

A credenza with geometric pattern behind it, and a metallic stag with antlers sitting on top. Two blue wine glasses are in the background.

Metallics in Design History

Throughout the 20th century, metallics defined some of the most recognisable design eras. The roaring 20s brought polished brass, chrome and geometric patterning into glamorous Art Deco interiors. The 1960s and 70s favoured warm golds and coppers, often paired with deep browns and oranges. Even the minimalist 1990s found space for sleek stainless steel and cool aluminium in kitchens and lofts.

Many of these elements are resurfacing, but (fortunately) with more restraint. The contemporary approach is less about flash and more about texture, patina and balance. A little imperfection in a brushed brass sconce or hand-finished metallic glaze makes a room feel layered, lived in and interesting.

Inspiration from Iconic Spaces

Some of the world’s most admired interiors make clever use of metallics. In the Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, brass detailing pairs with marble and walnut to timeless effect. Kelly Wearstler’s contemporary projects in Los Angeles combine burnished bronze, smoked glass and stone for a sensuous, sculptural feel. Even heritage homes — think of the gold-leaf ceilings in London’s Claridge’s Hotel — show that metallics can transcend trends when applied with confidence and craft.

These examples prove that metallics are not a passing fashion but a tool for creating atmosphere. Whether your aesthetic leans classic, industrial or contemporary, a touch of metal can add richness and definition.

Two ornate glass and metal doors in the art deco style, opened. — Art Deco metallic doors

Image: Pinterest

Where to Introduce Them

Lighting: Always a good place to start. Brass, bronze or gunmetal light fittings are both functional and decorative.

Furniture: A side table with a metallic base or a coffee table with a brushed metal trim subtly ties a scheme together.

Textiles: Fabrics with metallic threads or foil-printed patterns create depth and catch the eye.

Joinery and handles: Small but powerful. A change from chrome to antique brass instantly warms a kitchen or bathroom.

Wallpaper and paint: Metallics don’t have to be shiny. Paints with mica or metallic undertones give soft glow and sophistication.

When planning where to add metallic accents, consider hierarchy. Not every surface should compete for attention. Choose one hero element; perhaps a pendant, mirror frame or wallpaper, then allow the rest to support it.

Ahead of the Curve

While metallics are having a definite resurgence, their new direction feels quieter and more refined. Designers are using them as part of layered, textural schemes rather than statement finishes. Warm-toned metals, particularly bronze and aged brass, are replacing the cold silvers of a decade ago, while soft golds are being paired with natural materials like travertine, linen and oak.

At Kate Kerin Interiors, I use metallics to add personality to rooms that might otherwise feel flat. They bring light into dark corners, texture to plain surfaces and a hint of theatre to everyday life. Like any good design element, their power lies in restraint.

A metallic silver lamp in the 1960s style, hanging from the ceiling. The photo is close up, and in black and white.

Final Thoughts

Metallics remind us that design is not only about colour and form, but also about reflection and light. They can be bold or whisper-soft, contemporary or timeless. Used thoughtfully, they create spaces that feel rich, balanced and alive.

If you’re curious about how to introduce metallics into your own home, I’d love to help you strike that perfect balance between shimmer and sophistication.

An image of Kate, leaning on a balcony overlooking the city. She has strawberry blonde hair and is similing at the camera. She is wearing a green and black geometric jumpsuit.

Kate Kerin Interiors works with discerning Sydney clients who value quality, elegance and a seamless design experience, whether you’re downsizing, furnishing a new home or planning a major change. If you’d like to discuss your project, get in touch to book an initial consultation.

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STEP BY STEP: Metallic Magic