Design trends come and go, and from behind the lens, I’ve noticed quite a few. Lately I’ve detected big changes in the world of metal finishes. There was a time, not that long ago, when all metal had to be of the stainless steel variety, preferably brushed, but polished or galvanised would do. Chrome too was popular. Put simply metal had to in a silvery hue. Anything brassy was completely out, sharing as unfashionable a reputation as flared trousers. As for copper, it remained largely invisible in the design world, maybe because of its reputation for being hideously expensive, although that’s not usually a reason to dismiss a material. Then, not so long ago, brass made a remarkable comeback, and so I suppose it was only a matter of time before copper hit the big time. Over the last year on shoots, I’ve spotted light fittings, bathtubs, worktops and architectural cladding, all in this rich, distinctive orange metal. Let’s take a look.
Kitchen details in a Chelsea house designed by Juliette Byrne.
Kitchen island worktop in the home of designer, Niamh Browne
Copper pans in a kitchen by architect: Ian Adam-Smith
An old fashioned hammered finish copper sink in a kitchen by Armorel.
Splashback and pendants in a show apartment for developers, Lightbox London
Vintage copper coffee pot used to style a kitchen designed by Alan McVitty
Interior: Jess Lavers
Project: Squire & Partners
Copper interior detailing by Stephen Ryan
In a Docklands show apartment by MILC Styling
Distinctive sculptural light fitting in a Knightsbridge apartment.
Copper lamp in the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. Interiors: Central Design Studio
Bathroom pipework
Bathroom interior by Michael Nicholas
Architectural cladding on a Wimbledon House by Visu Verum.
