Metal and metal effect materials within interior design are key to creating room schemes that portray strength, resilience, luxury, and a richness that only the clean lines, textures and tones of metal can depict. From the ornamental nature of brass to the durability of steel, metal and metal effect characteristics have a warmth and a beauty that is unparalleled against other architectural or decorative elements.

In collaboration with the luxury Italian tile brand Casalgrande Padana (who produce three individual collections of highly durable and low-maintenance metal effect porcelain stoneware wall and floor tiles: Metallica, Kerinox and Steeltech), I am presenting five interior schemes where metal and metal effects can be used to create room designs that exhibit and display the utmost in modern luxury.

Create a striking and dramatic dark interior using metal and metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles

From the jet black colour of iron, to the rich, high-end tones of bronze, dark interiors and the colours and effects of metal go hand in hand. To completely embrace a dramatic, metallic decor scheme, combine the darker hues of Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles on the floor and/or wall in a kitchen or a bathroom where many of the room fixtures will be constructed from metal. The deep, dark tones of Steeltech Antracite paired with plated chrome on taps or the brushed steel of ovens or refrigerators will result in a strong and commanding design scheme distinctly urban in style.

For a dark, metallic scheme within a living space, cover walls and floors in Steeltech or Kerinox Antracite and pair with warm fabrics in burgundy, teal, or plum tones - the effects and reflections of the metal effect tile surface will emphasise the richness of these full-bodied colours.

Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect tile collections combine the warm chrome look and effects of Corten steel merged with those of metal oxides, recreating metal’s oxidation, colours, and effects; while the high-resistance and technical performance of the porcelain offers practicality and is easy to lay and clean.

1. Steeltech Antracite metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana 2. Rockett St George Black Round Wooden Chopping Board / 3. HAY Design Petit Standard Chair - Black / 4. Vintage Cut Glass Tumbler With Gold Rim / 5. Tom Dixon Melt LED Pendant Light - Smoke / 6. Alessi Plisse Kettle / 7. Cox & Cox Raw Steel Wine Rack / 8. Alessi Edo Frying Pan / 9. Bristan Liquorice Monobloc Kitchen Mixer Tap / 10. Mario Luca Giusti Bonnie & Clyde Salt & Pepper Set / 11. AYTM Volvi Bowl / 12. La Redoute Nazama 24-Piece Cutlery Set

Use copper tones to accentuate other natural materials

Warm, earthy tones are the key colours for 2021 as they are revitalising and reassuring at a time when the pandemic has left us so unsettled. The muted brown hues of copper (along with its interesting, aged patina) pair and work perfectly with the on-trend materials of cane, rattan, jute, hessian and sisal, as well as provide an organic backdrop for greenery both inside and outside of the home.

1. Steeltech Corten metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. La Redoute Waska Rattan Bed / 3. Ferm Living Plant Pot / 4. Spiral Shell Shaped Rattan Lamp Shade / 5. Liana Double Wardrobe / 6. Gubi Shell Table Lamp

Create a feature wall with Casalgrande Padana’s Steeltech Corten - a highly durable porcelain tile that replicates the warm character of aged copper. The wide range of tile sizes available (from the classic 30x60 cm to the larger 90x90 cm and 60x120 cm versions) means that you can apply the smaller scale tiles indoors, while outdoor patio and garden areas can be covered with the larger slabs. The shimmery, warm copper tones are the perfect backdrop for furniture made from natural fibres, while in outdoor spaces wild grasses and other greenery are accentuated when planted in front of Steeltech Corten.

Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles are perfect to use in exterior areas of the home as they are unaffected by fluctuations in temperature and do not warp. They are also able to withstand the appearance of algae and mould thanks to the Bios Antibacterial® technology.

Draw in the light with the reflective nature of metal

One of the most alluring things about metal is its ability to reflect high wavelengths of light. The natural reflective capacity via the shiny surface of metal creates a high visual impact within interior design as it bounces light around spaces and radiates reflections from windows and doors.

Rooms and open-plan spaces can feel elongated when walls are covered in metal or metal effects, as the reflection from windows and doors create the illusion of a continuation of light. When used on floors, light reverberates off lighter shades and tones to create bright and airy spaces.

Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect porcelain stoneware tiles are available in a range of finishes with ‘lapped’ fully embracing the shiny, reflective nature of metal. The lighter tones (such as Bianco and Sabbia from the Kerinox collection) particularly absorb and rebound the light to create a lustrous and incandescent atmosphere.

To create a bright, light and reflective decor scheme, use the lighter shades of metal effect wall and floor tiles in a lapped finish and combine them with light furnishings and decorative accessories made from glass and polished metals to contribute to the ingestion of light into the room.

1. Kerinox Bianco metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Cesta Metalica Table Lamp / 3. Samsung Frame TV with white bezel / 4. Tom Dixon Press Bowl / 5. Bernhard Osann for Nemo wall light / 6. Shona Accent Armchair in Whitewash Boucle / 7. Rosanna Ceravolo Media Console / 8. Caramel Marble & Amber Glass Coffee Table

Project strength and luxury with the rich, architectural character of metal

Structural and sophisticated, the use of metal in interior design is used to create mature, sharp and stylish spaces. Metal has beauty, character and strength thanks to its deep tones, tactile textures and rich appearance.

Casalgrande Padana’s metal effect wall and floor tiles look remarkable when paired with structural metallic elements of the home, such as crittall windows or aluminium sliding or bi-fold doors. The overall decor scheme is benefited from walnut and leather furniture and home accessories, which add warmth and enrich a strong and luxurious metallic based design.

1. Metallica Inox metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman / 3. Monograph Eternity Calendar / 4. The Conran Shop NY Clock / 5. Anglepoise 90 Mini Desk Lamp / 6. Ferm Living Brass Pencil Holder / 7. Kaari Wall Shelving Unit / 8. Drape Desk in Walnut & Leather / 9. Beetle Meeting Chair with Polished Aluminium Castors / 10. MINO 3W Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Embrace a modern, sharp design scheme with metallic clean lines

While wrought iron is often associated with the detailed curves and shapes of the blacksmith sculpting decorative railings and gates, generally in interior design metal is used in the context of sharp shapes, neat corners and structural lines. Table and chair legs, stair railings and lamp bases are mostly made from metal and these straight, clean lines create definition within a contemporary design scheme for a look that is perfected and refined.

Thin, structurally strong lines also allow air and light to travel around them, thus small-scale rooms remain feeling open and spacious even when containing furniture. To beautifully accompany these clean lines, use a shiny lapped finish of Kerinox Bianco or Steeltech Beige on the walls and floor which will reflect the light that the thin, metallic lines have welcomed into the room.

Metal effect floor and wall tiles can also be used to create the illusion of defined walkways and paths. The strong surface effects create an interesting continuity that stretches the eye lengthways.

1. Steeltech Gringo metallic effect floor and wall tiles by Casalgrande Padana / 2. Aster Coat Stand 6 Hooks / 3. Axis Task Lamp / 4. Flos Coordinates C4 Ceiling Light / 5. H&M small metal tray / 6. La Redoute Oblone Metal Console Table / 7. Pols Potten Vase

All imagery used in this article belongs to and is used with the kind permission of Casalgrande Padana.