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Delicate metallic furniture and homeware inspired by jewellery

These pieces take a more decorative approach to steel, iron, aluminium and bronze for the home

By Alice Finney
'papillon' drinks trolley by tom faulkner
Tom Faulkner

Is it over for Y2K-styled tubular chrome furniture? We think it may be so. After years of chunky and inflated silhouettes dominating interiors, a slew of magnetic designs are embracing a more streamlined, ornamental aesthetic. High shine still reigns supreme, but today, metals such as aluminium and stainless steel are taking on new, slender forms. These treasures are designed to adorn a room and act as a reflection of elegant personal style rather than take centre stage.

1

‘C03’ side table, Calybraid

c03’ side table, calybraid
Calybraid

If you’re after a seriously shiny side table for your home, Calybraid’s ‘C03’ ticks all the boxes. Part of a series of limited edition pieces made in Singapore, the stainless steel table has a very glossy mirror polished finish, with stainless steel legs that recall the loops found on necklace chains. Approx £5,550, calybraid.com

2

‘Phaedra’ pendant light, Bec Brittain

'phaedra’ pendant light, bec brittain
Bec Brittain

This jewellery-inspired trend can work just as well with lighting as it does with furniture. As a case in point, we introduce you to Bec Brittain’s ‘Phaedra’ range. As with all of the American designer’s collections, it is an exploration of form – in this instance, oval shapes overlap to form a mesmerising cradle for the row of lights. Approx £7,380, becbrittain.com

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3

Silver cutlery, Heath Wagoner

silver cutlery, heath wagoner
Heath Wagoner

Heath Wagoner’s cutlery has become one of the designer’s most popular offerings thanks to its cut-out design and curved edges. The pieces, which come as a pack of three, are all handmade and take inspiration from Alexander Calder, the mobile-maker and master of kinetic art. Approx £1,575 for a three-piece set, heathwagoner.com

4

‘Papillon’ drinks trolley, Tom Faulkner

‘papillon’ drinks trolley, tom faulkner
Tom Faulkner

Created to blend with the designer’s equally stylish coffee tables and side tables in the same range, the ‘Papillon’ cocktail trolley is a colourful companion for those who like to impress when entertaining. Its shelves, which are made from Dichroic glass, are ideal for displaying glasses and deserts, while its base is crafted from steel, making it as functional as it is exquisite. £6,920, tomfaulkner.co.uk

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5

‘Nastro’ candleholder, Osanna Visconti

‘nastro’ candleholder, by osanna visconti
Abask

Bronze specialist Osanna Visconti crafts each of these candleholders by hand in her Milan atelier, using wax to sculpt the shape before replacing it with molten bronze. Thanks to its unusual ribbon twist foundation, the ‘Nastro’ works just as well as a standalone statement piece on the mantlepiece as it does in groups on a dramatic tabletop. £1,495, abask.com

6

‘Hana’ side table, David Aguirre

'hana' side table, by david aguirre
Studiotwentyseven

New York-based design studio David Aguirre’s delicate metal table epitomises this trend. Artistry is exemplified in the graceful legs while the top is perfect for showcasing treasured possessions. Whether you go for the polished or patinated cast bronze, or decide to customise your own with a novel size or finish, it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Approx £7,950, studiotwentyseven.com

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7

‘Doodle’ chairs, Another Human

'doodle' chairs, another human
Stephen Paul

‘I wanted to design something wild and free and experimental,’ explains Los Angeles-based furniture designer and founder of Another Huma, Leah Ring, of these unconventional seats. The collection taps into the trend’s focus on dainty yet surprisingly strong pieces, as they are made of plated steel and cast resin. Approx £5,120, anotherhuman.la

8

‘Hanji’ wallcovering, Elitis

hanji’ wallcovering, elitis
Elitis

Our pick of Elitis’s new ‘Hanji’ collection of wallcoverings is this semi-plain sculpted paper wallcovering that blends a contemporary silver and beige colour palette with traditional paper weaving techniques. The entire collection is made with 100 per cent paper pulp, giving it a tactile effect that is easy on the eye. £248 per metre, tm-interiors.co.uk

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9

‘Waterfall’ shelving unit, Erco Lai

3 ‘waterfall’ shelving unit by erco lai
Ercoffice

Blending a Japanese aesthetic with a slick, sculptural appeal, this aluminium shelving unit by Erco Lai is named ‘Waterfall’ after the ‘flowing water form of its aluminium sheets’. The piece is a modern yet practical addition to any living room. £5,640, beata,megosu.

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