Metallic materials can add a sense of luxe to any kitchen, whether it’s high-shine hardware or wall-to-wall gleaming cabinetry. Designers also love metals for their functionality – think of hardworking steel countertops, wipe-clean splashbacks or durable islands. We’ve delved into the ELLE Decoration archive to find some of the best examples of metal surfaces and finishes for the kitchen.
A shining copper kitchen
A bespoke copper island is the star of this kitchen in Madrid. The home of Mike Leflore and Danny Mitchell, founders of Zia Tile, its design was heavily influenced by classical European buildings. London-based design firm Lind + Almond, who took on the renovation project, doubled down on the metallic theme in the kitchen with the ‘Onos’ pendant lamp hanging above the custom island by Sixtypro, which was finished by Novocastrian.
A brassy and bold kitchen in the countryside
The clashing of old and new defines this country home in somerset. Designer and homeowner Jo Berryman took delight in creating unexpected moments of contrast, such as Pierre Frey’s ‘Leo’ wallpaper paired with peeling original plaster on the ceiling. It’s a similar story in the kitchen, where a contemporary brass splashback is paired with vintage pieces like the crescent-shaped aged mirror from an old factory window, bought at Lorfords Antiques, and reclaimed tiles above the Aga.
What's everyone reading?
The high-shine home in Paris
This petite Parisian apartment measures just 35 square metres, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in high voltage drama. Architect Rodolphe Parente paired wet look lacquer flooring and gleaming brass fixtures to reflect light around the compact flat – in the kitchen, a reflective brass pillar cleverly conceals wiring.
The Parisian kitchen with the Midas touch
Design duo Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani are influenced by both the elegance of art deco and the irreverence of the 1970s – elements of both these periods can be seen in this reflective metallic kitchen they designed for a client in Paris. ‘We often say that we imagine our clients at apéritif time, drinking wine with their friends. It helps us to create a warm vibe,’ they say.
Shining brass in a Berlin apartment by Fabian Freytag
Fabian Freytag designed this Berlin party pad for a client who wanted an apartment with nightclub energy and, as with all good house parties, things start in the kitchen. ‘The owner loves cooking and the special thing is that, when he has people over, food preparation is part of the event,' says Fabian. The striking brass cabinetry is the backdrop to a hefty walnut island that doubles as a bar, with ‘Herrenberger’ stools from Atelier Haussmann providing a spot for guests to chat to the cook over a drink.
Stainless steel in Alex Holloway’s London kitchen
Reality television and cheeseburgers aren’t usually sources of inspiration for high-end design, but that’s exactly what designer Alex Holloway used as reference points for his eye-popping kitchen. Made from circle-brushed stainless steel, it’s inspired by the look of fast food outlets, as well as his nostalgic memories of the original Big Brother house. ‘The iconography of those early series was really futuristic,’ he explains. ‘The 1990s were very forward-looking: a decade of optimism.’
Burnished brass in Ciarán McGuigan’s New York home
The stylish Brooklyn apartment of Ciarán McGuigan, founder and CEO of The Malin, a network of co-working spaces, and the creative director of heritage furniture brand Orior, leans into the space’s classic New York loft vibe. The kitchen is no exception, with an industrial-chic metallic island, exposed beams and original floorboards.
Elaborate gold leaf in a Paris apartment by Atelier HA
Originally three artist studios, this Parisian apartment is full of reflective and metallic surfaces. The star of the show, however, is the kitchen with an opulent wall covered in hand-worked gold leaf. Okoume wood was chosen for all of the joinery in the apartment, including the kitchen cabinets.
Patinated brass in a Brutalist home in Melbourne
This new build was conceived by architect Travis Walton and building developer Bear Agushi, who together flipped the orientation of the home and raised it to take in the surrounding sea views. Interior designer Simone Haag used a limited palette of industrial materials like concrete, dark-stained oak and stone in brooding, deep neutrals. In the kitchen, appliances are artfully disguised behind brass cabinetry which is complemented by a vast green stone island and black marble splashback.
Custom-polished brass in an art-filled Zurich home
Victoria-Maria Geyer designed this Zurich apartment with her client’s vast art collection at its core; the kitchen houses a balloon sculpture by Jeppe Hein and the circular piece on the wall is by Claudia Comte. Arguably another piece of art in its own right is the custom polished-brass cabinetry, which is finished with handles from Buster + Punch and paired with a lavastone worktop and luxurious Emperador marble island.
