Copper and Interiors

Have you noticed how many shop fittings are currently manufactured in copper?

Copper was big news last year with product designers such as  Tom Dixon  using it and the Milan Furniture Fair was certainly awash with it. What is interesting this year is that it is appearing in architectural trims and shop fittings.

Copper columns and door trims  can be seen in the new extension at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Mannequins in John Lewis department store are given an updated look as they stand proud on brand new copper catwalks. The list goes on and on….

David Oliver has long since been an advocate of metallics as they can, “create a quietly glamorous environment, which is sophisticated and fashionable”. He has created a paint finish “gilver” which is a mix of both gold and silver “a timeless classic”. Valtti also have a range of metallic paints, one of which is distinctly copper- like in appearance.

Copper can help create an “industrial chic” interior especially when used with exposed brickwork and deep graphite paints. But it works equally well in vintage settings – specifying a copper bath  could be the starting point.  Or, if you are after inspiration for extensive architectural interior cladding, have a look at the Canadian Copper and Brass Development Association gallery – it’s certainly an adaptive material which spans many different interior styles.

Create the Unexpected

Well I’m not going to say much about this other than the fact that the frilly edged freshly washed pillowcase blowing around outside a dilapidated fisherman’s hut in Fife made me smile. I liked the contrast, that’s all.

My train of thought then moved onto architectural salvage and reclaimed antiques and I reminded myself of two great shops, one here in UK called RE and one in New York called abc home both of which display a profusion of crafted and recycled home wares, a great antidote to wall to wall matching designer interiors which can sometimes appear rather soulless. Contrasts work. Rare next to utilitarian, designer alongside high street, vintage with modern, rough next to smooth, mix it up and you can create a room with attitude.