Interiors Trend Watch: Steel

“Metal has always been part of my design palette and I’ve naturally found myself using stainless steel more and more in my designs,” says Mimi Shodeinde, designer and founder of Miminat. “It’s refined and graceful, but also has a ‘rawness’ that makes sense for my work. It's the perfect combination of form and function; not only does it feel timeless and luxe but it’s also highly versatile and made to last.”

Mimi isn’t the only one to fall for the attributes of silver. Alex Holloway, co-founder of Holloway Li, recently used stainless steel in his latest kitchen design, taking it from the commercial to the domestic. “Stainless steel was initially relegated to hospitality usage, but it’s increasingly become a really practical and adaptable option for the home. It’s a shift that’s come from the blurring of boundaries between hotel and residential design (with materials traditionally used in hospitality settings taking centre stage at home) and a general inclination towards minimalist and industrial aesthetics.” 

Designers are falling for the different textures of stainless steel and its close friends aluminium and silver, as well as their versatility when combined with other materials. Mimi says: “When I’m working on new designs, I often find myself returning to the pairing of wood and metal. I think the organic, textured quality of the wood compliments the industrial feel of metal beautifully.”

Alex has one caveat, however. “Stainless steel is great in that it doesn’t tarnish, but be warned it does scratch very easily, so I would always recommend using a brushed version.” Then you can lean into the risk and see it as part of the charm, especially in a kitchen. “You need to accept that the first few months it will look a bit off until the scratches have built up in layers so they are consistent – this is similar to how a fresh floor shows up the scratches in the first weeks.”