Metal is the workhorse of any home — the raw material for plumbing conduits, nails and other functional items. But its intrinsic properties also make it a top choice for adding decorative flair inside and out. For many people cast iron gates are the first thing they think of when envisioning metal work for their home. Though many of metal fences and gates in the Washington area have their roots in earlier eras there are an increasing number of modern-design gates — such as the “cattail” created for a local homeowner by emeraldironworks.com“>Emerald Ironworks in Woodbridge, Va.
“We worked hand in hand with the artist and client, reproducing the design in a CAD program,” said Justin Pigott, co-owner of the ornamental fabrication firm. “It took more than 250 man-hours to complete and install the job.”
| Resources |
| www.annsacks.com“>Ann Sacks, Washington 202-339-0840, www.annsacks.com |
| www.arhaus.com“>Arhaus, North Bethesda Market, North Bethesda, 301-230-2973, www.arhaus.com |
| design-tile.com“>Design Tile Inc. Vienna, Va., 703-734-8211, www.design-tile.com |
| emeraldironworks.com“>Emerald Ironworks, Woodbridge, Va. 703-690-2477 www.emeraldironworks.com |
| www.jennifergilmerkitchens.com“>Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, 301-657-2500 www.jennifergilmerkitchens.com |
| www.rockymountainhardware.com“>Rocky Mountain Hardware 888-788-2013, www.rockymountainhardware.com |
| Room&Board, Washington 202-729-8300, www.roomandboard.com |
| www.vallivalli-us.com“>Valli & Valli U.S.A. 212-326-8811, www.vallivalli-us.com |
Idaho-based www.rockymountainhardware.com“>Rocky Mountain Hardware offers art-grade, recycled bronze hardware for the home. They recently launched a line of seven new door entry sets varying in style from a faux-bois wood, an imitation wood grain, to graceful tree branches topped with spring buds.
The company creates its finely realized products by first carving designs in wood to create a master pattern, then using an age-old manufacturing processes called sand casting and investment casting, also known as the “lost wax” method.
The hardware is practical as well as beautiful.
“The selection of patinas and interchangeable parts allow customers to create bronze art for their door,” said Rocky Mountain owner Patsy Nickum said.
Italian hardware manufacturer www.vallivalli-us.com“>Valli & Valli also draws from organic motifs for its doorknob, door handle, lever and lock architect-designed collections.
A conical brass door handle designed by Luxembourg-born architect L?on Krier stands out with its clever bamboo shoot design. Eero Aarnio’s solid brass “scribble” and “teardrop” cabinet pulls would be the perfect complement to any contemporary kitchen design.
Metal has been a popular alternative for kitchen back splashes for several seasons and now companies are giving the concept a fresh face.
“We’ve recently completed a few projects using fireplace summer covers (for backsplash material) made out of cast iron, said Jennifer Gilmer of www.jennifergilmerkitchens.com“>Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath Ltd. in Chevy Chase. The covers were originally hung in front of fireplaces in the summer to cover up the sooty openings. “Some of [these] covers are a bronze color, others are black or a light metal finish,” she added. “We’ll paint the summer cover to make it blend in with the back splash tile or paint.”
The demand for metallic and stainless tile also continues to be strong, according to Design Tile in Vienna. Designers particularly like stainless steel because it is light, durable and not porous and reflects light.
“With the continuing trend of upgrading kitchen appliances to stainless steel, incorporating brushed or polished metal accents into a back splash of stone, tile or glass creates a cohesive design for the overall space,” said designer Melissa Kasum.
For a more dramatic effect, metal can be applied over an entire back splash. There are other creative options as well. One of the firm’s suppliers offers a brushed stainless steel field tile design that can be stacked in layers to add dimension.
Kitchen and bath suppliers also have expanded their product lines to include high-end metal fixtures for the bath.
www.annsacks.com“>Ann Sacks, a Portland-based interiors company, tapped artist Robert Kuo to create gleaming copper basins and soaking tubs for its “Kuo Collection.” Bridging the gap between ancient Chinese artistic traditions and 21st century tastes, the “Zen” basin is inspired by the design of a Han dynasty Chinese cup.
Hand worked copper also is finding an audience in the home furnishings marketplace. Weather resistant metal, always the material of choice for outdoor furniture, is becoming popular for interiors. Among the hottest selling items are hand-hammered and hand forged copper and iron tables said Leia Santos, store manager of the newly opened Bethesda branch of the home furnishings chain www.arhaus.com“>Arhaus.
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