METALLIC MAGIC

Use metals in the kitchen for a look that can be either funky and futuristic or elegantly timeless. Pale colors and smooth, shiny surfaces will, however, always possess contemporary appeal. Versatile and interesting, metal makes a good choice for a kitchen, whether it’s a fully fitted, professional-quality stainless-steel version, or simply employed in the form of a few good-looking accessories. Tough, durable and easy to maintain, it can be combined with other materials for a wide range of effects.

Use with wood, for example, and you temper its inherent hardness to create a warmer and more homely look, whether rustic, chic or, as seen in this kitchen on the left, enduringly classic. Wooden floorboards and a plain, solid timber table are the basis for a gathering of metal pieces, from work surface to chairs, storage to fridge-freezer, and even the dustbin and toaster. The simplicity of the texture and color combinations prevents the room from seeming too hard or stark, and gives it great appeal.

If you like the look of metal in a kitchen, but would prefer to introduce greater textural variety, consider rougher, softer and more three-dimensional materials. Take your pick from chairs made of matt plastic, frosted-glass cupboard fronts, displays of matt or glazed crockery, wicker storage baskets or paper lampshades, for example.

Hi-tech haven

Smooth, shiny surfaces epitomize a modern bathroom. You can soften this look, however, with colored candles, pretty ceramics and, of course, piles of thick towels.

Hard textures are usually prevalent in a bathroom, and the obvious starting points for a contemporary design are the durable, easy-to-clean surfaces of ceramic, glass, chrome and stainless steel. Ceramic tiles or stone slabs are ideal for floors, though underfloor heating would make your feet cosier; alternatives include wood, perhaps colored and laid in interesting patterns.

Continue the ceramic theme around the bath or shower, using either standard-sized tiles or smaller mosaic ones. The latter create an interesting yet subtle effect, which could be heightened by the use of a darker grout.

A stainless-steel hand basin with exposed waste pipe gives a chic, industrial feel. You can also buy stainless-steel lavatories, and even baths – though the cumulative effect might be a little too institutional! Other options would be a chrome laundry bin and heated towel rail. Such reflective surfaces make the room seem more spacious and emphasize its role as one of cleansing and refreshing.

Glass is a fabulous material to use in a bathroom. A huge shower door made from translucent glass gives a barely there impression, while glass shelves appear to float and, again, maximize a sense of space; frosted, etched or colored glass are alternatives. To continue this look, you could also use stacked-up acrylic storage boxes, neatly holding all those bathroom odds and ends.

Without a little soft texture, however, a hi-tech bathroom might be attractive to look at but would be unpleasant to use. Take the edge off the clinical atmosphere with a few carefully chosen accessories and, of course, piles of towels: in a plain color and neatly folded they’ll still appear tidy and practical, but will also add that touch of human comfort that’s absolutely vital.

(From Textures & Colours for Interiors, available at National Book Store and Powerbooks)