TIME TO SHINE
THE RETURN OF CHROME
When designers are looking for a material to ensure an object catches the eye, they rarely need to look further than chrome. Since it was first invented in the 1920s, through its heydays in the future-facing 1950s and the bright and bold 1980s, chrome has seized the attention.
REFLECTIVE QUALITY
With many of today’s interior styles increasingly looking to the 1980s for inspiration, embracing boldness, simplicity and geometry, the appeal of chrome is obvious. However, chrome is by no means limited to bold and vibrant interior schemes such as those inspired by the 1950s and 1980s; its reflective quality means that it can play its part in more subtle styles of space, too.
VERSATILE APPEAL
Chrome sits beautifully against natural materials such as wood and leather, and although it is sometimes considered a cold material, when chrome is thoughtfully juxtaposed with warm tones and textures, it can introduce an additional layer of texture to a space. It is both the perfect design material both for anyone wanting to make a big impact with their design scheme, and for those seeking a versatile accent material to enhance their interior.
COMPLIMENTING THE SURROUNDINGS
Chrome brilliantly complements neutrals and matches well with a spectrum of furniture styles, from mid-century modern to clean-lined and contemporary.
AMPLIFYING COLORS
Chrome can be highly reflective, catching the light in its mirrored surface, which makes it brilliant at amplifying the colors and materials that surround it. It can therefore be deployed against simplified, high-contrast backgrounds, such as black and white teamed with vibrant primary colors, or used to enhance and enrich more neutral spaces.
GLEAM ON
Chrome’s appeal goes beyond the aesthetic. Chrome-plating makes a metal extremely hard-wearing – durable enough even to work well outdoors – and easy to care for. While brass or wood might change or fade over time, with a little polish now and then, chrome simply goes on gleaming. Even after almost 100 years, the Art Deco designs of the 1920s shine just as brightly today.
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