When it comes to predicting the next big thing, it’s rare that Pinterest gets it wrong. After all, 482 million people use the site to plan everything from their next party outfit to a kitchen makeover, giving a unique insight into the future.

In 2022, Pinterest anticipated the rise of biophilic design, and in 2023 it foresaw the rise of luxury at home and mushroom shapes, particularly in lighting. So when its latest report flagged up a metallic trend, ‘hot metals’, we had to take notice.

“Cool silver tones and bold chrome are resonating right now,” says the Pinterest Predicts 2024 report. “Melty metallics will make their way into the mainstream in 2024 as people trade in their trusty neutrals for something a bit more hardcore. Gen Z and Millennials are driving this heavy metal aesthetic.”

It’s intriguing. But also a tad nerve-wracking. Because how do we adopt this metallic trend without our homes looking like the set of a sci-fi movie? Here, some of our favourite interiors experts explain how to weave metallics into your existing schemes tastefully. Their tips for a liveable look are interior-design gold – or silver, or bronze.

Concentrate on matt finishes

If you spent 2023 embracing the trend for ‘quiet luxury’, you may be wondering how to reconcile this with metal’s rock ‘n’ roll image.

“When we think about metallics, we often think of flashy finishes,” says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse.

“However, by choosing brushed gold and brass, metallics can add a sense of understated luxury to your space. The matte finish brings an elegant touch and works harmoniously with muted tones like sandy neutrals and organic fabrics like linen, making it the perfect finishing touch in a minimaluxe scheme.”

Another benefit of non-polished finishes is that they don’t show up fingerprints or scuffs in the way that smooth, shiny surfaces do. So unless you plan to spend the year with a duster in your hand, matte is most definitely where it’s at.

Choose the right colour metal for your space

Choosing the perfect metal isn’t just about texture – tone is just as important. While silver and chrome accents tend to suit more modern and minimalist schemes, the warmth of gold, copper and brass lend themselves to more traditional-style rooms.

“Silver will enhance and complement cooler tones, whereas gold tones work harmoniously with a warmer-toned palette and more opulent fabrics, like velvet,” explains Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village.

“If you’re struggling to imagine where you can incorporate a metallic moment into your home, lighting is an easy and natural place to start. The way that light plays on these surfaces can bring an extra special touch to your space, perfect for creating a statement in a living or dining room.”

Start in the bedroom

If there is one room that’s ideally suited to the air of luxury that gold and silver bring, it’s the bedroom. So if you’re diving into the metallics trend, this is definitely the best place to start. And as for bedroom furniture, take a tip from the fashionistas and look to Parisian chic.

“Ornate French furniture is a very traditional and classic way to weave this trend into your home, as metallic tones work so well with the opulent and delicate detailing of these pieces,” adds Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom.

“Metallic finishes are fused in eclectic decorating, a style key in French design. Combining antiques in metallic finishes with new accessories allows you to have some fun and adds a sense of authenticity that never goes out of fashion.”

Georgia suggests an ornate, button-back, Louis XV-inspired bed for wow factor, pairing it with crisp white “to ground the look”.

Bring metallics into the kitchen

If there’s another room that’s tailor-made for metallics, it’s the kitchen. Particularly as they work in harmony with another big kitchen trend: transitional design.

“Transitional design, a perfect blend of classic and contemporary styles, is a great example of a long-
term trend,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio.

“This design aesthetic combines the warmth and elegance of traditional materials with the clean simplicity of modern design. The result is a timeless and versatile style that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences.”

“Metals have always played a key role in transitional kitchens – although primarily in smaller details such as handles or taps,” adds Charlie.

“At Ledbury Studio, we were ahead of the curve in expanding the use of metals beyond hardware and giving them a starring role in our kitchen designs. For instance, our signature copper-fronted kitchen cabinets are made by individually ageing and patinating sheet copper to achieve a beautiful Verdigris effect. This approach combines the traditional warmth of copper with an on-trend aesthetic resulting in an entirely new look, which nonetheless won’t go out of style for years to come.”

Armed with these tips, we hope you can now work in those metallics with confidence. Here’s to a golden and glamorous 2024.