Life Begins 50+ Magazine Winter 2013 | Page 22

22-23_Life Begins 19/11/2013 15:30 Page 1 property Silver has a cool, calming effect on a scheme and gives a dash of opulence to contemporary settings. “Winter’s the perfect season to introduce metallics throughout interiors and the trend ranges from warm gold and copper through to cooler chrome and stainless steel,” says Gary Chambers at Apollo Blinds. “We’re also seeing pattern coming to the fore as people feel bolder in their choices, and the blend of metallics and detail is very strong.” Silver has arguably been perceived as Gold’s poorer relation but this has changed significantly over recent years. Silver is now gaining widespread appeal as the colour of choice when it comes to interior design. It offers crisp clean contrast and is now widely available from the humblest of highstreet stores right throught to the most fancy designer outlets. Chasseur Brushed Metal Mosaic tiles, from Original Style at £20.45 per square. These would be an easy way to add lustre to a kitchen or bathroom Silver Metallic made to measure roller blind, from £62, Apollo Blinds French furniture specialist Sweetpea & Willow is a good source for chateau-style furniture. Its Belgravia Silver Tub Chair, £273, is a good example. Even if you’ve never been a heavy metal fan, the new look of brass, copper, bronze and nickel might change your mind. The finishes are warm and these softer, richer-looking metals, which are joining gold and silver on the decor stage, work well in both a traditional or contemporary setting. “The high-shine metallic hues are back in full force and, after all, what’s not to like? They have a glow and aura of opulence and uber-luxury,” says Janet Morais, president and creative director at luxury interiors specialists Koket. A Juliet Chaise, upholstered in a bronze-look Mole fabric from the Glamour collection by Linwood, is stunning, £1,585 plus fabric (stockists can be found through Whitehead Designs) 22 Life Begins Copper Lounge Pendant, £119, Barker & Stonehouse. Metallic paper from the impressive ‘Chic’ collection at Blendworth, which also has gold and silver papers created by Dutch company Eijffinger. Papers start from £105 per roll www.lifebeginsmagazine.com