I can vaguely remember Rose giving me a rather sceptical look late last year when I mentioned metals might be one of the big trends of 2013. I was in the process of putting our 2012 trend report together and had noticed a slight but gradual surge in interiors and products featuring copper, brass, and other metals. Sure enough, the trend stuck and we are liking it more and more!

As we said before, it is not the super shiny, glam, and gaudy metallics of trends past. It is an aged, faded kind of metal trend – no blinding, polished yellow golds, shiny silvers, or cold chromes. Old gold, antiqued silver, weathered nickel, and especially the traditionally “functional” metals, brass and copper, have become hot décor commodities. The metals are also often hammered and brushed or, in the case of copper, left to naturally oxidise – a process that with age adds beautiful character to the metal’s patina.

The warmth and earthy elegance of these metals can so easily be incorporated into any interior style – be it minimalist, industrial, or upmarket chic. There is just something about these rich, warm-hued metals that adds dimension, depth, and a sense of vintage luxe.

We absolutely love this selection of antiqued brass pendant lights from Weylandts – we have actually purchased a few for one of our clients!

Love these copper finish industrial chairs from Anthropologie. Local La Grange Interiors has similar chairs | Image: http://www.anthropologie.com/

Hammered copper sink | Image: http://www.homesandantiques.com/feature/essential-guide/five-inspirational-kitchen-ideas

Beautiful pastels with a copper pendant lamp as accent | Image: http://www.101woonideeen.nl/

Solid copper Bateau bath with a tinned finish | via http://www.thebathworks.com/TBW2013/Copper_Bateau.html

Designer Jean-Louis Deniot’s hammered silver kitchen | via http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/hammered-silver-cabinetry#slide-9

Joburg design studio, Anatomy Design, has been working with brass and copper long before the trend’s current revival! You might recognize Anatomy’s stunning brass Lab Light that won the prestigious Most Beautiful Object in South Africa in 2010.

This vintage copper bath and mural makes for a statement bathroom that speaks of luxe! | via http://www.housetohome.co.uk/bathroom/picture/statement-bathroom

Check out this wall of a Erica Tanov store in California clad in brass scales! 100% awesome. | via http://ericatanov.com/ourstores.php

Loved this bathroom with its copper and brass accents, styled by Nanna Lagerman and photographed by Philip Karlberg for Swedish Elle Interiör | via http://www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2012/08/beautiful-light-loft-space-living.html

Love this kitchen with its silver / antiqued mirror subway tiles and big copper industrial light designed by Templeton | via http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2012/8/29/templeton.html

These exposed copper pipes that doubles as hanging space adds a touch of steampunk awesomeness to this kitchen | via http://www.vtwonen.nl/wooninspiratie/koper-in-de-keuken.html

We love the elegant play between the natural grain of the wood and the warm metal of these contemporary nested tables by Tonic Design. LIM has recently added a whole range copper furniture pieces including this quirky table lamp that takes full advantage of not only the metal trend but also the industrial & steampunk trends.

{So what do you guys and gals think? Are you also loving the hot metal trend?}