By Marica

For every action there is a reaction. I especially believe this is true in interior design and home décor trends. We often find that certain trends or fads are answers on, or extensions of, a previous trend or style movement.

Once the trend reaches the retailers’ shelves, a process that can take ages particularly in the slow-moving South Africa retail market, you know it’s hot.

Black Metal Is the Hottest New Interior Trend:

If you have been watching your Pinterest and Instagram feeds I’m sure you would have noticed a strong influx of black. It started as a trickling steam and now it is a raging torrent. We found the introduction of “black metal” especially interesting.

Bloesem Design Blog even included black metal into their 2016 décor trends round-up article: “5 Interior Trends to Get into This 2016”.

My inspirational boards are saturated with Industrial-styled black metal pipe tables, black hardware – like handles and hinges, black metal pendant lights, and of course, my absolute favourite – gorgeous black factory windows. I might even give factory windows a “Trend Alert” of its own…

Love the combination of the texture exposed brick wall, the warm wood and the black metal pendant lights and Tolix chairs.| Image: http://frokenoverspringshandling.dk/2015/06/nye-plante-og-lysophaeng-fra-bahne/

Black Metal Is a Continuation of the Industrial Style:

This Black Metal décor trend can easily be an extension of the Industrial Style interior trend and an answer to the stark white of Scandi Minimalism.

Two years ago we sourced a stunning Industrial-styled black metal display cabinet for one of our client. At that stage, we haven’t seen anything like it before and we were absolutely in love with its uniqueness. It made for a powerful statement piece in our client’s dining room, the interior of which was featured in the April issue of Home Magazine. Little did we know then that black metal would become a thing.

The black metal faucet along with the black painted Victorian tub and patterned Moroccan tiles makes such a beautiful black and white statement in this bathroom! | Image: Sharyn Cairns via http://stylejuicer.com/architecture/utilitarian-extension-whiting-architects/

The Use of Black Metal Accessories in Kitchens & Bathrooms:

From the examples we have seen, Black Metal seems to be most popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Black has even been described as “the hot new colour” for kitchens this season. Black fixtures, like faucets, are used all the more to create an attention-grabbing feature. That is if you are brave enough.

The black accents, often in a matte or satin finish, are dramatic and undeniably masculine. Black has always been chic and sophisticated. I find it incredibly sleek and sexy (yes, I just referred to an interior element as “sexy” – and no, it is not weird).

Adore this Industrial-styled workspace with its heavy pipe table and metal pendant lights. And then of course just a hint of yellow! | Image: http://in-myhouse.blogspot.co.za/2012/04/tyger.html

What a brilliant idea to use black metal factory windows as a shower partition! And another pop of yellow! | Image: Matthew Millman via http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/05/16/greathomesanddestinations/20130516-LOCATION.html?_r=0#4

Colours to Pair with Black Metal:

We most frequently see interiors where black metal has been paired with white to create the ultimate dark vs. light contrast. However, I quite enjoy spaces that feature black metal elements with the addition of bright pops of colour like yellow, red or turquoise. The introduction of a warm textured wood or paired with a hot metal like copper or brass also creates beautiful contrast.

Turns out black is the new black…

A well put together decor vignette – the dramatic black lamp and picture frame make for a lovely contrast. | Image: Anna Gustafsson via http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.co.za/2013/10/my-flowerpot-dont-forget-giveaway.html

Another dining room that features black metal elements. | Image: Line Klein via http://www.b.dk/billedeserier/frirummet-for-fotografen

Love this black metal display cabinet with the glass doors! | Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wetweekend/6177834257/in/photostream/

The black metal trend is not just for interior but also exteriors! | Image: http://www.metalroofing.org.nz/node/1203

An all black kitchen is definitely not for the faint of heart! Love the industrial metal kitchen island! | Image: Romain Ricard via http://www.romainricard.com/#

Matte black metal bathroom fixtures looks absolutely amazing! | Image: Eve Wilson via http://thedesignfiles.net/2015/05/frag-and-naomi-woodall/