Heavy Metal

All that glitters is gold, and all that shines, has a silver line. You might not associate the glitzy factor of the seventies, but here's a FYI: the retro kitsch is back.

Metallic hues in gold and silver are creating majestic contrasts in city homes

All that glitters is gold, and all that shines, has a silver line. You might not associate the glitzy factor of the seventies, but here8217;s a FYI: the retro kitsch is back. No, not in your face glare, but with a look and feel that8217;s soft, silky and stylish. Complimented with softer shades, metallic hues in gold and silver are creating majestic contrasts in the city homes. Sitting pretty on sofas, embracing walls, resting in powder rooms, dazzling ceiling cover, silver and gold shades are now the essence of modern design, interior architect Annu Bains directs her gaze to a dull gold sofa throwing a royal look. 8220;Metallic shades have a way to brighten up the room,8221; Bains says that from formal dressing, sparkle and sizzle has now seeped into the world of interiors.

Busy getting sequin and dabka embroidery on raw silk covers for his dining chairs, advocate Gaurav Dheer feels that 8220;these royal shades give a formal look to the place8230;.there is something classy and sophisticated about metal that has survived the test of time.8221; Walk over to Glass Palace and Comfort Sales in Sector 7 and you8217;ll know what we are talking about 8211; blended with mediums like wood, the furniture here flaunts pieces in metal laminates and gold leaf finishes. While some look straight out of the Mughal era, others sit pretty in contemporary designs. 8220;The ones in dull gold are perfect for the living room,8221; Susheel Bansal of Comfort Sales lists the trend.

Metallic tiles too shine high on the trend-o-meter. 8220;Cast in a simple design, when used as inserts, borders or mosaics or done up in whole, metallic shades infuse the room with a dynamic textural element,8221; says Rohit Sehgal of Ganpati Marketing, Panchkula. But for Rajan Sankalp of Floors 038; Furnishings, Panchkula, 8220;The natural beauty of copper is timeless and that8217;s why it is a prime candidate for wall papers,8221; he says spreading a sample in henna green and copper. Taking a cue, companies like Asian Paints and Oikos too have launched textures in metallic tones.

Meanwhile, there8217;s an overwhelming feel of opulence at Neena Talwar8217;s residence in Sector 9. The interplay of gold and silver hues offset by cream walls give a luxe experience. A trendsetter, the house flaunts a perfect touch of silver decor and golden-coloured accessories. Having restricted the use of a single colour to a maximum of 10 per cent of the interiors, 8220;Metallic shades create a sense of royalty in the house, but its overuse can be devastating,8221; warns Neena, who feels that a shiny silver wall can create a bold starting point. Gold leather cushions and vases add a old world charm to the Talwar mansion.

For those skeptical about the trend, one roll of wallpaper, a small coffee table, a candle stand, a wash basin, one dome structure or flooring in metallic hues is more than enough, advises Raj Mehta of Panchkula, whose bathroom with silver spec demonstrates the trend to perfection. But here8217;s a word of caution: Keep off the glares!