Once one of the most famous American architects Louis Kahn used to say: “even a brick wants to be something”.
Every material has the capability to be special in something; every material around us conveys a message and when we combine some of those messages we create a language that potentially will define styles and trends. Fashion is born from the ability to that Meta message to be understood or intuitively felt by many.
Cast Iron in its natural black look or painted iron in black, both of them have been an important part of our history since the Industrial revolution.
They have attributes that very few if none materials are able to convey at the same time: Strength, resilience, longevity, gravitas, power, an austere beauty and finally masculinity.
One wonders how with so many wonderful materials natural and human created black metal has appeared lately in so many interiors.
I think the increase use of technology for communicating virtually and the development of new materials have created a very light materiality which certainly is changing the way we perceive the reality around us.
This is why black metal has found its way and is having a strong presence in so many interiors. It helps us to feel more grounded, it adds stability and gravitas to the feel and look of rooms.
The difference with other metals like brass or copper is that these are more related to a coded status whereas black metal is about solidity; of course the beauty of interiors is that this message and interpretation can be tamed and smoothed as much as we want when it is combined with other materials and finishes.
Professionally I have used black metal for balustrades, handrails, flooring, furniture, feature wall, accessories, detailing, ceilings, lighting, etc.
The applications are countless.
It is a material and finish that certainly can be sexy, elegant, and strong and refined if used with discretion and assertiveness.
Black metal in interiors will stay with us for a bit longer, we want and like its longevity and connection with reality.
