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High-shine metallic pieces for a modern bathroom
From polished stainless steel to chrome, these clinical but dazzling buys combine to create the look of the moment
Polished stainless steel was the dazzling star of the show at bathroom brand Laufen’s showcase during the 2023 Milan Design Week (pictured above). The brand’s ‘Capsule’ collection by NM3 (from £5,258) takes the ultra-contemporary look that has been big in kitchen design for some time, and transplants it to the other most important room in the home. It’s a sign of the growing love for high-shine metals, with 1990s favourite chrome also on the rise. Here, we share the bathroom furniture and accessories that can add a little metallic modernity to your home.
’Componibili’ storage unit, Kartell
First produced in 1967, this design has serious endurance, with new colours and metals regularly introduced to maintain its appeal. The work of designer Anna Castelli Ferrieri, it’s functional with a fun, retro space-age quality. £289, hollowaysofludlow.com
‘Harlow’ basin, ABI Interiors
This countertop-mounted basin is brilliantly utilitarian, with its capacious yet thin form. Made of stainless steel, but also available in brass, copper and gunmetal, it will add just the right amount of edge to a bathroom. £542.99, abiinteriors.co.uk
’FS2’ freestanding tap, Vola
Ideal for open-plan bathrooms, where basins or bathtubs sit away from the walls, this freestanding tap is tall and elegant – something of a bathroom design classic. £3,350.40, store.liquiddesign.co.uk
‘Pullman’ circular hook, Plank Hardware
All organised bathrooms need a place to hang robes and towels, and this simple hook by Plank Hardware, crafted from stainless steel, is ideal for the job. £11.95, plankhardware.com
’Efesto’ stool, De Castelli
Like a delicate work of metallic origami, this stool by Martinelli Venezia for De Castelli is a stainless steel option that also feels light and playful. Place it beside the bath to add visual interest (as well as a place to rest a paperback). £2,340, monologuelondon.com
‘Burford’ soap dish, Robert Welch
The slightly curved form of this design by Robert Welch, made from the highest quality stainless steel, is intended to better allow suds to drain away. This is a function-first design, but one that also happens to look bang on trend. £25, robertwelch.com
‘Eva Solo’ soap dispenser, Royal Design
Available in shiny or matte stainless steel (note: to perfect the look of the moment, we suggest high-shine), this soap dispenser looks like a little work of art beside a basin, and its hidden pump mechanism ensures easy hand washing. £90, royaldesign.co.uk
‘Silo’ pendant light, Lambert & Fils
Bathroom lighting doesn’t need to be dull (as long as you check the IP rating of the pieces you choose and, if they aren't up to standard, place them accordingly). This design by Lambert & Fils looks like space-age panpipes – it’s a ‘yes’ from us! £3,240, nest.co.uk
‘Mushroom’ hook, Ferm Living
Often stainless steel design can be very utilitarian, but this little hook from Ferm Living (best used in clusters) has a more natural look. Inspired by the form of a button mushroom, it will lend a high-shine metallic bathroom a note of approachable softness. £19, fermliving.co.uk
Storage box, Puebco
When creating a bathroom look even the smallest of details matter, like where you store your cotton buds. This glass box by Puebco is intended for just that purpose, and its steel lid is made from recycled metal. £15.65, puebco.it
’XO 5400 Zu’ thermostatic shower valve, Lefroy Brooks
This solid stainless steel temperature valve by Lefroy Brooks reminds us of the controls on a luxury coffee machine or high-end cooker. Handy comparisons because precision counts – especially when it comes to the temperature of your morning shower. £1,230, uk.lefroybrooks.com
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