Hot Gifts 2: Modern Metallics
Whether it’s shoes, bags or home accents, metallic touches have found their way into the modern mix. Much of fashion flashes back to the mid-eighties, but the metals in urban dwellings are far from Spinderella and much more Krush.
Stainless steel is everywhere. Even those with more traditional tastes have chosen this modern material for their fixturing and appliances. Among loft inhabitants the trend is obvious - stainless is industrial, soothing, sharp and clean looking. What makes this Olive Oil and Vinegar Set unique among the stainless choices is gorgeous, simple design. Made of stainless steel and porcelain, this is the perfect gift for the discerning eye.
Here’s a gift that’s sure to make eyes and tabletops sparkle. Choose from a shiny selection of vases that dazzle a space and take things up a notch without breaking the bank. Available in gold, dark silver and anthracite, the pieces in the West Elm Metallic Vase Collection are a very cool addition to contemporary spaces. Don’t feel hesitant to shelf them in your space or encourage a friend to do so. If you’re nervous about color choices stick with the silver - it’s a classy and elegant accessory to almost any color palate. Steer clear of the gold in brightly colored spaces, but be daring and do try it with cools and neutrals. And for the anthracite - what a treat this will be against a variety of shades. This finish tends to pick up the tones of whatever it’s next to, so embellish your space with this sophisticated touch of shine.
What design lover wouldn’t love this piece by Rosendahl? Made of anodized aluminum the Wallpaper Magazine Rack is a stunning sculptural way to display and store your favorite monthly glossy. The brushed metal finish is so 21st century and the right angle madness going on in most urban lofts could use a bit of 3-D wave action. Give this gift with a new subscription and you’ll have a big exclamation point by your name when thank-you-note time rolls around.
I love this lamp. It’s a new take on a modern classic and it’s just so much fun. The Metallic Circles Pendant Lamp is made with aluminum discs of various sizes that hang at tapered lengths from a circular frame. It’s like having a glittery snow storm in one corner of the room. This piece adds motion and dimension to any space, introducing the visual eye-candy of repeated geometric shapes creating a cluster of shimmery goodness. Give the gift of sparkle without gaudiness and dangle without froufiness. Perfect!
Like jewelry, a piece with two metal tones provides loads of versatilty - a very appealing attribute for gift-givers. I’ve been looking for a modern two-toned copper and stainless steel cookware line for a little while now and haven’t found much that really takes on cookware with some creative design. That said, The Sur La Table Exclusive 5 Piece Set is my favorite choice and the design is in fact luscious if not so cutting-edge. The thing about copper is it’s second to none for cooking precision, uniformity and speed, out-doing stainless steel and aluminum. Also, it’s very alluring aesthetically - like silver warmed up a little. Beautiful among rich wooden tones and sophisticated modern materials, this set will wow its recipient!
For when you’ve already outdone yourself in the jewelry department, there’s always the Hudson Polished Counter Stool. Originally designed by Philippe Starck for Ian Schrager’s Hudson Hotel in New York City, this stool has wow-factor written all over it. Made of a highly polished corrosion-resistant aluminum this truly was made to sit on though it might appear too precious to do so. Elegantly designed, the shape and finish of this chair will complete a space in a very dramatic way. Sure to impress and exciting to use - the modern design lover’s take on giving the gift of luxury.
