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Back in February, we predicted that silvery metals—chrome, nickel, pewter, and the like—would continue to give unlacquered brass a run for its money across every category, from bathroom fixtures to lamps. Not to brag, but it looks like we were spot on. In kitchens, one finish in particular has reigned supreme all year long: stainless steel. How do you keep the industrial material from reading cold and unwelcoming, not to mention feeling dated in 12 months? We turned to the Domino archives for some guidance.
Start With a Feeling
When you nail how you want to feel in a space first, then work backwards to fill in the details, a material palette will develop organically—and it’ll show in the end result. Gowri Adappa of A Design Co. landed on stainless steel for this Chennai, India, project (top) because, she says, “I wanted the apartment to feel young, gritty, and lofty, with the kitchen giving serious mid-century retro vibes.”
Introduce a Natural Texture
In Nicole and Charles Paloux’s Miami kitchen, a cork floor grounds the shiny metal cabinetry, literally and figuratively. Add terrazzo and wood paneling into the mix, and stainless steel is just one interesting material of many.
Balance the Sleek With the Traditional
It might seem counterintuitive, but a classic subway tile backsplash and beadboard-covered island are the perfect match for the minimalist cabinet fronts in photographer Susanna Howe’s kitchen. Opposites attract!
Confine It to the Island
An entire run of stainless-steel cabinets would’ve overwhelmed the earthy, Spanish-style kitchen in this 1950s Los Angeles home, a collaboration between content creator Marco Zamora, design studio Ome Dezin, and real-estate firm O’Connor Estates. Confined to the island in a matte finish, though, the material is the perfect unexpected element.
Mix Metals
In this Australian lake house by designer Tamsin Johnson, warm brass hardware and fixtures are a visual bridge between the cool stainless-steel countertops and sunny yellow cabinetry.
Round It Out
Metal brings to mind sharp edges, but Kollective Design swapped hard angles for playful curves on this custom kitchen island, and incorporated four deep drawers in the process. Ultimately, utility trumps all.
Double Down on Shine
Of course, you can also lean into the eye-catching nature of stainless steel, as Emily Ward of Pierce & Ward did in her L.A. kitchen. Determined to preserve the original cabinets and countertops—they’re 1970s IKEA!—Ward layered shiny on top of shiny, painting the cupboards in high-gloss, chocolate brown car paint. Suddenly, the metal is cast in a supporting role.