Timeless Design: Episode 1

From nostalgic finish to quietly powerful design tool — a look at chrome’s return through the lens of thoughtful, intentional interiors.

After years of warm brass, matte black, and heavily textured finishes, chrome is quietly making its return — and no, it’s not just for bathrooms. Chrome and silver are showing up in all the right places: mirror-finished plinths, smoked glass, tubular chairs, and futuristic lighting. It’s a little 70s, a little space-age, and surprisingly… calming.

So why now?

We’re seeing a shift. Design is moving toward clarity, reflection, and lightness. Homes are craving a bit of breathing space — and chrome answers that call. It feels architectural without being bulky, reflective without being flashy, and crisp without being cold.

Where to Use It?

Chrome works best when it’s used subtly and deliberately. A single chrome piece won’t ground a room — but repeat the finish thoughtfully, and it adds quiet rhythm. Some of my favourite moments?

• Bar stools with chrome bases (bonus: they reflect the floor and almost “disappear”)

• Coffee tables or dining tables with chrome legs that lift heavier surfaces

• A chrome picture frame as a smart, graphic twist on a gallery wall

• Statement lamps or sculptural chairs for a bold-but-timeless accent

How to Make Chrome Work (Without Making It Feel Clinical)?

This isn’t about high gloss everything. Chrome needs balance. Pair it with materials that ground and soften its energy:

• Timber and stone to introduce warmth

• Boucle or linen for texture and calm

• Warm metals like brass or bronze to play with contrast

And the golden rule? Repetition. Introduce chrome more than once in a space and stick to no more than two or three finishes overall. The aim is layered simplicity, not chaos.

So… Is Chrome a Trend?

Technically? Yes. But the best trends are the ones that blend in — that quietly earn their place. The right chrome piece can live in a home for years, aging with grace while reflecting (literally and figuratively) the decisions behind the design.

It’s not nostalgia. It’s not flash. It’s not a gimmick.

It’s just a great material being used well — which, in the right hands, is always timeless.