Forces of Nature

Stones and metals—signifiers of tradition and grandeur—are becoming the materials of choice for designers and manufacturers who are looking for a way to give a classic touch to contemporary shapes. In some cases, it is to draw attention to artisanship. Look at Tom Dixon’s Lustre collection of handcrafted lamps, with a completely unique metallic finish for each object. Patinas that look aged, distressed, weathered, or oxidized give today’s products character. Brass, with its warm feeling, is resurfacing as so many designers look back to the 1970s.

When it comes to the revival of luxurious stones, marble leads the way, offering opportunities for new forms. The British designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, for example, have taken a sculptural approach for their Tobi-Ishi table, drawing upon traditional Japanese garden designs. Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman have transferred Carrara marble patterns onto photographic printed textiles to upholster their furniture for Cerruti Baleri, creating a surreal trompe l’oeil effect. Finally, the mixing of materials is also evident: Established & Sons’ Lighthouse lamp, for example, has a Venini blown-glass shade that delicately floats over a marble base, and Roman and Williams’s washstand pairs a marble sink with a brass structural base. If you’re looking to add texture to your next project, these products are the perfect solution.