The solidity and communicative warmth of metal shape interior design collections that seamlessly blend past and present, delivering both technological and aesthetic excellence.

A few years ago, if you mentioned metal while sitting at your desk staring at a blank sheet of paper, seeking inspiration for a new project, you would likely envision spaces and elements defined by remarkable functionality and formal purity—characterized by the perfection and sheen of their surfaces. Yet, these images also carried a certain coldness, perhaps due to the seemingly unbridgeable gap between pure perfection and the inevitable transience and imperfections of everyday life.

Today, however, when flipping through an industry magazine or an innovative interior design catalog, you’ll notice that metallic finishes have taken center stage in shaping interior spaces, whether residential or public.

From glossy, reflective surfaces to matte, textured finishes, metal has evolved from a purely functional material into a distinctive aesthetic element, finding its place not only in living rooms and kitchens but even in the bathroom.

Yet, it is not just aesthetics that underscore metal’s versatility and broad applicability. Its allure also lies in the collective perception of its inherent durability and workability—qualities that, both in the past and today, define the material’s enduring connection to artisanal tradition and the mastery of craftsmanship par excellence.

Bronze, brass, copper, and other lesser-explored metals are captivating designers and enthusiasts of interior design and architecture for their ability to create sophisticated, unique atmospheres. These materials offer a broad spectrum of expression, ranging from the warm embrace of satin finishes to the unmistakable elegance of deeper, more intense hues.

This aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the interplay of gloss and matte contrasts, a technique already explored in the bathroom environment with other materials—ceramic, for example—which, when applied to metal, becomes a powerful tool for accentuating details and different elements within interior design.

In terms of craftsmanship and the value of tangible materials, metal boasts a long-standing tradition as a ductile, workable material, well-suited to artisanal techniques that have amplified human creativity since ancient times. As such, metal is inherently a fundamental component of bespoke design. Today, this tradition is being revitalized by integrating artisanal expertise with cutting-edge technological advancements, such as those developed by Catalano and featured in a new product catalog dedicated to the bathroom environment.

But what is it about metals that fascinates us so much? What makes them unique? Certainly, their mass, weight, and luminous surfaces—which, by reflecting, absorbing, or diffusing light—make them ideal companions for marble, wood, and stone, enhancing contrast and visual depth in architectural and design elements. Moreover, modern processing techniques have significantly improved the resistance of metallic surfaces to chemical and mechanical stress, allowing their use even in spaces that demand high performance—such as bathrooms.

Among all interior spaces, the bathroom presents the most fertile ground for experimenting with innovative uses of metal. Sinks, faucets, and accessories in metallic finishes transform the environment into a veritable design jewel, where functionality meets aesthetics.

Catalano, a leading company in the Ceramic District, understands this well. At the latest edition of ARCHITECT@WORK Milan, the company unveiled its new I Metalli collection: four ceramic finishes that embody the sophisticated and elegant essence of Bronze, Brass, Copper, and Graphite. Each piece in the collection is unique, crafted by blending artisanal know-how with advanced technological-industrial research, culminating in a design process focused on refining and optimizing glazing techniques.

Durability and sustainability—core values for the company—are ensured through the antibacterial Cataglaze+ coating, which contains silver and titanium particles, reducing the need for harsh cleaning agents and minimizing the product’s environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle, from design to production.

I Metalli represents a perfect synthesis of artisanal tradition and technological innovation, offering architects endless possibilities for customization and seamless integration into contemporary projects.