Iron out problems if your home is so stark it's arid.
Byline: By Andrew DurhamDoes your living room feel barren? Do you wake up in the morning and almost feel you could be in a hotel room rather than a stylish boudoir?
Many homes with a very modern design have the advantage of being stylish and clutter-free, but can sometimes feel too stark and over-simplistic. If this rings a bell, then it may be time to inject some detail and romance into your rooms with some decadent iron creations. Hand-forged wrought ironwork is truly remarkable in its beauty and exquisite artistic value and can provide warmth and character so often missing from accessories crafted from materials such as stone and porcelain.
The ancient technique of hammering, stretching and melting molten wrought iron used by traditional smiths gives each piece a sense of uniqueness which can bring life and individuality back into your home.
Whereas other metals such as steel and zinc are generally used on a larger scale for surfaces, flooring or cladding effects on walls, iron is usually introduced on the level of detail to add decoration.
You can find some stunning wrought iron candleholders, curtain valances, candle lamps and 1920s-style door handles from many furniture shops. However, there are also many small, independent wrought iron design companies that produce a range of beautifully decadent pieces.
It can also be worth rummaging around in antique shops - there can be few things more rewarding than turning a broken old ornament into a stunning centrepiece. Once you learn to spot the potential in a piece and how to treat it, you can bring antique iron chic into your home at a very reasonable price.
Cast iron stoves give Victorian warmth to any kitchen and evoke images of roasting chestnuts and wholesome country living. Choose from plain-fronted or intricately-designed doors to suit the mood of your kitchen and accessorise with some wood and leather bellows or a coalscuttle for the classic nostalgic look. There are also some magnificent fire surrounds and grates - add fire irons to create a really 19th Century feel. What could be more romantic than a fireplace with tall candlesticks lined up on the mantelpiece to introduce an elegant touch to a cosy bedroom?
Cast iron is also extremely strong and can support great weights. Combined with its molten malleability this makes it ideal for creating romantic bed frames. For a more distinct Victorian look, iron banisters can be used to create light and airy stairways. So whether it's with romantically coiled candlesticks or the cosy hearth of a cast iron fireplace, benefit from the antique warmth and character of iron to breathe life into your desolate rooms.
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Journal (Newcastle, England) |
| Date: | Sep 20, 2003 |
| Words: | 439 |
| Previous Article: | Starter homes. |
| Next Article: | Regional roundup. |