Heating Up

I'm always fascinated when designers are able to take mundane (and often visually unappealing) in-home necessities and turn them into decorative pieces that are absolutely breathtaking.

For me, radiators and air conditioners were eye-sore essentials that every room needed and were unfortunate sacrifices that designers made for the sake of comfortable habitation.

Then I came across the designs of Irsap, an Italian company who specializes in the design of radiators. Often, the company boldly ventures into crafting heating systems that double as fabulous pieces of modern art.

I'm currently drooling over Irsap's Medusa, shown above right, which is a steel wall-hanging system of sinewy latticed tubes enclosed in a circlular tube. Like a metallic apple pie crust, this beautiful design can hardly be recognized as a heating system unless you are overtly told.

Also worthy of notice is their Curval design, which is a trio of three vertically hanging polymer-aluminum panels that undulate like ribbons or waves. It's absolutely breathtaking. I could go on and on about several other pieces I adore, but go check out the rest of their collection and be amazed by what Irsap can do with a little metal to make your radiator museum-worthy.

Spiraling

I just came across this really cool image of a custom metal residential spiral staircase that got me thinking about the use of metals in staircases.


In fact, all kinds of things can be done with metal to create andan interesting and unique staircase for your home or even spruce up your old wooden or concrete staircase. 

Here, this gorgeous spiral oak staircase's support frame has been rendered in a stainless steel that adds a sleekness and sophistication to a rustic retreat.   

Maybe you're looking for a more upfront touch of design to your set of stairs at which guests to your home can marvel? Then why not think about installing a unique and intricate metal railing to your staircase. Check out this ornate wrought iron design that runs alongside a wooden staircase. I think it's quite stunning.

Lastly, you could go all in and design a staircase entirely out of metal.  These staircases are perfect for modern interiors--they're young, fresh, and lustrous, but also scream luxury.  Here's a cantilever steel staircase that's quite minimalist in design but is also a dazzling eye-catcher. 

Whether you're thinking of installing a new staircase in your home or a merely looking for a touch up, why not consider incorporating metal to add a little bit of elegance to your spiral.