Transform your interiors with mixed material furnishings

Look for pieces that combine and clash materials to give your home a dynamic feel, says Anya Cooklin-Lofting

Play pick‘n’mix with your decor, adding different textures and patterns (Andrew Martin)

There’s a new rule that design gurus are urging us to follow: mix up your materials and finishes. Interior designer Katharine Pooley tells me that “a simple piece of furniture can be completely transformed with the use of high contrast finishes, adding interest and a sense of luxury to even the simplest pieces”. So, next time you find yourself shopping for home accessories, look for pieces that combine and clash materials to give your home an on-trend design update and a more dynamic feel.

Read on for examples that showcase the dramatic effect of bold material pairings in the home.

First up is Swoon, the one-stop-shop for quirky, often art deco-inspired pieces to bring your home up to date. There is a vast selection of items in the Swoon portfolio that demonstrate the elegance of a metal-wood or metal-stone pairing. A personal favourite is the Grace cabinet, a combination of acacia wood and brass with steel legs. The striking geometric design contrasts the flecked woodgrain of the unit with the smooth finish of the brass design, appearing 3D to add further dimension to whatever scheme it’s placed within.

New from Scandi lighting and furniture brand UMAGE is the Acorn in amber brass and smoked steel. The Acorn is a pendant light that pairs brass and steel accents with glass in different tones to help you set the mood in any room. The visible decorative bulb of the Acorn offers an alternative to the ubiquitous Edison variety, with the added benefit of the stylish smoked glass.

Finally, Francis Cayouette has created an unapologetically minimalist french press coffee maker for Danish design brand Stelton. Available from Oggetto, the matte black stoneware of the Theo cafetiere is topped with a pale bamboo lid. With the trend for dark kitchens, this piece will fit seamlessly into the modern kitchen environment. The spout is drip-free, making your morning that bit easier.