Dashing Material Trends

Dashing Material Trends

Chrome Futures

In the past few years, retail design has taken a decidedly metallic turn. Stainless steel, brushed aluminium, and mirror polished chrome are no longer just accents but central elements shaping store environments. From futuristic flagships to bold pop ups, metal surfaces are being used to reflect light, distort space, and create immersive atmospheres that feel both industrial and luxurious. A trend driven by a desire to reduce waste has made aluminium a favourite amongst retailers, as it can be recycled infinitely without affecting the quality.

This trend taps into fashion’s growing appetite for materials that signal strength (durability), modernity, and spectacle while also offering a versatile canvas for storytelling in retail. Walls ripple with wave patterned stainless steel, ceilings shimmer with mirrored chrome panels, and crinkled foil backdrops catch light like liquid metal. Hard fixtures such as plinths, mannequins, and even brickwork are reimagined in polished chrome, transforming them into sculptural, high impact surfaces.

Corrugated steel sheets and brushed rails add an industrial edge, while glossy panels blur the boundary between object and environment. The ability for the material to engage with light and colour allows it to enhance any space. Surprisingly, it pairs well with natural and handmade materials as it both reflects and contrasts its surroundings.

Whilst this trend has been growing for the last few years, designers are still finding ways to innovate the use of chrome finishes. By playing with different patinas, spaces drenched in a singular chrome texture and mixing it with aged timbers, it shows no sign of slowing down.

Contact us to learn more about these materials and how to use this trend in your next display.

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A Softer Side