How to enhance architectural design with metal finishes

ArchiPro explores the record-breaking Ryde duplex and the refined interiors of Linley Point to view Classic Studio’s metal finishes, which add a unique touch to architectural detailing.

Established in 2020, Classic Studio is a decorative coating company specialising in liquid metal finishes. The team works with metals like bronze, brass, nickel and copper to create custom designs, with each metal able to achieve hundreds of unique designs. The process involves various applications depending on the desired finish and can be applied to almost any substrate—PVC, steel, timber and more.

Joey Alkhoury, Co-Director and Founder of Classic Studio explained the inspiration behind the family-run business: “We identified a need among interior designers and homeowners for customised design solutions, especially in areas like entrance doors, where traditional finishes were very limited. Liquid metal allowed us to bring real metals into spaces, offering clients customised options in brass, copper and bronze."

Joey continues, "Our process is incredibly bespoke. Clients often come to us with an inspirational image, and we work to bring that to life, even if it means creating a unique finish they haven’t seen before".

"The customisation options are virtually limitless – thousands of variations in copper or brass, for instance, can be achieved through our techniques."

What sets Classic Studio apart is the level of personalisation it offers. The company listens closely to its clients’ visions and works to integrate their preferences, whether they want a highly customised finish or a textured effect for something functional, like non-slip stair treads.

This luxury dual-occupancy property required something unique with a goal to beat the area's sales record. The client chose the Cooper Smooth finish from Classic Studio’s showroom, and the team worked with the interior designer on location to incorporate it within the design.

"For the Ryde project, the client wanted a standout look for their luxury duplex to set it apart in a competitive market,” says Joey. “They chose our copper smooth-aged finish, which we used on the 2.8-metre by 1.6-metre front door, garage door, staircase and kitchen features, including the range hood.”

Joey adds, “The stair treads were coated with a copper viper skin finish, which is non-slip. When you look up or down the treads, you see a snakeskin-type pattern. The metal finishes helped make the property one of the highest-selling duplexes in the area."

Classic Studio collaborates closely with clients and their design teams on each project. On the Ryde project, the team connected them with specialised suppliers for oversized doors and coordinated with the garage door and stair manufacturers to ensure every detail aligned with their vision.

A recent project by Handerson & Co Interior Design at Linley Point incorporated both nickel and bronze finishes chosen by the interior designer for the detailed and architectural home.

“We applied our bronze-aged lunar finish to the front door and garage, while the kitchen and island received a natural nickel finish, creating a luxurious yet cohesive look," explains Joey.

"We’re purely focused on the coating application. Clients bring us the doors, cabinets, or other substrates, and we apply our finishes. While we don’t handle installation, we ensure clients are supported through the process by recommending trusted partners who can construct and install these elements seamlessly."

Classic Studio’s finishes extend beyond aesthetics; they’re functional, too. For instance, on stair treads, the company use a specialised texture to the metal finish that provides a non-slip surface while enhancing the visual impact, creating a pattern that draws the eye from the top to the bottom of the staircase.

Joey remarks, "I think it’s valuable for people to understand what we do and the impact our metal finishes can make on a property’s design and value.”

View more projects by Classic Studio, visit the Smithfield showroom or contact the ArchiPro team today.