Stainless steel in interior design - a material with character

Stainless steel is one of the most versatile and durable materials of our time. Whether in the construction industry, in medical technology or in interior design - this material impresses with its extraordinary properties. But what makes stainless steel so special and why is it an ideal choice for interior design in particular?
PHOS Design attaches particular importance to the quality of our stainless steel. Our products - from Shower curtain rails about Bathroom accessories up to Fittings - stand for durability, functionality and aesthetic precision. We also produce 100% Made in Germany and rely on a modern manufactory that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern CNC technology.

High-tech metal with a history - from invention to design icon

Over 100 years ago, an innovative alloy revolutionised the world of materials: a combination of nickel and chromium made steel extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. First produced in 1912, this new type of stainless steel was as hard as steel, as shiny as silver and resistant to environmental influences. Since then, stainless steel has characterised numerous architectural masterpieces - from the curved façades Frank O. Gehry's up to the legendary Chrysler Building in New York. Stainless steel is also firmly established in product design: Brands such as Alessi and WMF rely on its elegant appearance and durability.
However, the development of stainless steel was not a straightforward process - rather a combination of various discoveries, scientific breakthroughs and legal disputes.

Pioneers of stainless steel and a patent dispute

The development of stainless steel was the result of decades of research and technical innovation involving scientists and engineers from various countries.

• Léon Guillet (France, 1904): The metallurgist published the first studies on nickel and chromium steels, which are considered the forerunners of modern stainless steel.
• Harry Brearley (Great Britain, 1913): Developed a corrosion-resistant steel for firearms and is often credited as the inventor of stainless steel.
• Benno Strauss & Eduard Maurer (Germany, 1912): The engineers of the Krupp AG developed stainless, acid-resistant steels, which quickly became established in industrial and architectural applications. Designations such as V2A, V4A or NIROSTA are common.
• Max Mauermann (Austria, 1912): At the same time as Krupp, the Austrian engineer Mauermann also developed a rust-resistant steel. This led to a patent dispute between Mauermann and Krupp in 1924. Although Mauermann won the case and was posthumously recognised as the first inventor of stainless steel in 1929, Krupp's commercial success and fame remained.

Stainless steel or chrome steel - A fine mixture

Stainless steel is often referred to as stainless steel - an association with precious metals that is not technically correct. In fact, it is steel with a special degree of purity to which chromium, nickel or molybdenum is added in order to achieve the desired material properties. This is why the term Chrome steel also utilised. The alloy additives vary depending on the area of application and determine corrosion resistance, hardness and workability.

Surface treatment: Satin finish by hand

Our stainless steel products are given their characteristic surface finish through careful hand sanding. The so-called satin finish is a fine, silky-matt polish that is created by even grinding in a longitudinal direction. End faces and round parts are processed radially - for a consistent, high-quality appearance.

• It reduces dirt adhesion
• Increases ease of care
• Gives the product an understated elegance

In contrast to coated materials, brushed stainless steel remains permanently unchanged - without flaking or yellowing. The pure materiality remains visible and tangible.

Longevity & circular economy

Stainless steel is not only durable, but also a particularly sustainable material. Its exceptional durability reduces the need for replacement products and therefore helps to conserve valuable resources. In addition, stainless steel is 100% recyclable and can be returned to the material cycle again and again without any loss of quality.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has defined six principles of the circular economy, which aim to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Stainless steel is a prime example of this circular approach: around 90% of stainless steel worldwide is recycled, 70% of which is directly reprocessed into stainless steel. In Europe, leading manufacturers use up to 95% secondary raw materials for the production of new stainless steels - a significant contribution to closing the material cycle.

An outstanding feature of our PHOS products is not only their durability and ease of repair, but also their sustainable production. Our production is 100 % Made in Germany and exclusively with 100% Green electricity - a consistent contribution to a resource-conserving circular economy. We see ourselves as a circular company, and this principle is reflected in every one of our products.

PHOS: German design tradition taken further

PHOS Design owner Mario Grundmann is a member of the German Werkbund. PHOS Design and follows the creative tradition of German Design by combining high-quality stainless steel products with a clear, functional design language. Our design philosophy is based on the principles of Bauhaus and the design aesthetics of Dieter Rams. His approach had a particular influence on the original design language typical of PHOS, which our founder Andreas Winkler was developed. Rams' design principles are characterised by the following key aspects:

• Timelessness & functionality - A minimalist, durable design that is not orientated towards short-term trends.
• Minimalism - "Less, but better" as a central maxim for product design.
• Honesty & unobtrusiveness - Products should deliver what they promise and blend harmoniously into their surroundings.
• Durability & sustainability - High-quality materials and careful workmanship ensure a long service life.
• Holistic approach - From design to environmental compatibility, design is seen as a comprehensive process.

These principles have not only revolutionised industrial design, but have also influenced modern technology products. They are reflected, for example, in the clear design language of Apple-products.

Stainless steel in interior design

The high corrosion resistance makes stainless steel ideal for damp rooms such as the bathroom. Our L-shaped shower curtain rails or Towel rails can easily withstand water and steam - without rusting or flaking.

Stainless steel not only impresses with its functionality, but also with its timeless elegance. Our Wall-mounted wardrobes, Wall hooks and Cable tensioning systems combine stability with purist design.

For the living area, our Stainless steel table frames and perfectly complement the modern interior.

Use & care of stainless steel

The service life of stainless steel is extended by correct surface treatment and cleaning:

• The smoother the surface, the less dirt adheres to it.
• Gaps and seams should be designed in such a way that no moisture collects.

PHOS door stopper and Furniture handles have completely sanded surfaces - easy to clean and extremely hard-wearing. Here you can find our Cleaning instructions as PDF.