Dec 3, 20244 min read

SHELTON METAL EXPANDS CREATIVITY INTO HOMEWARE COLLECTION

Colby Byrd, the visionary jewelry designer behind Shelton Metal, has long been known for his ability to craft unique, sculptural pieces that merge artistry with elegance. After years of success with his signature jewelry line, Byrd is expanding his creative reach, introducing a new Home Collection that reflects the same meticulous craftsmanship and ocean-inspired aesthetic that has become synonymous with his brand.

Photography By Logan Tudor

From custom cabinetry hardware to sculptural flatware and bar tools, Byrd's latest collection brings beauty and purpose into the everyday spaces of your home.

In this exclusive interview, Byrd shares the inspiration behind his transition from jewelry to homeware, the materials that define his new pieces, and how he balances creativity with functionality. He also reflects on the nostalgia-infused moments that inspired his designs and offers a glimpse into his vision for the future of Shelton Metal. Whether you're looking for the perfect wedding gift or an heirloom-quality piece to elevate your home, Byrd's new collection promises to make a lasting impression.

Here's a closer look at the inspiration and thought process behind this exciting new chapter in Byrd's design journey.

What made you add a Homeware Collection to your portfolio of work?

I began designing cabinetry hardware and bar tools as a passion project in 2021- pieces for my home as I wanted every detail to be unique and custom. Several friends, family members, and interior designers started to ask for custom, so by the end of 2022, I started offering a few of these pieces online. The response was more than I imagined, so I organically began to grow this collection while maintaining the identity of my jewelery designs. Now, in addition to my jewelery collections, I am offering over 50 sculptural yet functional homeware pieces online and in retail stores around the US and Europe, and I have partnered with Minted for the perfect wedding registry gifts.

The ocean theme runs throughout this collection, is the inspiration and process for it different from your jewelry designs?

As a designer, the inspiration stays very similar- the sea will always inspire me, as will the memories and nostalgic times with family and my travels throughout Italy. Creating these pieces also has many similarities to my jewelery-making process. I usually hand carve from wax, making models or molds, then cast in solid metal. The flatware requires more hand forming and forging- which was a process I loved during my sculptural studies in college, so it has been nice to get back to my sculptural roots.

What materials do you use for the collection?

Mostly raw brass, aluminium, and stainless steel. I do offer Sterling Silver for custom pieces.

Do you have an individual piece in the collection that has a special connection for you?

I would have to choose the Sand Drip pieces- the Flatware Set and the Candlesticks. They were inspired by those childhood moments on the beach, making drippy sand castles with no cares in the world. Only hearing the sound of waves, the salt air and hot sun stinging your skin, and the rush of wet sand between your fingers as you make the perfect imperfect sandcastle. A meditative state, nostalgic yet simple. These were hand-carved, sculpted, and cast with a similar technique. This object will forever remind me to slow down and enjoy these simple pleasures we often take for granted.

How do you balance creativity with functionality in your homeware pieces?

I want these pieces to always be functional, affordable, luxury. Bar tools that are the topic of conversation while at a cocktail party, flatware that your children will remember using during those family meals together, and espresso spoons you look forward to using during your quiet Sunday morning coffee. The curves and movement of each handle are with intention, the weight and feel of each serving piece in your hand, and the overall shape of the shell serves a purpose. For example, the Shell Spoon Set- the elongated, curved mollusc shell fits perfectly in the bottom of an expresso for the perfect rotation in your stir, and the other shell spoon has a small hole in the middle, found naturally this way yet also makes for the perfect drain drip when scooping an olive.

How do you approach sustainability in your designs, especially regarding the materials you choose for your homeware and jewelry lines?

Sustainability has always been a balance within my brand—something I strive to be responsible for yet also consider when mass-producing. Almost all the metal I use is recycled, melted down from heirlooms or old jewellery and metal scraps. What isn't recycled on my own is purchased from recycled metal companies. I also work with clean manufacturers that take pride in small-batch production. My main focus is to create heirloom treasures that will be passed on for generations of use and functionality.

What is your idea of the perfect dinner experience?

I have many perfect dinner experiences in my mind. This is why I want to continue creating them in collaboration with other creatives using my home collection.

But for right now, during this interview, I am thinking of a simple, slow evening in Tuscany with close friends and family. Mid-October with a long table among the olive groves as they are in peak harvest. Red wine carafes and sand drip candlesticks center the table, which are made of natural wood with a flowy linen runner. A mix of raw brass and chrome dinnerware overflowing with pasta comes out family-style as we all pass around the cast olive branch serving spoons. Every detail will be Shelton Metal, of course, from the flatware, plates, and napkin rings to the shell cordial serving the limoncello. I obsess over every detail, only to be reminded that the most important part will be my memory and connection with my guest and my own self.