These Laser-Cut Creations Help Bring Design To Unexpected Places

In 2015, Annie Kantor launched Modern Metal with bespoke laser-cut creations—grilles, panels and more—that were enthusiastically received by interior designers and architects. Six years later, she introduced a ready-made series. Most recently, semicustom cabinet and door inserts were added to the Modern Metal online shop. Here, Kantor discusses the evolution of her Oakland-based business.

How did the idea for Modern Metal come about?

I learned that there was a void in the market for beautiful custom vent covers and registers while remodeling my own home. I scoured antique markets and stores for a tastefully designed register for a duct in my foyer but could not find anything in the right size. So, I took a jacquard woven I designed years ago when I was working as a textile designer, reinterpreted it and had it cut into metal. Thus, a business was born.

Any product that’s especially popular?

Our Elevate bathroom fan covers are really taking off. I’m so excited about this because people are realizing they can just swap out their existing fan cover—no screws or tools needed, and it doesn’t damage the ceiling—and pop ours in in about 30 seconds. It’s probably my favorite product because it really encapsulates what we’re about: bringing design to an unexpected place.

Where do you find inspiration?

Every one of my existing patterns has meaning behind it and is inspired by something I saw. For example, fire escapes in Soho, a chain-link fence on the tennis court, antique Moorish tiles, the Bay Area bridges. The list goes on and on. I just made a salad for lunch and the cross section of the head of lettuce caught my eye!