Steel Dress: Steel Meets Made in Italy Design
Steel is a durable, versatile material suitable for numerous design contexts. With Steel Dress, these characteristics meet colour, digital printing and the KalaMitica magnetic system, creating a new concept for interior design.
The collection stems from the collaboration between KalaMitica Magnetic System and Cromatica Marcegaglia, combining the technology of digital printing on steel with the flexibility of the KalaMitica magnetic system.
The result is a line of panels that can serve as backsplashes, dynamic feature walls, and customizable, decorative surfaces suitable for various settings, both residential and commercial.
Why is it called Steel Dress?
The name originates from the idea of “dressing” walls with steel.
The printing technology of Cromatica Marcegaglia makes it possible to apply different colours, textures and patterns onto steel, transforming a technical surface into a genuine design feature.
Added to this is KalaMitica’s defining characteristic: magnetism. Accessories can be moved, added and rearranged on the panel without drilling into the surface.
In this way, the wall's aesthetic and function can evolve over time to meet the changing needs of those living in or using the space.
KalaMitica and Cromatica Marcegaglia: two areas of expertise coming together
Steel Dress is born from the combination of two complementary skill sets:
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Cromatica Marcegaglia brings its expertise in steel processing and digital coil printing to the collection—a world-unique technology that allows the metallic surface to be decorated with various effects, colours and graphics.
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KalaMitica Magnetic System contributes its know-how in the field of magnetic surfaces and modular accessories, developing solutions designed to organize and personalize spaces.
It is precisely through the combination of these two technologies that Steel Dress comes to life: a steel surface that does not merely define the wall's aesthetics, but also serves as a functional foundation for furnishings.
A material built to last
At the core of Steel Dress panels is Z275 galvanized steel with a thickness of 1 mm.
The choice of steel ensures a durable and resistant surface, while Cromatica Marcegaglia technology delivers certified performance across various metrics.
Key features include fire resistance with Class A1 rating, impact resistance up to 18 J, resistance to solvents and various chemical agents, as well as resistance to salt spray and UV rays.
The surface can also be used as a blackboard: you can write with traditional chalk and liquid chalk markers, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Another crucial element is the durability of the finish: products made with Cromatica Marcegaglia come with up to a 20-year warranty on colour and surface stability, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Furthermore, steel is a recyclable material and can be recovered at the end of its life cycle.
From design to installation
Steel Dress will be available in several standard formats and can also be custom-made up to a maximum size of 3005 × 1220 mm.
Customization allows the panel to adapt to specific project requirements, with options for custom shapes and laser-cut cutouts for electrical sockets and switches.
This flexibility is particularly advantageous in projects where the surface needs to integrate seamlessly with existing furniture, worktops or other features.
Four collections, different ways to interpret steel
Steel Dress is presented through four aesthetic themes, designed to offer diverse design interpretations.
The variety of finishes allows the same system to be used across very different design concepts, while maintaining seamless compatibility with KalaMitica magnetic accessories.
Equilibrio
Soft tones and light textures, such as Nuvola, inspired by watercolor nuances, and Intreccio, recalling the weave of a fabric.
Pietre Nobili
Surfaces inspired by raw materials and decorative stones. Marmo Nero, Filo d’Oro and Simmetria present different interpretations, from exquisite veining to geometric patterns.
L’Arte del Tempo
A more textured and distinctive theme, featuring surfaces like Muro Antico, Terra Brunita and Trama Sospesa, evoking weathered surfaces, earth tones and pictorial art respectively.
Sfumature Botaniche
Patterns inspired by the natural world, such as Eleganza Floreale and Foresta Pluviale, designed to bring botanical and decorative elements indoors.
Where can Steel Dress be used?
The versatility of the system allows it to be integrated into various environments and project types, while customizable formats and graphics ensure the surface fits seamlessly into any design aesthetic.
Kitchen
One of the most practical applications is as a magnetic splashback or wall panel.
The surface functions as a decorative element while easily accommodating shelves, containers, spice racks, utensil holders and other accessories. Items can be repositioned without damaging the wall, making the kitchen easier to organize and adapt.
Living room and entryway
In the living room, Steel Dress transforms into a decorative and functional feature wall for creating arrangements with shelves, storage containers, cubes, lamps and other accessories.
In the entryway, it can be utilized to create an organized zone complete with coat hooks, small storage pots and accessories for everyday essentials.
Bathroom
Bathrooms can also benefit from a magnetic surface: Steel Dress can serve as a wall cladding feature, combined with magnetic accessories to keep daily toiletries and small items neatly organized.
Office and home office
The surface serves as an ideal magnetic and write-on notice board, perfect for keeping notes, documents, work tools and key information organized.
Adding accessories such as containers and shelves enables full utilization of vertical space for wall storage.
HoReCa and commercial projects
Steel Dress is equally suitable for HoReCa, hospitality and contract projects, where aesthetics, durability and ease of maintenance must go hand in hand.
It can be used to add character to feature walls, counter areas and workspace backdrops, or to build customisable magnetic surfaces in restaurants, bars, hotels and other hospitality venues.
A surface that evolves alongside your space
One of the most compelling aspects of Steel Dress is not just the panel's aesthetic, but how it is used.
Magnetic accessories can be moved and rearranged whenever needed, without drilling new holes or altering the surface.
A shelf can be relocated, an accessory swapped out, or an entire layout updated. This approach is particularly useful for spaces that evolve over time or need to adapt to changing requirements.
The wall remains intact, while its functionality evolves.
Discover Steel Dress
With Steel Dress, KalaMitica expands its magnetic system onto a new surface: digitally printed steel by Cromatica Marcegaglia.
A collaboration combining distinct areas of expertise to develop an innovative interior design solution, ranging from residential settings to commercial and HoReCa projects.
Discover Steel Dress: download the Catalogue >
To discover all the features of Steel Dress and compare it with the most popular kitchen backsplash materials, visit this page and download the comparative table.
Steel Dress is also synonymous with ease of installation: take a look at how we installed two walls at the “Idea e Progetto” showroom in Padua.
Intreccio Installation Video >
Simmetria Installation Video >