While the power of gold in interior styling and design is undeniable, its cousin – silver – shouldn’t be underestimated. As one of the most versatile metals on the planet, silver has made its way into just about every industry; as jewellery in fashion, coins in currency, finishings in architecture and decoration in décor.
Long thought of as a precious metal, join us as we revel in all things silver and show you how to make the most out of this common yet incredibly useful shiny metal in your home styling and décor.
Silver is more than a shiny metal
We’ve been using silver for a long, long time. There’s evidence that humans were mining it way back in 3000 B.C., but it wasn’t until the late 15th century when the Spanish landed in South America that this precious metal really took off. At that time, around 85% of all silver produced came from Bolivia and Mexico due to the discovery of rich veins of silver ore in various places on the continent.
As a softer metal with the atomic symbol Ag, silver also possesses antimicrobial properties, but don’t go adding it to your smoothies just yet. You may have heard of colloidal silver as an ancient homeopathic remedy, which can be prescribed for a variety of different health issues. However, if you drink it, your skin will turn blue!
Harnessing silver in your interior décor and styling
You can use silver to your heart’s content in your home styling though, but as with any material, there are some pitfalls to avoid. If, like the common seagull, you’re attracted to bright shiny things, then these tips for how to use silver are for you.
Perk up neutral décor with silver decorative wall hooks
If life is looking a little, well, ‘beige’ at home, a smattering of silver can bring that sparkle back. Plush velvet curtains in silver can be offset with our Silver Rosette Wall Hook, particularly in living rooms where big mirrors and glass furniture reside.
Silver and white have a longstanding relationship in design, so adding our Silver J-Shape Wall Hooks to your kitchen is the perfect way to display pots and pans. Silver injects a light, summery feel into white spaces, so let our Silver Spring Bee Wall Hook buzz through your entryway as you dream of the warmer months to come.
Mix and match gold and silver cabinet knobs
The old adage that you can’t mix silver and gold doesn’t carry weight anymore, so why not take advantage of this freedom and mix your metals. We love vintage styling and mixed metals give off that ‘vintage vibe’, so try combining our Gold and Silver Starburst Iron Knob across your cabinets for a splash of elegance.
Depending on your style, you might prefer to keep things simple, but surprising. Match our D.LUXE Brushed Gold and Brushed Silver Nickel Hex Knobs in your bathroom with pastel pinks or emerald greens for a truly memorable experience.
Layer silvers together with finer details, like art deco drawer knobs
As the brighter sister to grey, silver comes in different shades and tones, perfect for layering together in the bedroom. Silvery grey bedding against a charcoal headboard will never be too feminine – pair this with contrasting bedside tables featuring our Silver Art Deco Fan Knobs and you’ve got a space fit for a queen or king.
Apply feng shui principles to your drawer pulls
As one of the five elements of feng shui, metal can be used to strengthen any earthy tones or water-like colours in your space. Think here of spaces like your laundry, kitchen or garage – by adding silver finishes, you can help to bring balance to the space.
For example, our D.LUXE Brushed Silver Nickel Half Moon Handles on kitchen drawers are both practical and luxurious. Or for that DIY glow up, add the Sleek Silver Iron Pull to your tool and equipment drawers in the garage to make it easier to get to what you need.
Product featured: Brushed Silver Nickel Half Moon Handles
Find your silver lining on Do.Up
We’re passionate about sparking your creativity in that next DIY or home renovation project. We take our inspiration from everywhere so you can channel your energy into making spaces that you love by adding your own unique personal flair. In our shop, you’ll find a range of handmade, artisan silver hardware designed to suit a variety of styles and design ideas – the sky’s the limit (don’t say we didn’t warn you!).
