Elegant silver inspires eye-catching designs
The allure of silver has led the way in many decorative styles. Traditionally, the elegant gleam of a dining table set with sterling silverware and candelabras sets an undeniably rich tone, and even the simplest entree gains mouthwatering appeal when presented on a silver platter.
The dazzle of silver decorative finishes from jewelry and lamps to flourishes in art deco style, and furniture and accessory pieces from that era have become a collector’s prize.
In modern, minimalist terms, silver became dulled down, and gray took over — matte shades with a quiet mood and clean, spare lines. That’s all well and good for a calm, uncluttered space, but there will always be a spot for the unfettered charm and attraction of silver.
If you are dreaming about adding a luxurious touch to a bathroom or bedroom, why not look to a metallic finish? Decorating a wall with a silver treatment has never been easier. There are now paint and plaster products produced that are water-based and user-friendly for even the neophyte DIYer.
Choose a silver metallic paint glaze. The glaze is applied over a solid color base coat, which allows the base color to shine through, but it’s brightened with the silver. If you prefer a denser appearance, choose silver metallic paint.
In the vignette pictured, two-tone diamonds were stenciled onto a wall using Modern Masters’ metallic paints in Oyster and Champagne. The pattern is highlighted by the brush marks that run through the lighter shades horizontally and the darker diamonds vertically.
Any glazing mixture has a longer open time than water-based paint, which dries quickly. The wet glaze allows you to play, leaving behind brush marks.
To create a shimmery satin appearance, look for metallic plaster. It’s not difficult to apply. Use a trowel to smooth it on, and if you are not happy, scrape it back and try again. Soon you will get the hang of it. Metallic plaster is even more magical, as the light plays off the smooth colored surface.
You can stencil with plaster just like with paint. To achieve the effect of a scalloped pattern like the bathroom wall shown here, look for ShimmerStone Tintable Base in two tones of silver. Apply a base coat of paint.
Lightly spray the stencil with spray adhesive, and firmly press onto the surface. Spread a thin coat of the Tintable Base over the stencil, covering the entire surface. Remove the stencil, let dry, and then reapply stencil and plaster with a second color randomly. The multishaded effect develops as the shades peek through each other.
There are wonderful furniture pieces out there that need a new home. Here’s another opportunity to add an opulent air to your rooms. A few coats of silver paint on a dresser or bedside table, some edging around a headboard or picture frame, or a lamp base renewed will transform not just that piece but the energy in your room.
Visit Jim Connelly on Instagram at instagram.com/jimconnellystudios for ideas.
Jim is a master at rejuvenating furniture pieces that have been discarded. His imagination soars when he sees an unloved dresser or chair, and if it’s not too damaged, he heads for the paint pots. Silver is one of Jim’s go-to finishes, as he loves dazzle and charm. Is it time to up the opulence in your life, if only in a corner? I hope so. Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is written and produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle.
Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Travis at instagram.com/debbie_travis or facebook.com/thedebbietravis, or visit her website, debbietravis.com.