Now that I’m in my mid-30s, I’m finally experiencing the first round of childhood styles becoming popular again. It feels wild to me that Y2K fashion is trending because it wasn’t great back then. But just because velor tracksuits, butterfly clips and giant oversized T-shirts have made a huge comeback doesn’t mean the classic, fitted jeans and white T-shirt combo is dead. This is how I feel about most trends. Trends are cyclical and a lot of fun (to me), but don’t write off classic trends just because they’re popular. Similar parallels can be drawn to what is currently happening with silver and brass. It would be foolish to say that brass is “out”. It’s still everywhere. But there’s a wave of interest in silver/chrome and even polished nickel, so let’s take a look at my theory as to why, along with some beautiful examples and some shoppable options at the end.
I think the first and biggest reason is that gold has reigned supreme for years and people want something fresh. Brass is beautiful, but designers are here to breathe new life into spaces, and playing with new metals is a super easy way to do that. Additionally, don’t joke. Chrome and silver are also classic. Hot pink hardware isn’t widespread, and it’s too risky for 99% of us to have in our homes. This is a fun and fairly safe option 🙂
Second, from what I have observed over the years, silver is valued much more highly in other parts of the world. It feels almost overseas to see silver used in a really cool and beautiful way. Take a look at this incredibly beautiful kitchen in Milan, Italy. So, naturally, you end up moving further west. To be fair, the first time we called this Silver resurgence was in his 2017. 6 years later, I’m back 🙂
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Then the last theory was actually brought up by Emily and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it…fashion, duh. There’s a lot of silver and chrome in fashion right now. So it’s not really surprising since Y2K was all about silver jewelry. I think I remember saying a long time ago, “I’ll never be a gold jewelry girl.” Psych. Years later, I vowed to be the only gold jewelry lover forever.But after Emily said that, I looked at my hands and realized, though not intentionally, that I now wear mostly silver rings (the diamond ring belonged to my grandfather). , the square ring was purchased at a vintage shop in Brooklyn) and was temporarily placed on my thumb. Other stories). Oh, and the bracelet is from her Eden Hand Arts in Cape Cod, which I bought with her mom when she was 14 (IYKYK :)).
These are the reasons why I think chrome and silver are currently getting the attention, or rather the respect they deserve.
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As a former “gold only” gal, This school building’s floor lamp When I first started using EHD, this was what drew me to Chrome for design. It was sent to Emily in 2017 and I remember feeling like I was having an identity crisis. I like it very much. In fact, I liked this lamp so much that I asked for a gold version for my last apartment. I wanted chrome, but gold worked so well with the overall design of the room.
And while Emily will always be a brass gal (I mean, this blog was originally called Brass Petals :)) she also chose silver.
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There’s a little bit of silver sprinkled throughout the Portland Project kitchen. She chose a chrome pot filler because she wanted it to match the range, but for the sink faucet she chose polished nickel for a bit of warmth and liked the brass hardware a bit more. This is a good example of mixing metals 🙂
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Below are some more examples of the Portland Project’s chrome and polished nickel hardware. It’s nice to see something this high-end instead of the builder-grade, low-quality stuff I’ve had in every apartment I’ve lived in.
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In fact, speaking of rentals, Belinda designed a kitchenette in her basement for renters. It truly is a dream kitchen rental. This is the correct way. I love this satin nickel and it looks great with the pale blue. When choosing silver, it is important to ensure that the overall design does not look too cold. At least that’s how we feel 🙂
So let’s take a look at some of the Instagram posts I’ve saved and show you some really great examples of how people are using silver right now.
The younger generation is definitely on Team Chrome. Take Marco Zamora for example. He did an entire series about how he added color to his rental apartment, and his love for cool chrome accents is obvious 🙂 But with all the great colors he added, chrome is a welcome addition It’s a fun accent. Gold or brass would not be appropriate.
Ajay Guyot She also loves the silver and chrome accents and new home. Kitchen Did you see her kitchen in her Trends post a few weeks ago? So, while Ajay prefers a much more neutral color palette than Marco, her soft, warm tan walls look great throughout the space. It has a cool and dreamy atmosphere.
tasmin johnson She is currently one of my favorite designers and I love her intentional use of silver in this living room. It’s her two very special light fixtures and coffee table accents. Just the right amount to unify the space.
I don’t think I would choose a stainless steel kitchen if I could design it myself, but I love this kitchen. DGN Studio I’m thinking about considering it. The combination of steel and natural wood creates a very beautiful contrast. I also like that the sconce and backsplash are almost the same material. Hmm, that’s cool.
This is another example that puts me quite on the silver side. I really like this design.
And look at how chic and modern that chunky towel bar is. I’m happy and hopeful that I made the right decision to use silver hardware in the bathroom, avoiding brass as much as possible. I think an easy way to keep the silver metal from looking too cold (like Ajay’s house) is to use organic materials like lime paint, wood, and linen.
However, if that’s not your style, there’s no need to make it too “organic”.Please wait and see Laura Hodges Silver is used in this stunning bathroom suite. The light colored wood makes everything look so beautiful together.
Now, I’ve given lots of examples of silver and chrome in neutral-toned rooms, but they also look great in happy, bright spaces. This lamp is the star of this bold room. I’m obsessed with this design concept store in Mexico City. Original Rio. If you’ve been there, please visit. You won’t regret it.
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We’re sure you’re all desperately searching for the perfect place to add a little silver to your home right now. To help you once you figure it out, here are the silver lamps and decoration options 🙂
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1. Telvin | 2. Dakota Nickel 3 Light Wall Sconce | 3. loco table lamp | 4. Akja | 5. Damo table simple lamp | 6. blair wall sconce
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Emily-Henderson_Chrome-Trend_Decor-Roundup.jpg)
1. desmond leather chair | 2. Kalman Polished Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set with Snack Bowl | 3. sculpture | 4. ansel drawer handles | 5. Athena Polished Stainless Steel Storage Tower | 6. fishburn side table | 7. Bagboda | 8. kuba metal candle holder | 9. mid-century design wall chrome mirror
So what do you all think? Do you already have a lot of silver or chrome in your house? Do you want brass instruments to share the stage for years to come? Are you ready to see Emily’s Farmhouse Guest Bathroom now? Let’s chat!
I love you, it’s true.
Opening image credit: Design by caitlin higgins | Stylist Emily Bowser | Photo provided sarah ligoria trump | Source: The announcement we’ve all been waiting for! Caitlin’s mostly pared-back, post-modern Regency Deco living room