How Silver Tones can Sleek up your Interiors

From sleek stainless steel in your kitchen appliances, to the chrome finished pendant lamps in your dining area, silver tones can make your interiors feel cool and sophisticated. Silver tones come in a variety of metals: silver, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, and of course platinum. If you’re looking for a way to make your spaces feel modern or vintage, silver tones are the perfect choice. Even your vintage collection of silver antiques can make your home feel classy and pulled together. See how timeless silver tones can transform your interiors.

The timeless appeal of silver tones: Regardless of the age of your home, or the time period you’re trying to convey in your interior aesthetic, silver tones can deliver. Silver tones help bring a ‘cool to the touch’ look and from Victorian homes to ultra modern homes, gray tones act as a neutral and make your interiors meld together in all the right ways. Add collections of silver in varying tones on your bookshelves, counters, and display areas. Varying heights and color varieties will add visual interest and timeless appeal.

Furniture glamour: Desks, chairs and tables can all add an element of surprise when you adorn them in silver tones in small details or all over the entire piece of furniture. Chrome and stainless legs on tables and chairs give a slick and floating appearance to heavy upholstery. While using silver paint or metallic faux finishes over your furniture can bring an outdated piece to sleek contemporary without any fuss. Try mixing and matching leather, wood, and textiles with silver tone metals to contrast and complement your furniture style.

Adding silver tones to your walls: The usual thought of silver tones involves metal in your furniture and accessories. Try adding silvery metallic tones to wallpaper and paint to give an added dimension to your room. Whether you use as an accent wall or use for your entire space, be mindful of how reflective your wall surfaces are. If using highly reflective surfaces in a room with a lot of natural light, a glare could be produced. Opt for duller sheens for rooms with ample natural light, and for darker rooms add more reflective wallpapers and paints to maximize light.

Mix and match your favorite tones: The beauty of silver tones is the versatility of mixing and matching various metals, tones, and finishes. Highly polished chrome and stainless steel can look great paired with matte finish nickel, for example. In your bathroom, consider using matte finish chrome plumbing fixtures for your sink and shower area. Add a variety of finishes with light fixtures, towel racks, and bath accessories throughout your room. Choose any room to mix and match and see how silver tone metals can work beautifully together or apart.

You will be surprised how silver tones can cool down your interiors while visually adding sophistication. Home decor trends show silver tones woven in fabrics and then used in area rugs or flooring. Experiment in your home and see how creative you can be. If you’re tired of boring interiors, add reflectivity in your flooring, ceiling, or walls, they will instantly add life to your space. Silver tones can be bold with glamour or subtly add sophistication. Choose your style and marvel in the transformation of your space with silver tones.

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Top 10 Home Improvement Tips for the New Year

If you are ready to start the New Year off with home improvement ideas in mind, you are not alone. The New Year is an excellent time to consider adding on to your home before the spring, as well as completing indoor projects while the weather is cold. Home improvements can range from upgrading existing fixtures and finishes to knocking down walls and adding on square footage. Whichever improvements you have in mind, use these 10 tips to guide you throughout the planning process.

1.) Assess your home: Determine the current state of your home and what ideas you want to implement. Walk through your home and determine what wish list items are, and what necessity items are. A wish list item could be upgrading to granite countertops, while a necessity item could be leaky plumbing pipes that have to be replaced as soon as possible.

2.) How long do you plan to be in your home: If you are planning on selling your home this year, your budget for improvements may be different from your neighbor who’s only lived in their home for a year. If you want to get your return on investment (ROI), ensure you upgrade the parts of your home that home buyers are interested in.

3.) Seek out inspiration now: From magazines, to color swatches from your favorite paint store, seek out inspiration ideas now. Don’t wait until the DIY nudge strikes, and then you are trying to get ideas, pay for materials, and complete the project. The more you do ahead of time, the more stress free your project will be.

4.) Know your budget: After the holidays, money is often tight for many home owners. Instead of getting discouraged, use the first few months of the New Year to plan your project and budget without stress. Often times money actually makes you more anxious, and delaying the money portion might help you price out materials, labor, and the time it will take to complete the project.

5.) Ask for help early: How many do it yourself reality television shows do you see that the friends or family member do not stay or show up for the home improvement project? Start early in asking for help and what expertise area your help can provide. Seek out several “back up” friends, for the off chance that your help isn’t so helpful!

6.) Seek out the proper permits: If you are doing a home improvement project which requires electricity, plumbing, structural or other trades that may involve permits, seek these out in advance. Hire a professional general contractor or trades person if you are unclear of what permits are required.

7.) Be flexible: Even though you would like your new kitchen remodel done in 8 weeks, the reality is it may take 12 weeks. The same is true for budget, and resources. Try and become more flexible with your planning and factor in extra buffer time and money for your own sanity.

8.) Communicate with your partner(s): Have a clear idea of what the project entails with your partners in the beginning. Ensure each person knows their roles, and ask them to choose what they are good at, rather than only assigning duties. This will free up finger pointing throughout the project, and take pressure off of you.

9.) Use safety precautions: Every home improvement project involves a level of safety to ensure your home and yourself do not get hurt. Follow instructions on power tools, and seek out tutorials or advice from tool rental store associates for help, before you start your project.

10.) Have a good time: Even though there is a serious side to home improvement, it should also be fun and rewarding. If you aren’t going to enjoy your hard work and effort, hire a professional and leave the hard work to them.

Home improvement projects can be a great way to kick off the New Year and get your home in order for the upcoming months. Follow these 10 tips to help you plan your project and gain inspiration and budgeting ideas. Believe it or not, home improvement is easier than you think with patience and fact finding before you get into your project. Happy home improving into the New Year!

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