8 Great Ways With Silver Leaf
Make a Room Shine with a Shimmer of Silver
According to the Feng Shui discipline, metal is one of the all-important five elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Metal represents both wealth and protection. If you have too much of the other elements in a room and no metal, the room can be out of balance. Silver leaf is a great way to add this element to balance things out.
The physical properties of silver leaf allow us to use it in just about any application — furniture, lighting, walls, cabinetry. Here are 8 ways you can use silver leaf to enhance your next project.
The physical properties of silver leaf allow us to use it in just about any application — furniture, lighting, walls, cabinetry. Here are 8 ways you can use silver leaf to enhance your next project.
Highlight a key accent piece. The deep tone on the textured walls and dark drapery make for a beautiful backdrop for this silver-leafed dresser. The block table lamp and modern art above the dresser enhance the importance of this piece by strengthening its graceful curves.
Add drama to the walls. This elegant powder room must absolutely glow from the inside out. The hand-applied silver leaf is given an antique wash to add character and depth. The white vanity and few gold accents balance out the cool nature of the wall treatment and complete the luxe design.
Bring texture to the walls. A variation of the silver leaf wall treatment from the previous picture, this treatment brings dimensionality to the walls using several shades of silver leaf layered on top of one another. The depth created using this technique is subtle and elegant for this mid-century inspired space.
Balance textures and materials. This dining room is certainly fit for a king. The silver-leafed stripe wall treatment, silvery "crocodile" fabric on the chairs, and a soft gray area rug beautifully balance out the expansive dining table and highly textured drapery. It's no wonder this room was featured in Architectural Digest last year.
Define a centerpiece. The combination of the mirror and table is like a beacon calling visitors to spend some time viewing this collection of family photos. The silver color of the table is in perfect harmony with the light purple wall behind it, while the graceful curves of the base are reminiscent of the mirror.
Create a color story. A simple vignette is anchored by this accent chair covered in silver leaf and silver faux crocodile. The basic silver frame and soft gray on the wall aid in create a soothing setting.
Tone down the traditional. The traditional nature of this dining room is visible in nearly every piece of this room, from the chairs to sideboard and chandelier. The gold and silver finish of the large over-the-top mirror pulls all the traditional pieces together while adding a bit of whimsy. If this mirror had been covered only in gold leaf it would have been more traditional and too much for the room.
Create something unexpected. Powder rooms are great spaces for a little experimentation to come up with a design that is truly special. The traditional damask wall covering and traditional pedestal sink are paired with a contemporary light and this striking silver-leafed mirror frame. This is a perfect way to greet visitors.
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