The Rise of Chrome

 

 And other silver toned finishes

 Silver is back, and chrome is the way to do it in 2024. After several years of brass and matte black everything, silver finishes are looking fresh. Just as we’re also leaning away from stark whites and cool greys as neutrals in favor of warm creams and beiges, the pendulum is swinging away from brass accents toward silver—the perfect balancing accent to warm interior palettes.

Chrome, a shiny, cool silver-toned metal known for its resistance to corrosion, looks particularly delightful paired with other current trends: natural materials, including alabaster stone, textured fabrics, and organic design. Most home décor featuring chrome is chrome plated, meaning that the object has a thin coating of chrome on the exterior.

Other popular silver tone finishes include polished and satin finish nickel, which have warmer undertones, but differ in texture. According to Nest for Less, "The primary difference between satin nickel and polished nickel is the aesthetics. Satin nickel has a matte-like finish that is not as bright or shiny as a polished finish. It tends to blend into the background of light colors better because it lacks extreme contrast compared to other types of metal finishes.”

Stainless steel, either in a brushed or polished form, is a good middle ground between chrome and nickel finishes- not as bright as chrome, but not as warm as nickel, and more durable and scratch-resistant than both, according to Kitchen Cabinet Kings.

 

Knobs from: Top Knobs, Build by Ferguson

How to style it

The main reasons silver tones fell out of favor have to do with both the farmhouse and midcentury trends that favored matte black and brass tones, respectively, but also the ubiquity of silver-tone hardware in mass-housing developments such as corporation-run apartment buildings and developer spec-homes. Having a home with style and personality generally means doing the opposite of what mass developers are doing. Now that brass and matte black have reached saturation, silver feels “Oh so new!”

The number one rule for pulling off the silver tone look is to NOT choose items that could be in a corporate-run apartment complex. Chrome is an excellent choice for adding personality because of its shiny, maximalist appearance. In addition, look for ways to curate design details to go above the ordinary. For example, if you’re finishing a cabinet with chrome hardware, instead of choosing plain knobs, choose ones with details like a twist.

 

Chrome & Alabaster Sconce: Alora Lighting; Liberty Everly Knob: Home Depot; Ralbay Chrome Floor Lamp; Leelah Wall Mirror: Pottery Barn

Similarly, with decorative accents, bring in silver with objects that challenge traditional aesthetics. For example, the Wave Candleholder from Stences, available at Anacua House, takes a home décor staple (taper candle holder) and infuses a modern flair through the wavy design and chrome finish. Anacua House’s Chrome Puddle tray (coming soon, available for preorder via email) elevates an everyday silver trinket/jewelry tray with an organic shape.

 

Wave Candleholder by Fleck; Chrome Puddle tray available for preorder- email us!

Mix it up!

Not ready to commit to all silver in a room? Not an issue! 2024’s maximalist aesthetic favors mixing materials, finishes, and patterns, so add in a few new pieces to your existing décor. To make the mixed-metal strategy work, have at least two pieces of each finish in the room, which will make the choice look intentional. Alternatively, you could bring home pieces that mix multiple metal tones, like Fleck’s two-tone brass and nickel coasters. Other easy opportunities to mix metal tones include lighting, cabinet hardware, and picture frames.

Art Deco Frame; Emtek Polished and Satin Brass Pull; Heirloom Brass and Nickel Coasters; Lena Sconce

Whether you’re dabbling with silver or chrome with a few accessories or dedicating a whole room, silver is a quality choice for an updated look that plays well with other current trends.

Looking for the right accessories for your new silver decor? Try warm whites, comforting hues, and natural materials- here's some recommendations:

 Sofia Alabaster Tray; Baby Alpaca Throw (Misty Mountain); Bogota Lumbar Pillow; Lake Bowl; Hobstar Glass; Natural Scalloped Basket