Why You Should Stop Using Silver And Gold Home Decor

Choosing accents and decor for your home is an exciting endeavor, but finding the right design and pieces to compliment existing furniture and color schemes can be tricky at times. Many homeowners choose to decorate with gold and silver, seeking a glam aesthetic to show off their space. However, many decorators and designers are trying to push people away from using these pieces, and there are several reasons why.

Not every professional has the same ideas as to why they don't want clients to incorporate silver or gold, but they can all agree these accents aren't as ideal as other options. Mohawk Home discusses how gold accessories and decorations took off in the 1980s, and people began overusing this particular precious metal around their homes to show off their flair for design. Because of this trend, gold started causing people to rely on it too heavily for decor purposes, and the results were gaudy. From warning against overuse to advising clients away from gold and silver because of the maintenance needs, the following pro tips help explain why this trend is on its way out. These tips will help you avoid relying on these metals and find other materials to help your home be both inviting and inspiring for anyone who comes through the door.

These days, many designers are opting for a sleek, minimalistic look or natural decor aesthetics for their clients. According to Vogue, different hues of brown and nature-based designs are making a big comeback in 2022, allowing homeowners to get back to basics and feel at one with the earth. Flashy accents like gold and silver metals take away from the calming atmosphere these current trends offer, creating a glitzy backdrop that negates everything the minimalistic vibe stands for.

When decorating your home, popular motifs include texture and depth-inspired pieces, be that tactile throw pillows and furniture or artwork that features different consistencies. Instead of throwing in a gold or silver piece just to add an engaging accent, search for nature-inspired tables, chairs, statues, or ornaments. The textured finish of raw and porous pieces will still create a wow factor in any room without relying on a shiny finish to do the job. If you are craving a precious metal to compliment the neutral palette, many designers are suggesting adding a small touch of brass or copper, both of which can offer muted glam that won't overpower the rest of the decor.

For decades, homeowners have relied on gold and silver to represent their eye for fashionable and glamorous trends. People will incorporate gold frames, silver candlesticks, ornaments adorned in both metals, and a variety of other accents to display their appreciation for all things wealthy and stylish. However, it is easy to overdo it with these precious metals, turning a room from trendy to tacky. Subtle additions of gold and silver can be tasteful, but according to Hunker, bronze can be used within a room or throughout a home because it offers an array of decorating options.

Bronze is more neutral than these other metals, allowing for a variety of design possibilities. Because of the bright and shiny nature of gold and silver, they don't always blend as well with color palettes or minimalistic aesthetics. Choosing materials that are multifaceted allows you to change up an area on a whim, combining different colors, patterns, and textures that don't clash.

Looking after your home can be tedious as it is, making sure everything remains clean and inviting for family and friends. The last thing homeowners want is another task that requires extra work or attention, and gold or silver pieces can be high-maintenance additions. According to Ballard Designs, silver pieces should be cleaned whenever they are taken out of a storage space or cabinet and again when you put them away. If you have pieces that stay out all the time, they need to be polished once throughout the year unless they look tarnished between then.

Caring for gold can be a process, as many antique or high-end items have to be tended to by a professional who knows how to clean them. This can rack up a hefty bill if you own a lot of pieces that require regular cleaning, and tarnished decor doesn't always look desirable or pleasing. While some gold accents can benefit from an aged appearance, others are best when they look shiny and new, which requires the owners to invest in cleaning.

When it comes to inviting people into your home, you strive to make it a welcoming and engaging space that encourages them to come back. While small accents of silver or gold here and there can give a pop of shine or color, too much can make a room or home seem cold and even unfriendly. According to Best Life, your abode can quickly become a cold, generic space if you rely too heavily on metallic materials. Likewise, mixing too many different metal accents together creates less of a cozy atmosphere and more of an industrial design that can make guests feel unwelcome.

If you plan to have metals scattered throughout a room, incorporate soft textures to negate the sterile feel of too much shine. Thick blankets and pillows will let guests and family members feel relaxed amongst the harder accents. Include thick rugs or plush furniture if you plan to feature a lot of metal so people want to stay and relax rather than feel like they are in an art gallery.