Designer Tip: Making Silver Modern

Most of us wait for the holidays to break out the good silverware and family pieces. But I just love the sense of tradition and classic elegance that aged silver brings - so why not use it everyday? Vintage silver pieces can look a bit old fashioned, so here are 3 designer tips to help make these antiques feel fresh and modern even in a contemporary interior:

{1} Break it up! Mix silver in with different materials and finishes - I especially love the contrast with simple white ceramics or rustic and organic textures.
{2} Don't over polish. Let your silver show its patina and age! This also helps creates a look that is more layered than fancy.
{3} Repurpose it. It's so unexpected and fun to see classic forms used in a new way!

Traditional tea trays in three lovely new ways! {So brilliant to use them as magnetic boards!}

A toast rack makes a perfect mail organizer!

If you don't have family pieces, there are plenty of silver plate pieces at antique and resale shops - I love imaging the hidden histories of pieces I find. I recently picked up a silver tray for my perfume bottles at Hock Siong here in Singapore and I adore the bit of glam it adds to my countertop!