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Metal lockers

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Silverware

In old times, silver tableware, serving dishes, candle holders and decoration objects couldn’t be missing from the household of the nobles. Nowadays many people still own some inherited pieces which are taken out from the dresser only at special events. The silver’s cold, subtile shine (compared to gold) provides more sophisticated, luxurious atmosphere to the table or our complete home.
Frequent usage keeps clean the silver objects, but after a longer storage they might become black. Various chemicals can be bought for cleaning silver (e.g. Sydol) but we can solve the problem with homemade practices also. The combination of kitchen foil-cooking soda-salt-warm water is the most common method. As far as possible, do not scrub the surface, rather soak the object in the liquid. Don’t put them into the dishwasher!
We can look after the authenticity of the inherited silverware by the hallmark. Most of the silver objects were signed, referring to the year, company and place of production, commonly in a less visible part, e.g. inner side of the foot.
Alfenide was a prevalent material in Hungary which was used instead of silver because its production was much cheaper. This is an alloy of nickel, copper and zinc which gives a well-workable material – then the end product was coated with silver. In this case scouring powder shouldn’t be used for cleaning because it scrubs the surface.
Ask for advice of a professional for buying antique silverware or evaluating your own collection. An interior designer can help you with arranging decoratively the silver ornaments and planning a really festive table set.

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Metallic colors

Mar2

When it comes to “metallic colors” we are thinking about gold and silver immediately, which are assigned to yellow and gray by most of the people. We are often associating to warm and cold contrast. Of course, there are much more metallic hues, in addition to, different colors can get a metallic shine also.
About the elements in our homes, first we consider the items and accessories really made of metal: faucets, door handles, lamps, picture frames etc. From the aspect of material, they can be made of copper, chrome, steel, iron, bronze, etc. These are automatically become parts of our interiors. Using paints, fabrics and wallpapers allow more emphasized usage. Wooden furniture painted to gold results luxury effect. Fabrics woven with metallic fibers make any style of seats exciting. A quite simple interior can get a focus point with a wallpaper with metallic motif. In case of historic styles, (e.g.: renaissance, rococo, empire) we often meet these solutions, sometimes even exaggerated. Gold was always the symbol of the wealthy. In a church, the respect of god(s) is being expressed by it. Nowadays chrome and nickel coatings provide not only the glazing, but also the endurance and long lifecycle.
Feng shui associates silver (lunar quality), copper and bronze (venus quality) with Jin, the feminin side. With Jang, the masculine side, gold (sun) and iron (martian quality) are assigned.
In business life, metallic hues have representative roles. At events the gilding of the cutlery or the gold wristwatch of a businessman has a clear meaning. Metallic luster paper of the sweets arouses our interest, implies exclusivity. Use metallic surfaces with care in your home, because they can easily rule the complete room. Ask for help from an interior designer to produce a real classy glamour.