What a difference a coat of color makes, especially for this coffee and sugar set. Could the other duo be next in line for an elevated look of their own? Photos: Chris Emeott
Say goodbye to polish, and embrace a new way to add elegance to serveware.
Who wants grandma’s silver?
What was once an automatic inheritance plan for family silver sets and services has now slowed—in some cases taken a pause. In light of the shift, many secondhand shops are building up their collections of silver (or just about any metal) serving items, which can be snapped up by those who appreciate their original look and style.
For those who want to update the family ware, Julia Moss Designs (JMD) offers a way to make what’s old, new again, including creamer and sugar sets, frames, pitchers, trays and the like, through the Next Generation of Silver® process—bringing pieces to a new, colorful and often elevated level.
Red Cedar transforms a vintage serving tray, bringing into more modern times.
With more than 50 colors to choose from, reimagining family heirlooms is never easier. Interestingly, owner Julia Moss says the top color pick is white, classified as FDA food safe, as are the black and clearcoat coverages, which can be applied to all colors. For the more adventurous in the décor department, Moss says Bubble Gum, Orange Crush, Toxic and True Blue are popular picks.
Pitchers and cream and sugar sets are most likely to get a glow up. “We have done just about everything from a toilet flush [handle] to someone’s great-great-grandmother’s coffee and tea service,” Moss says.
One might assume the colors are applied via a paint solution; they are not. Moss explains that a colored powder is sprayed on the pieces, which are then baked. “Many people think the pieces are dipped, but that would create drips,” she says. “Our process requires the pieces to be hung, so they get complete coverage inside and out, front to back.”
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- Vintage silver 12-petal floral candle holders are reimagined thanks to the use of Emerald Green coloring.
The time it takes to get a piece redone varies. “Our pieces get done all at once,” Moss says. “It is very labor-intensive and requires a lot of time. Timing can range from a week to several [weeks], so we are very upfront about timing.” The work is outsourced. “It is a very large production and requires many ovens and additional equipment,” she says.
While the pieces look beautiful, what about durability? Moss says the coverage is durable in terms of indoors and outdoors; heat and cold; and water (if used as a vase). Washing instructions just require the use of gentle dish soap.
When it comes to décor decisions, we all have second thoughts on occasion. While the color can be removed, Moss doesn’t advise it. (Stripping off the coloring can risk compromising the pieces.)
Giving one’s own piece or set an update is a great way to freshen up a table setting or décor milieu, but consider offering them as gifts. “… it is a wonderful way to keep the pieces in the family and generations,” Moss says. “Many people bring in their own or their relative’s pieces and gift them for several occasions. Families will come in and pick out the colors for their gifted pieces. It is a really fun experience, and I am fortunate to hear all the stories.”
One of those stories included a mother and daughter duo who arrived at JMD with three Revere Ware bowls, which were given to the mother for her wedding and had served the family in a host of ways. On this day, the mother and daughter chose three colors for the bowls, which were to be gifted to the three grandchildren. Ideas for using the bowls that once offered guests candy or nuts swirled around new uses, including as desktop or dresser catchalls, jewelry dishes and the like. “It’s a nice affirmation that it’s a great way to keep pieces in the family and stories alive,” Moss says.
Enveloped in Moss, this vintage Revere Ware bowl set presents an elegant, earthy story, which speaks to today’s natural décor aesthetic.
New Hues
In honor of April’s Earth Day, Julia Moss Designs (JMD) offers a 10 percent discount for Next Generation of Silver® and finished pieces in the store. Unfinished pieces are also available with the cost coming only for having them redone. During the event, a new color is introduced. (Chalk debuted last April.) Social media followers and in-store shoppers are encouraged to name the new color during an annual contest; the winner receives a $100 gift card to JMD.
A vintage silver Champagne chiller reemerges dressed in Chalk, a color that debuted last April.
And there’s plenty of goodies to peruse and use with the gift card. JMD offers beautiful and unique home décor and gift items that would blend nicely with refurbished silver or metal items. Don’t forget the bridal registry for additional gift ideas.
Julia Moss Designs
647 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 612.444.8682
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