SOURCE: Stauffer Design Co.
It’s hard to keep up with trends and in an effort to stay current we can sometimes become overwhelmed with all the advice and the options available. A question that I’m asked often is whether mixing metals is still a popular choice for our modern kitchens. In short, the answer is yes but here are some tips for perfecting the look.
I don’t recall ever seeing a time when we mixed metals to the degree that we’re doing it now. You can mix up the metals for your hardware, sink, faucet and lighting. Gone are the days when all the metal finishes matched perfectly and we would invest in a suite of hardware from the same manufacturer in exactly the same finish.
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Most Popular Metal Finishes for the Kitchen
SOURCE: Home Bunch
When you’re in the planning stages of a renovation or decorating project be sure to spend some energy and time selecting your metal finishes. You don’t want to make decisions about metal finishes as you’re standing in the furniture or hardware store. Take into consideration everything you own and/or are purchasing.
While you’re free to select any metal finish that appeals to you it’s important to stick with classic finishes. For instance, while rose gold is trending right now I would avoid it because it’s not a classic and it will date at some point in the near future. Avoid any finishes that will leave you wanting to replace your metal anytime soon.
Why Designers Love Mixing Metals
SOURCE: Pinterest
This is a favourite look of designers because the layering of different metals adds visual interest to otherwise boring pieces. Kitchen faucets and cabinetry hardware aren’t intrinsically noteworthy but when we mix metals there’s some visual interest that helps our eye move around the space.
Mixing metals helps your kitchen feel custom and layered rather than predictable and boring. The secret is to do it with restraint so that you’re not incorporating every type of metal available.
Where to Consider Mixed Metals
SOURCE: Studio McGee
If you look around your kitchen you’ll likely find more metal than you would think. Aside from your fridge and stove (which aren’t part of this discussion) we find metal in various places:
- Cabinet Hardware
- Faucets
- Light Fixtures
- Curtain Rod
- Stools, Chairs
- Accessories
Tips for Mixing Metals in Your Kitchen
SOURCE: Andrea West Design
1/ No More Than 2-3 Different Metals
Restraint is always the key to fashion (usually) as well as design. You can play around with your metals but don’t use more than 2 or 3 separate metals or you’ll be a clashing mess.
To make this a successful look, you should be able to repeat each finish at least a couple of times. That isn’t possible if you include too many varying metals.
For instance, use silver for the sink faucet and taps. Now add some gold in the drawer pulls and light fixtures. If you really have to have a third finish you can use that in the furniture like stool legs. You can see how even 3 is getting a bit busy so I wouldn’t recommend this unless you have a large space and some interesting art that helps harmonize all these colours.
2/ Don’t Combine 2 Metals From the Same Family
The secret to success lies in the opposition. If you’ve ever had to combine wood tones in your home you’ll know that the goal is to create strong, oppositional differences. This stops the spaces from looking like you tried to match woods but got it wrong. The same applies with mixing metal finishes.
This means if you use chrome for your sink fixtures don’t then use nickel for your cabinetry hardware. They’re just too close and will give the sense that you bought them separately without getting the finish right. The same goes for matte gold mixed with brass. Go for metals that have a higher contrast.
3/ Keep the Finish Consistent
If you struggle with decorating your space one of the tips that can be useful is to always keep something consistent between materials. In the case of mixing metals, keep the finish consistent to attain the intended look.
If you’re mixing shiny chrome fixtures with gold drawer pulls choose a gold with a glossier finish as opposed to a matte finish. This will give some consistency to the materials even though the metal colour is different.
WHAT’S TRENDING IN KITCHENS? LEARN MORE HERE
4/ Consider The Arrangement
Try to avoid creating columns of finishes in your kitchen. Don’t use all chrome on one side of the kitchen and then switch over to all gold on the other . This is definitely going to draw your eye to the fact that you’ve used different finishes.
I’ve already said this but it bears repeating – the successful design will incorporate the mixed metals in a way that doesn’t draw attention to it. You want to mix them in a way that feels thoughtful and well planned.
5/ Select a Dominant Finish
In order to create a calm and sophisticated palette I always recommend having a single colour that will be the dominant selection. This will be the colour that’s the most prevalent and probably runs throughout your home. If you’re not sure what that is, walk through your home and take note of the metal finishes. Even if we’re not intentional we usually gravitate to a single finish when selecting metal in our homes.
Examples of Popular Metals Combinations
If you’re feeling stuck as to what makes a good pairing, here are a few of the most common combinations. Having said that, work with your home to select combinations that are best suited to your space.
1/ Polished Brass & Chrome
This combination is very popular at the moment and it’s really easy to replicate. For some reason, many of us seem comfortable with these two finishes and combining them together doesn’t seem to be overly intimidating. If you’re just testing the waters of metal combining this is a beautiful and simple way to start.
SOURCE: Bria Hammel
2/ Chrome & Brushed Brass & Matte Black
Using three finishes requires a larger kitchen with more opportunities for metal to be incorporated into the scheme. I love this look and if you take your time and shop with this plan in mind, you’ll be sure to have a designer approved look in your kitchen.
SOURCE: For Living
3/ Nickel & Antique Brass
For those who don’t like any shine in their finish, this is for you. Both nickel and antique brass have a matte finish so if you’ve had it with fingerprints on your chrome finishes you might be ready for a matte finish.
SOURCE: Jean Stouffer
4/ Black & Chrome
If you love a more trendy feel in your home you might be ready to add some black to your kitchen. Chrome is a timeless finish and yet it pairs so well with the trendy black finish. This will give an instant update to your look. If your kitchen is feeling dated but you’re not ready for a renovation you can update your space with this small change. Want to go even further? How about a room painted black? These chic and cozy black rooms might just convince you.
SOURCE: K. Peterson Design
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the choices available, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss your home and see how I can help you. From full home renovation to a simple colour consultation, we have you covered.
