Should you mix metals in your kitchen design?
Filling a kitchen with contrasting cabinetry finishes is also in vogue. If you like the idea of mixing metals but aren’t sure where to start, consider selecting a different metal to complement each cabinet type.
How many metal finishes should you have in your kitchen?
Whether you’re going for a chic, modern, timeless, or classic look, mixing metals adds visual interest to your kitchen and is a look that will last far beyond 2022. And, while you should feel free to mix metal finishes in your kitchen, most interior designers recommend selecting no more than three metal finishes for one room.
How do I match the metal finish on my kitchen appliances?
Select appliances- that metal finish or metal accent on the handles will be one of your main metals. Your kitchen sink faucet is a great way to incorporate the same metal that is in your appliances. Delta Faucet has a great search option HERE. You can search specifically for the metal finish you are looking to match.
Can you mix metal finishes in one room?
O’Brien suggests mixing brass and dark bronze, brass and chrome, or brass and nickel, but he says to never mix nickel and chrome. Also, he cautions that there is a limit to how many metal finishes you can mix together in one room. “There should be a main finish choice and maybe one accent,” he says.
Do metal finishes need to match?
There's no rule that states every finish in your home has to match. In fact, it's often better if they don't. Mixing metals has become a favorite way to create a collected-over-time look in kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more.
Can you mix metal finishes?
Mixing metal finishes can add dimension and visual interest to a room. Instead of a monochromatic, one-note space, you create intrigue and the illusion of texture with small touches. A mix of finishes can blend styles and make a room more reflective of your personal taste.
Is it OK to mix fixture finishes?
DON'T mix too many finishes and styles in the same room. If the finishes are different then the styles should be mostly the same (or at least similar). The exception here is if you want to call out a single accent piece. DO pick two or three finishes and use them throughout the whole house.
Can you mix metal finishes in a room?
No matter how many different finishes you love, only 2-3 metals should be mixed in each space––more than three will look disjointed. Select two metal finishes for smaller spaces, like a powder room or home office. For a larger space, like an open-concept kitchen or spacious living room, 2-3 metal finishes will do.
What metal finishes go together?
Typically, you should use warm metals (like brass, nickel and copper) with warm hues (like whites, beiges, browns and taupes) and cool metals (such as chrome and silver) with cool hues (such as blues, greens and grays).
Is mixing metals tacky?
Myth #2: Mixing metals looks tacky We're not sure who started this rumour, but like most, it's pretty baseless. Like all other fashion decisions, mixing metals is a personal choice and expression of style that different people will have different opinions on.
Is oil-rubbed bronze out of style 2022?
Lighting fixtures and hardware. Today's customers like round light fixtures, open cage styles, '70s retro fixtures and midcentury modern looks. Brushed nickel remains a popular finish, while oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are o-u-t, along with heavily embellished ones.
How many metals can I mix in kitchen?
three metalsAs I mentioned above, you should try not to mix more than three metals in one space. Ideally, then, if you have stainless steel appliances, you would incorporate a maximum of two other metal finishes in your kitchen.
Do light fixture finishes have to match?
Instead of strictly matching, light fixtures should coordinate throughout a home. That is to say; all light fixtures should not look exactly alike, rather share common features. It is possible to match the shape, color, materials, styles, and/or other details to achieve this end.
Can you mix gold and silver accents in a room?
Though fashion rules once dictated that gold and silver could not be mixed, rules like this are now commonly broken, and home decor is no exception. When mixing gold and silver, you are mixing a warm color—gold—with a cool color—silver—and should mix and match the two different hues accordingly.
Do brushed nickel and chrome go together?
Mixing chrome with brushed nickel generally depends on your preference. You can mix these metals together if you prefer having a uniform look. However, if you are looking for contrast or a more creative flair, mixing brushed nickel and chrome may be too plain for you since they both come in the same family.
Can you mix polished chrome and brushed nickel in a bathroom?
One of the questions our design consultants get the most when helping homeowners plan a bathroom remodel is, “Can I mix metal finishes, or do I have to stick to one?” The short answer is: yes, you can absolutely mix metal finishes in your bathroom!
Is it OK to mix chrome and brushed nickel?
Mixing chrome with brushed nickel generally depends on your preference. You can mix these metals together if you prefer having a uniform look. However, if you are looking for contrast or a more creative flair, mixing brushed nickel and chrome may be too plain for you since they both come in the same family.
Is it OK to mix brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze?
If you start mixing and matching hardware on your doors, it'll end up looking like you purchased whatever hardware you could find in the clearance bins. But I do think it's absolutely, perfectly fine to use brushed nickel door hardware and oil-rubbed bronze lights.
Is it OK to mix oil-rubbed bronze and black?
Because of this slightly warm undertone, Oil-Rubbed Bronze will coordinate well with most other black and dark brown finishes.
Can I mix black and nickel finishes?
First, you can never go wrong with a medley of brass and black or nickel and black. Both work together beautifully. Notice the mixture of brass light fixtures and hardware with black mirrors. This is a no fail classic combination, regardless of the color of the vanity.
What is the final touch of a mixed metal kitchen?from abruzzokitchenandbath.com
The final touches really bring the look together. A beautiful chandelier designates the banquette area, which works with the double islands to create a great flow for parties and daily living. On the other side of the kitchen, the gorgeous, mirrored cabinets add extra elegance and brightness near the stainless steel, built-in coffee system. Next to the range are copper accents, adding a small touch of an additional accent metal to complete this mixed metal kitchen.
How to get a mixed metal look?from beckiowens.com
Metal mixing with lighting is our favorite way to get the mixed metal look. Let the lighting make a statement in a color of it’s own, but make the look feel intentional by pulling in the same finish somewhere else in the kitchen. In our Villa Bonita kitchen, brass lighting contrasts with chrome hardware and faucets but is balanced by the barstools.
What metals pair well with blackened metals?from abruzzokitchenandbath.com
If your dominant metal finish is polished or brushed chrome, which has cooler blue undertones, that pairs well with blackened metals. If you are using polished nickel, brushed nickel, or polished stainless steel as your dominant metal, those have warmer undertones that compliment brass and bronze. Brushed stainless steel can act as a neutral and pairs well with most accent metals.
Why is it important to design a kitchen?from abruzzokitchenandbath.com
Designing a new kitchen is no different. An overall design scheme is necessary to achieve the right feel for the final product.
Can you mix brass and white appliances?from beckiowens.com
This is a common concern with our brass loving clients. If you do not want a mixed metal look, there are options. You can go with white and brass appliances (check out our Double Eagle Projec t) or you can use a panel-ready refrigerator to match your cabinetry (see Amber Fillerup Clark Kitchen ). But we also love to embrace the metal mix. Here in our Aveituna project, we used all brass for the fixtures and hardware, but chose stainless steel for the appliances. The look works as another layer of contrasting warm and cool tones.
Can you mix metals?from abruzzokitchenandbath.com
Mixing metals, with the limitless number of combinations of materials and finishes, does not need to be overwhelming. It does, however, need to start with you and your goals for the feel and the look you want reflected in your home. Use this recipe to start, but customize it to fit your own style, vision, and taste. Bon Appetit!!
Does a chrome faucet work with stainless appliances?from beckiowens.com
It had been updated since the original build, and trashing it seemed a waste. Although we selected brushed brass for the cabinetry hardware, the chrome faucet works with the stainless appliances.
How to Mix Different Metal Finishes in the Kitchen
There are many different ways to mix metals in a kitchen so they will compliment each other, as you’ll see in the images below. In general, I recommend opting for one dominant metal and choosing one or two other metals as your accents.
Inspiration for Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
The following images are filled with beautiful ideas and inspiration for mixing metals in a kitchen.
Where to Shop for Kitchen Fixtures
It must be clear by now that mixing metals in the kitchen makes for a stylish, timeless space. But investing in a kitchen faucet, lighting, and cabinet pulls, regardless of the style and finish, doesn’t have to break the bank.
How to get a mixed metal look?
Metal mixing with lighting is our favorite way to get the mixed metal look. Let the lighting make a statement in a color of it’s own, but make the look feel intentional by pulling in the same finish somewhere else in the kitchen. In our Villa Bonita kitchen, brass lighting contrasts with chrome hardware and faucets but is balanced by the barstools.
Can you mix brass and white appliances?
This is a common concern with our brass loving clients. If you do not want a mixed metal look, there are options. You can go with white and brass appliances (check out our Double Eagle Projec t) or you can use a panel-ready refrigerator to match your cabinetry (see Amber Fillerup Clark Kitchen ). But we also love to embrace the metal mix. Here in our Aveituna project, we used all brass for the fixtures and hardware, but chose stainless steel for the appliances. The look works as another layer of contrasting warm and cool tones.
Does a chrome faucet work with stainless appliances?
It had been updated since the original build, and trashing it seemed a waste. Although we selected brushed brass for the cabinetry hardware, the chrome faucet works with the stainless appliances.
Can you mix brass and black in Arboles?
Yes! In both our Arboles and Torina projects, we mixed black, brass, and silver. There are a few ways you can make this look intentional and not messy. One option is to let your metals define each category. In Arboles, our appliances are stainless steel, lighting is brass, and hardware + faucet are matte black.
How to repeat metal on kitchen appliances?
A great place to repeat the metal on the appliances is with your sink faucet. The kitchen sink faucet is typically in the center of the kitchen so repeating that metal will balance out all the metals in the kitchen. I went with the Delta Trinsic® Pro Single Handle Pull-Down Spring Spout Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O® Technology . I love how the Black Stainless finish complimented the other metals in our kitchen, plus the faucet added height and drama to the space. My other accent metal is gold. I used that metal on the door handles and repeated it in the pendant light. Our countertops are a butcher block they also have that warm gold tone also.
What to use on pendant lights?
Choose an accent metal- this will be what you use on your pendant lights and your kitchen hardware. If you have a chandelier in the same room over your kitchen table you could repeat either accent color. The most important thing when choosing a chandelier is that it is different than your pendant.
Can you have a glass pendant with a metal chandelier?
Similarly you have all metal pendants you would want to avoid an all metal chandelier. You could do a glass pendant with some metal and an all-metal chandelier.
Can you use Delta faucets for metal?
Your kitchen sink faucet is a great way to incorporate the same metal that is in your appliances. Delta Faucet has a great search option HERE. You can search specifically for the metal finish you are looking to match. I highly recommend searching for the metal finish rather than the faucet, that will lead you down a potential spot of picking the wrong metal finish for your kitchen.
What is accent finish?
Many designers use the dominant finish for statement lighting, hardware (knobs, pulls), and mirrors. Accent finishes are commonly featured on accent lighting (sconces, table lamps) and small accessories. Choose Carefully.
Can metal finishes be used in interior design?
Metal finishes can transform any interior, pushing a visually “flat” space into a dynamic world of texture and contrast. Earlier this summer we showed you how to pair kitchen and dining lights, and today we’re tackling another interior design challenge: when, where, and how to mix metal finishes.
Can you mix brass hardware with silver?
For example, don’t mix brass hardware with silver accessories on the bathroom finish. For example, don’t mix brass hardware with silver accessories on the bathroom countertop. As the eye sweeps across one surface, the metals should be cohesive.
What metals can be used together?
3. Vary the finish as well as the metal type. Metals can be antiqued, matte, satin, brushed, or polished, and incorporating a variety of sheens can make mixing metals even more interesting. "If you want to use nickel and brass together, go with polished nickel and satin brass," McLeod suggests.
How to showcase accent metal?
In a kitchen, for instance, McLeod suggests choosing cabinet hardware in your primary finish and using the faucet to showcase your accent metal. To ensure a cohesive effect, consider bringing in a mixed-metal light fixture or piece of furniture that combines both of your desired finishes.
What is the difference between matte black and satin nickel?
Satin or polished nickel works well in traditional-style spaces, for instance, while matte black offers a more contemporary feel. In general, McLeod tends to stray away from high-shine finishes like chrome and polished brass, which can be difficult to mix effectively with other metals.
Is matte black a warm metal?
Matte black is fairly neutral. Although you can mix warm with cool, McLeod notes that you'll have to be careful to avoid clashing.
Can you mix metals?
For those without much design experience, however, deciding on the right combination of metals and applying them within the space can be daunting. There's no perfect formula for determining how to mix metals correctly , but New York-based interior designer Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Design has several strategies for achieving a mixed-metal look you'll love. Follow these tips on mixing metals to effortlessly pull off this trend at home.
Do all finishes have to match?
There's no rule that states every finish in your home has to match. In fact, it's often better if they don't. Mixing metals has become a favorite way to create a collected-over-time look in kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more. Varying metal finishes across hardware, furniture, lighting, and other fixtures adds depth and character that a matchy-matchy look would lack.
Is it better to mix finishes or match?
These expert tips will help you find a winning combination. Mixing finishes can be even more impactful than matching. These expert tips will help you find a winning combination. There's no rule that states every finish in your home has to match. In fact, it's often better if they don't.
Why mix hardware finishes?
Mixing hardware finishes is a great way to add style and dimension to a space and it’s a fun way to infuse a little personality.
How many metal finishes per room?
DO abide by the rule of threes. Things that come in threes are generally more satisfying to look at and this is 100% true in decorating. So use up to three metal finishes per room.
Can you mix circular roses?
DON’T overdo it. Mixing circular and square rose kits as pictured here is a great way to enhance the contrast, but any more than this will become too overwhelming. When mixing shapes along with finishes stick with very focused combinations.
Do you have to make sure your exterior hardware complements the rest of the house?
DON’T forget to make sure your exterior hardware complements the rest of the house. Mixing finishes that don’t work with the rest of the house will do more harm than good.
Can you mix polished chrome and polished nickel?
DON’T worry if major contrast isn’t for you. Hues that are similar can also work very well together. Mixing finishes like polished chrome and polished nickel can add subtle dimension to a space.
Can you mix finishes in the same room?
DON’T mix too many finishes and styles in the same room. If the finishes are different then the styles should be mostly the same (or at least similar). The exception here is if you want to call out a single accent piece.
Do you add finishes to every room?
DON’T introduce new finishes in every room of the house. If you’ve mixed two or three finishes in one room, don’t add any more to the rest of the house. You want the rooms to flow together and hardware can be a connecting force. If you add more it will become too choppy.
Why mix metals?
Mixing metals adds interest, depth and timelessness to a design. Just like our recommendations to vary fabrics and mix and match pillows in your home, switching up your metal finishes will also create a unique and personalized space. Melding several styles and trends into one design keeps our clients' homes current because they're not relying on one "fashionable" trend to keep it cool, and this rings especially true for metals. Hardware finishes come and go in popularity so we like to sprinkle a few in when it works for the home's overall style.
What color cabinets go with a modern farmhouse kitchen?
This blue and white take on a modern farmhouse kitchen shows a pretty even share of mixing and matching, and it includes a great example of those hardware sets we talked about in our "rule of thumb" section above. Polished nickel hardware on the white cabinetry ties in with the sink faucet while a separate set of gray cabinetry is adorned with iron hardware to match the decorative lighting and barstools. The change in cabinetry hardware finishes works here because these too sets of cabinets are made distinct by there paint colors and locations. Stainless steel was chosen for the appliances that show (the refrigerator is covered by white cabinetry panels) for a clean look that deflects attention to the statement island. This modern farmhouse is also home to coastal bohemian accents, as seen in the #projectflowerstreets reveal.
What are kitchen appliances made of?
First, let's visualize where we are likely to find metal in a kitchen. Cabinetry hardware, plumbing fixtures (faucets, pot fillers, sink drains, etc) and kitchen appliances are almost always made of metal due to their functions. Decorative light fixtures, range hoods and furnishings can be metal but are also available in a variety of materials.
What are metals made of?
metals are chemical elements (think periodic table) made of varying properties and a range of natural coloration -- nickel, copper, gold, aluminum, iron, etc. These metals can also be combined to form alloys -- brass, bronze, steel, wrought iron, etc. We share this to understand that it isn't just the color of metal finishes that make a difference in decisions but their physical and chemical properties could be a factor as well.
Can you mix metal and metal elements?
A general rule of thumb (which is sure to be broken in its time and place) would be to MIX between metal elements (hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc can vary in finishes) and MATCH within metal elements (all the same finish for a set of hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc).
Is matching part of the game?
Matching is definitely still part of the game here, too. Coordinating finishes throughout a room brings cohesiveness and balances out the mixing of other elements. Even the matching of all the cabinetry hardware in the same finish in a room gives a peaceful sense of familiarity regardless of the plumbing fixtures displaying a different finish.
