Mix those Metals
I don’t know who started the nasty rumour that you need to matchy matchy your metals, but if you’ve not already been corrected, let me tell you now. I hear clients, friends, and family comment on this when considering selections often... “well, my fridge and stove are stainless steel, so I’ll want to match my faucet to that, right?” N, to the O. Not necessarily. There is a time and place where coordinating your finishes is the best move and there’s certainly importance to overall cohesion but gone are the days of stark uniformity. When done right, mixing your metals has the power to transform spaces, adding intrigue and sophistication.
Why mix your metals you ask? Are there combos that work best and tricks I should follow? Read on my friends, read on…
Let’s start with WHY you should consider mixing your metals. The most compelling reason is that it simply adds beautiful depth, dimension, and interest to a room. The combo of tones and light reflection on surfaces creates a visual richness that’s hard to achieve with just a single finish, adding interest and complexity to a design. Wondering how you achieve the difference between a custom kitchen design and a Home Depot display? This is but one trick to get you started. The play of different textures and sheens creates a luxurious and bespoke look that is both stylish and sophisticated. Whether you prefer a contemporary, industrial, or vintage vibe, blending metal finishes enables you to tailor the look to your liking.
Next, a few tips for mixing your metal finishes. Similar to some of the basics I outlined in my blog on Picking the Perfect White, all metal finishes will have either a warm or cool undertone. Pay attention to undertones to ensure they complement rather than clash with each other. Warm tones like gold and brass harmonize well with copper and bronze, while cooler tones like chrome and stainless steel pair best with silver and pewter. Matte black is a beautiful neutral that pairs well with all so it’s no wonder you see it making its way into kitchen and bath designs everywhere.
Remember, even when mixing, you want to establish a dominant metal finish which becomes the anchor for your design, with secondary finishes added to diversify the look. For example, if you have a brass chandelier as a focal point, use brass in other locations within the space as your dominant metal with a secondary finish like matte black for items such as door knobs/ cabinet pulls. Consider textures of your finish selection as well to add tactile interest, combining smooth, polished surfaces with matte or hammered textures for a visually compelling combo that engages both sight and touch.
My primary tips on what to avoid when mixing metals is first to stick with two, max three, finishes. Although you can achieve a wicked eclectic vibe if you mix away, it can often end up looking cluttered or confusing to the eye, without a clear focal point or intent. I generally recommend to clients sticking with two if you’re just starting on your mixing journey! Second tip on what to avoid is mixing metals of the same colour family (i.e. Chrome and Brushed Nickel). It’s certainly possible when done right but can often end up looking like you tried and simply failed at matching your finishes. Instead, consider a larger contrast when mixing.
My fav pairings are included in the graphic for your easy reference. If you’re just starting out or don’t have the assistance of a designer to help guide you, a fool proof starting point is to mix matte black with any other metal (Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Brass, etc).
Have fun!
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