Mixing Kitchen Metals Like a Designer
Photo Credits: shopltk.com, jane-athome.com, mariakillam.com, lushome.com
This is an exciting stage of design because by this point you have a solid vision of your permanent finishes and colors. The metal choices just add the sparkle. They are the jewelry for the kitchen. Now, you may decide that one metal finish is the way you want to go, but I at least need to make a case for mixing the metals. It’s just an easy way to create a layered, more textured and curated look. And it instantly adds character because it feels like a collection that’s developed over time.
HOW TO DO IT:
Understand Undertones
Warm undertones
Brass
Gold
Copper
Nickel
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Cool Undertones
Polished Chrome
Stainless steel
Silver
Bronze
Pewter
Neutral (it goes with anything!)
Black
Wrought Iron
It used to be a widely accepted design rule not to mix warm and cool metals, but this has become more flexible in recent years.
It’s still great advice if you’d like to play things more safe or if you are going for a traditional/transitional style.
However, if you want to get a little more risky/creative, a great way around this is to use brass with polished nickel. Of all the silver metals, it has the warmest undertones and plays beautifully with brass.
Pick a Dominant Finish
This finish sets the tone for the kitchen and it’s what you’ll have in the majority of the room. If you aren’t undertaking a complete remodel, consider what metal finishes are already there on door knobs, hinges, or any elements that won’t be changing. This is your dominant metal.
If you want a warmer feel in your kitchen, choose warmer metals as your dominant choice. If you’re wanting to create a more modern feel, choose cooler metals as your dominant finish.
Choose One or Two Metals to Accent the Dominant Finish
Mix no more than 2 or 3 metals in a space. Otherwise it will feel chaotic and poorly thought out.
It’s more than ok to mix polished and brushed metals. In fact, it’s encouraged! The contrast between the finishes creates visual texture which makes the entire room more visually interesting.
Repeat your accent metal in more than one spot. Repetition lets it make more sense in the overall design.
Integrate the Accents Evenly
Disperse the metals around the room at varied heights and pay attention to the balance of finishes. Don’t let all your accent metal be on one side of the room or one level of the room. It will make more interesting and natural if they are mixed throughout the space.
Other Tips
It’s a very compelling look to match your faucet to your cabinet pulls.
If you’re concerned about the longevity of a finish choice, use it as an accent for elements that can be easily swapped out, such as cabinet pulls.
Your appliances do NOT need to dictate your metal finishes. However, if they are stainless, then limit your accent metals to only 2 additional ones, rather than 3.
It can work well to find a statement piece that incorporates 2 metals into one fixture. Your island lighting, for example, is an ideal choice for this because it’s highly visible, which helps the multiple metal finishes make perfect sense together.
Try not to put different brands of the same metal finish close together. It’s rare that they will be the same exact color even if they’re labeled that way. Putting them directly by each other draws attention to the discrepancy.
Photo Credits: blog.topknobs.com, architecturaldigest.com
Tried and True Combinations
Brushed Brass & Polished Nickel
Matte Black and Polished or Brushed Nickel
Oil Rubbed Bronze & Copper
Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Polished Nickel, Brushed Brass & Matte Black
