Guide to Mixing Metals

Mixing metals is a simple and effective way to give your home a custom look. Combining the right finishes can elevate your space and bring character to your brand-new home. There are many ways of combining metal finishes in your home – this can be done through your cabinet hardware alone to changing the finish of your cabinet hardware, lighting and plumbing all in one space. I know it can be comforting to have everything match, but here are a few examples and tips of how to pull off the mixed metal trend!

This kitchen design is a great example of pairing two complimentary metals. The designer brought in softness with the gold plumbing and hardware on the white cabinetry and paired with a bold, black hardware on the stained cabinetry and the pendant lighting.

Another way to pair finishes in a space is choosing a metal palette based on another element in the room. This designer used the marble backsplash as inspiration for the mixed metals and brought out the different tones through the sconce lighting, pot filler and cabinet hardware.

Here is one more example of how two complimentary finishes can bring everything together! Select an area of the space you would like to have as your main focal point. A common area of the kitchen is the center island! This stunning design has the same cabinet hardware finish throughout and then paired with black/gold metal pendants. Not only are the pendants the focal point, but also tie in the black veining of the countertops and backsplash, giving this kitchen a very cohesive look.

I found this great visual on Pinterest of metals that pair well together and a few great pointers, including the following from the published author -

1. Be mindful of undertones.

2. It is OK to mix polished and matte finishes.

3. Use 2, but no more than 3 metals in a space.

4. Keep plumbing fixtures the same finish but change up the hardware and lighting.