Is mixing metals in the kitchen a good idea?
I always get a lot of questions about this, so I’m excited to dive into this topic today.
In the interior design world, the once steadfast rule of matching metal accents and hardware no longer applies.
Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the heart of the home – the kitchen.
The art of mixing metals has gained tremendous popularity in kitchen design as a great way of expressing personality and visual interest.
Gone are the days when kitchen light fixtures and accessories were confined to a single metal finish.
Today’s modern kitchens are celebrating the beauty of diversity by combining different metals – such as stainless steel, aged brass, copper, polished nickel, and black metal.
The key lies in achieving a cohesive and balanced look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
This can be achieved in plenty of ways…
So, let’s explore the dos and don’ts of blending various metal finishes to create a stylish and cohesive look.
Establishing a Dominant Metal
While a mix of metals is encouraged, the general rule of thumb is to establish a dominant metal to serve as the focal point for the design.
This dominant finish can be incorporated into larger elements like pendant lights, stainless steel appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Once the primary metal is selected, a complementary accent metal in a different finish can be introduced for added depth and interest.
For the secondary metal, think accent pieces like drawer pulls, door handles and small kitchen appliances.
Deciding on all of the different finishes will depend on the overall color palette of the design.
From my own home- for our kitchen renovation we chose white cabinets and brass hardware.
Choosing a Color Palette
To maintain a sense of unity in your kitchen decor, consider creating a color palette that complements your entire home.
A great place to start is to create a few different mood boards and experiment with some popular metal finishes.
Warm metals like gold hardware and copper pair well with cream colors with warm undertones.
While cool metals like stainless steel and nickel work harmoniously with cool tones like light blue and bright white.
This approach is the best way to ensure that the various metal elements contribute to a cohesive visual narrative and an overall timeless look.
Close up of the brass cabinet hardware
Mixing Finishes Thoughtfully
Strategic placement of different metal finishes is crucial for a balanced and intentional look.
For example,pairing matte black lighting fixtures with a polished chrome sink faucet can create a striking contrast without appearing chaotic.
When it comes to creating a beautiful kitchen with mixed metals, balance is key.
Careful consideration of the overall design can guide the placement of each metal finish.
For our kitchen, we started with the industrial pendant lights over the island, which we knew would work perfectly with the stainless appliances.
Choosing unlacquered brass for the cabinetry hardware and kitchen faucet gave the space the eclectic look we were going for.
Cohesive Design Elements
To tie the kitchen decor together seamlessly, incorporate cohesive design elements such as complementary textiles, backsplash choices, or cabinet colors.
These elements act as unifying factors, helping to bring together the diverse hardware finishes into a cohesive and elegant mixed metal story.
Beyond finishes, experimenting with textures can add another layer of interest to the mixed-metal kitchen.
Consider incorporating textured materials like hammered copper, oil-rubbed bronze or matte finishes to introduce tactile variety and enhance the overall design.
Conclusion
In the world of modern design, the trend of mixing metals has opened up a world of possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
The art of mixing metals in kitchen decor invites us to break free from traditional constraints, allowing our kitchens to become vibrant reflections of our individual style and preferences.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration…
Be sure to check out these other posts below:
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist Paint Review.
The Best Family Picture Wall Ideas.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Wall Color Paint Review.
The Top 10 Paint Colors For Your Kitchen Cabinets.
The best creamy white color for your home.
Our primary bathroom renovation.
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We are building a new home and I have chose polished nickel for all faucets in the home. Lighting and door hardware are black. I’m trying to decide if I should go polished nickel or black for cabinet hardware. Any suggestions?
I think polished nickel is classic and will stand the test of time!