Today I felt inspired to cover a topic I’ve been seeing a lot of questions about over on my Instagram feed: How to mix metals in your home. I recently received this question:
"How do you mix metals in your home while still achieving a classic look?"
This is a great question, especially with sooo many choices for hardware, fixtures, and décor these days. When I first started working in the interior design business, some of my very first projects (including my own home) included mixing metals, so it’s a concept that’s really second nature to me. I think that many people feel like having matchy-matchy metals in their home makes it appear more classic or timeless.
A lot of people assume that one metal throughout a space is the only way to go but I’d love to make the case that mixing metals can still create a timeless but unique look.
I say... Mixing metals, when done the right way, can come across more interesting, elegant, and my fav word, "intentional."
I can see how tackling the mixed metal effect can be overwhelming, so today I’m sharing my tips for how to effortlessly mix metals in your home.
Brass is back and with it came the many questions about mixing finishes, so today we’re tackling them head on! We hope our guide to mixing finishes will inspire you to be daring with metals in a sophisticated and layered approach! First, what are the metals and tones to choose from when decorating your home?
WARM METALS INCLUDE…
Brass Copper Gold
COOL METALS INCLUDE…
Aluminum Stainless Steel Nickel Silver metals Chrome Polished Nickel
ACCENT METALS INCLUDE…
Cast iron Matte black
A good place to start is to consider how metal finishes look with other colors in your space. Use the color scheme of your room as a guide. For example, a neutral room with light walls and bright white cabinetry is our favorite place to use vibrant bronze as the dominant finish.
A bright white space with a mix of gold tones and stainless steel with an added pop of brushed nickel creates a visually yet sophisticated space. gold is the dominant finish in your space don’t be afraid to mix shiny and matte textures together. We are all about layering a space with a variety of gold tones and textures!
In a space dominated by dark cabinetry, try using contrasting metals like, brushed nickel and burnished antique. To break up the brushed textures, offset the space with a shiny chrome faucet.
My home has chrome in the kitchen. (See picture) I didn't like it at first, but when I mixed in my warm features, it blended perfectly.
Look at this kitchen and you’ll start to see the pattern. the stainless stove ties in with the other appliances, the hood, the clock, the stainless sink and faucets. the brass hardware is uniform and ties in with the light fixtures and shelves. the black oil-rubbed faucet ties in with the schoolhouse light, black accents, and the hardware throughout the house.
Extra Tips
Mix between 2-4 metal finishes
Rule of thirds: 2/3 dominate metal finish, 1/3 contrasting metal finish.
We are all about mixing metals but your hinges and door hardware should match each other
If you are too afraid of mixing metals try mixing the texture of your finishes i.e. gilded, hammered, brushed, polished, etc.
I'd love to hear your favorite ways to mix metals! Please share them in the comments section below!
Much Love,
- Mary B
