The Art of Mixing Metals: Tips for a Cohesive Look
November 29, 2022
Interior Design: AKB Design
Itβs a lot of pressure to pick one metal finish for your whole home - and you shouldn't have to. We have evolved from the days of matchy-matchy everything, seeking more textures, variety, and interest in our homes. One subtle, but creative way to elevate the details in your space is by incorporating a range of metals within the hardware, fixtures, and lighting.
Beyond simple variation, there are a number of reasons that mixing metals is a far more practical approach; slowly switching out hardware in your home is definitely easier on your wallet. When trends, or your taste, inevitably evolve, switching out a few pieces is much more manageable than a complete overhaul every time. It also allows you more creative freedom to buy what you like instead of just adding to the existing finish. This means you can pick up pieces when you find them, like bringing home that light fixture you fell in love with while traveling in Europe, without the worry of it coordinating with everything in your home.
With all this said, if you decide to go this route, make sure it is done intentionally and with purpose. If the idea seems a little daunting to you, here are some of our top tips to get you started:
Tip #1: Stick to 2-3 finishes per space
Taking into account the size of the space, a large kitchen could easily handle the variety of 3 metals, but in a small bathroom, 2 is probably plenty. With spaces like kitchens, donβt forget to take into account any appliances that might be on show, like a fridge, wall oven, or dishwasher.
Tip #2: Pick a primary metal, then incorporate accents
A great starting point for your primary metal is a more permanent item like lighting or just a piece you love, something like this is a great base to incorporate accents around. You should have a good amount of repetition of each metal to make sure the effect appears deliberate. Distribute each metal throughout the space to ensure balance and cohesion. A guideline that we like to use is 60-30-10% when using 3 metals, and 60-40% for 2.
Tip #3: Consider the undertone
All metals have an undertone, and you should pay attention to this when picking your palette. Separate warm tones, like brass, bronze, and nickel, from cooler tones, like chrome and stainless steel. You can also mix tones within a finish, for example, including polished nickel or antiqued brass together will help add depth to the design.
Black is considered a neutral here, so can be paired with either group. At ADC, we like to add black as a secondary or tertiary finish as it can easily overpower when used on a large scale.
Tip #4: Look to existing finishes to help you decide on the metal undertone route
Firstly pick something that matches the overall aesthetic of the room, and look at the existing style and finishes. If your kitchen is more traditional, consider oil-rubbed or antique finishes, and go for brighter finishes like polished brass or chrome for a more modern space. Complimenting the existing undertones will help achieve harmony in the space, if your room is more neutral, you can be more liberal with your metal choices and their undertones.
We hope these tips help you approach this with confidence. We would love to see if you put these tips into practice.