Mixing Metals: The Art of Combining Finishes
I often get asked how to combine metal finishes in lighting and hardware. The look of matching all your finishes is long gone – even when working with brass. Here are a few guidelines to help you mix metals like a pro.
You see, it used to be the case that you had to match all your metal finishes. But those days are over. In fact, if you simply choose the builder grade brushed nickel everything, the look is sure to be disappointingly dull. Gone are the days when it was a simple case of matching all your metal finishes.
Nowadays, mixing metals is the way to go. And I’m not just talking about a little bit of mixing here and there. No, we’re talking full-on metal mayhem – within reason, of course. The key is to understand how to do it the right way.
Brushed Nickel: The Generic Standby
Let’s start with brushed nickel. There’s nothing technically wrong with brushed nickel. In fact, it’s been the generic builder grade go-to for way too long. Yes, it’s versatile, but it has to be used on some pretty new and sexy looking fixtures and shapes to look current, fresh, and interesting.
No one is rushing to install brushed nickel fixtures like this. It just looks…well, basic. Brushed nickel looks good when layered with brass, but the faucets could just as well have been shinier polished nickel.
So, is brushed nickel going to overcome its generic reputation and begin trending again? I don’t know, but I’m not holding my breath. In my opinion, it’s just too…plain.
The Magic of Mixing Metals
The main thing you need to understand about mixing metals is to repeat each metal finish at least once. In this gorgeous bathroom, the mirrors, lights, and knobs are brass, and the shower fixtures (not shown) and faucets are brushed nickel. Each finish is repeated, which is the not-so-mysterious reason that they work.
And it’s not just about repeating the finishes – it’s also about making sure the style of the fixtures and hardware make sense together. Allowing for a bit of layering in a few different finishes, while keeping the overall design cohesive, is the key to pulling off this look.
When choosing metal finishes for bathrooms and kitchens, I recommend starting with the faucets. I prefer to stick with classic chrome or polished nickel for faucets in kitchens, especially to relate to stainless steel appliances. Choose the same chrome or polished nickel for bathroom vanity faucets as well, to coordinate with chrome or polished nickel shower/bath hardware.
Stainless or brushed nickel are okay too, but in my opinion, they’re a bit dull. Plumbing is more expensive to change out, so it makes sense to stick with a timeless silver finish. You can then layer in one or two more metal finishes in decorative lighting, cabinet hardware, and mirrors. These decorative elements are easier to switch out when trends in metal finishes change.
The Trouble with Black Faucets
Now, I don’t see the matte black faucet trend as having legs. I mean, they’re high contrast and jarring, which means they’re not that easy to live with. Fads that pass quickly are the ones that demand so much of our attention right away that we get sick of them much faster.
My hope is that black faucets are a flash in the pan. I much prefer the soft and timeless look of chrome faucets to coordinate with stainless steel in kitchens. And when it comes to decorating with black, the trick is to repeat it only once. Any more than that, and it just gets to be too much.
The Enduring Appeal of Brass
Brass and gold have been going strong for some time now, and many of you may be fretting about the trend’s longevity. Well, I don’t think brass is going out, and I sincerely hope not. And here’s why: mixing metal finishes adds so much interest and warmth to a space.
In bathrooms, where opportunities for creating interest are somewhat limited, it’s important to consider your metal finish combinations with care. Take this stunning bathroom, for example. All silver metal finishes would have been a bit flat, and black finishes would be too harsh for the delicate look of the wallpaper. But brass metal finishes? They add the perfect touch of warmth.
And with olive and muted forest greens trending, along with cognac, mustard, and terracotta, the warmth of brass is the perfect metal accent at the moment. It’s lovely how it picks up the gold veining in the marble in the kitchen below.
Bronze: The Rustic Charmer
Bronze metal finishes have always been around. Bronze hardware and lighting brings in just the right note of rustic charm. It reads almost black, but softer. As long as people are drawn to a hint of nostalgia in their interiors, bronze will stick around.
The trick is to make sure you choose bronze fixtures that are current in shape and style. I prefer to use bronze for hardware and lighting, and definitely not in faucets. The silver finish has been used on the faucet here to tie in with the stainless sink, while the lighting and updated rustic hardware in bronze deliver contrast and a touch of rustic styling to this all-white kitchen.
Mixing Metals: A Few Guidelines
Remember, there are a million ways to mix metals, but if you don’t designate materials and finishes all day long, giving you the experience to break all the rules like a pro, here are the best guidelines to follow:
- Start with the Faucets: Choose classic chrome or polished nickel for kitchen and bathroom faucets.
- Repeat Metal Finishes: Make sure to repeat each metal finish at least once in the space.
- Coordinate Styles: Ensure the style of the fixtures and hardware make sense together.
- Limit Black: Use black sparingly, repeating it only once in a room.
- Embrace Brass: Brass is a lovely way to warm up an all-white kitchen or bathroom.
Remember, mixing metals is an art, not a science. But with a little practice and these guidelines, you’ll be mixing like a pro in no time. Happy decorating!
