The metals in your kitchen aren’t like your purse and shoes: there’s no rule they have to match. In fact, mixing materials can create a more collected, contemporary, beautiful style — one that’s on trend and timeless. Designer kitchens frequently feature more than one metal, and different metals pull in additional styles to your space. That said, you can’t add anything, anywhere, in the name of mixing metals: the key is intentionality. The resource below, Mixed Metal Kitchen Guide, highlights some specific tips to guide your selection.
First, you’ll want to stick to a max of three different finishes total; anything more than that quickly clutters the kitchen and disrupts cohesion. Of these, you want one finish to be the one you use most. This dominant metal will be your primary pick throughout the kitchen, with one or two others accenting it. Keep in mind, too, iron acts like a neutral compared to shiny metallic, and it can provide an additional anchoring and industrial component that works with anything.
Also, think you can’t mix cool and warm metals? Think again. One of the best ways to warm up cool metals such as stainless steel is with accents of copper, gold or brass. These metals bring a welcoming and enlivening pop of color.
When it comes to selecting pieces, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with which finish to use where. Here’s a tip to try: match the finish on your appliances to your sink faucet selection. Because the sink typically sits at the center of the layout, it can pull in the appliance finish and create unity. Likewise, to avoid that dated matchy-matchy look, contrast the finishes on your light fixtures. If the eating area has a metal chandelier, for example, consider glass pendants above the island.
Another guiding principle is to consider the color scheme of your kitchen. In a room with warm beiges, creams or browns, for example, warm brass, nickel or copper naturally fit. In a room of cool greens, blues or grays, cooler chrome or silver may work best as your dominant material. Metals can also balance room temperatures, with copper finishes brightening a neutral space or dark finishes complementing a light one. Whatever pairing you choose, avoid grouping different finishes into separate parts of your kitchen, which can make the room feel uneven. Instead, equally distribute and space them out for balance.
To keep these tips handy, check out the below resource, which highlights eight important guidelines to help you mix metals beautifully.
Infographic created by Gerber.