I'm just going to say it, you're crazy if you're not mixing metals in your kitchen! If you've been here a while, you know I'm prone to bold statements like that. But I think it's true! Mixing metals in your kitchen gives it LIFE. It shows you have style and that you think outside the box. And more than that, it's just beautiful!
I'm going to share my favorite metals to mix, as well as give you all the tips and trick to pull off this design feature with ease. Let's look at some examples, shall we?
Combination #1 - Brass and Polished Nickel
Image via: @simpleofferings
One of the most popular and widely-used combinations is brass and polished nickel. Personally, I think brass pairs better with polished nickel than chrome, because nickel has warmer undertones that are going to compliment the brass better than a cooler-toned chrome. This look feels timeless, and is particularly appropriate when using stainless steel appliances. The polished nickel ties in the stainless creating a cohesive look, while the brass warms things up and keeps things interesting.
Tip: Consider consistency across design styles with your hardware. If you're using a more traditional faucet, cabinet hardware should also be either traditional or transitional, and not modern or contemporary. This creates balance and harmony throughout the space.
Combination #2 - Brass and Copper
Design: Heidi Caillier | Photography: Haris Kenjar
Although not as common, this combination is easily my favorite. Copper is making a breakthrough as people are looking for new ways to use timeless materials. This kitchen by Heidi Caillier shows just how beautiful of a pairing these metals are. Caillier decided to all brass for the kitchen's functional cabinet hardware, while sprinkling in some copper accents (the pendant lights and tea kettle). This is a fool-proof method for mixing metals, especially if you are weary about hopping on the bandwagon.
Tip: If you're weary about mixing metals, choose the same finish for your hardware and plumbing fixtures. Then add in your complementary finish in your accents, such as your lighting and accessories.
Combination #3 - Brass and Black
Design: Mindy Gayer Design
For a more modern and contemporary look, brass and black is your go-to combination. This is probably also the easiest combination to get right. In a lot of ways, black feels more like a neutral third party as opposed to a main character in a mixed metal story. It's a metal, but it's just understated enough that it pairs well with anything (and I mean anything). This is also a fantastic combination if you can't decide if your accent metal of choice is "trendy" or not. Although I think brass is timeless, others may disagree. By pairing all black cabinet knobs and pulls with brass pendants, this designer is making a choice that easily reversible down the road. If this home owner decides they don't like brass after all, they can just switch out the pendants and voila! The kitchen is updated once again.
Tip: If you're unsure whether or not a particular metal is trendy, use that metal as your accent piece and use black for your core, functional pieces of hardware (cabinet pulls, faucets, etc). This will allow you to easily swap out those pieces down the road if you change your mind.
Will you be mixing metals in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments! You can shop this post by clicking on the images below!
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