Brass and stainless steel are the perfect combination in this custom kitchen in Harbor Oaks. Glass cabinet knobs add even more elegance and texture.
We love to see more and more homeowners jumping on the mixed metals bandwagon. Gone are the days of monochromatic finishes, when interior designers and homeowners were limited to a single metallic finish in their faucets, light fixtures and hardware. Combining a variety of metallic hues like copper, bronze, gold and silver is a trend we can definitely get behind, for not only does it add texture and depth to a space, it gives us a diverse color palette with a ton of room for creativity. Like anything, though, this design technique can be misused and end up looking more like an afterthought than an aesthetic feature. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the art of mixing metals when selecting the finishes and fixtures on your home.
1. Have a plan. Mixing metals does not mean you’re picking a “little of this, little of that,” and going where your whim takes you. You still need to plan out the overall look you are going for and the effect you are trying to achieve with your finishes. Do you want the room to feel cool and open? Warm and quirky? Are you into vintage, or do you prefer a modern style? Create a unified plan for the room, and then stick to it.
2. Choose a dominant color. Select a feature finish for the space, and then add two or three metals to complement it. For instance, you might have oil-brushed bronze on all your kitchen hardware, faucets, and the room’s door handles and hinges, but then you can add some brass light fixtures and copper cookware for warmth. Or perhaps you love the look of stainless steel and chrome, but a brass chandelier adds that contrast and texture for a true “wow” effect.
Brass and stainless steel bring a real wow factor to this kitchen.
3. Don’t overdo it. The last thing you want is the overwhelming chaos of the entire color spectrum in your home. Choose two or three metals that complement and contrast, and space them out so that it creates a unified look. Consider the other materials in the space, as well. Do you have dark veins in your marble countertops? Dark-colored cabinet hardware such as oil-rubbed bronze would pull the look together nicely. Do you have touches of red or brown in your back-splash or flooring? Brushed nickel, which has a warm hue, will complement the look and tie it all together.
Stainless steel and oil-rubbed bronze form the perfect blend in this kitchen.
The long and short of the mixed metals story is that you want the space to look well thought out. Choosing finishes that are similar but not identical is the surest way to botch this technique, because at that point, “eclectic” will become “chaotic,” and your home will look patchy. Plan your finishes, have fun with the contrast, and enjoy this beautiful design trend!
Nelson Construction and Renovations, a family business founded in 2006, is a design-build company that specializes in high-end remodels, home additions, and custom homes. With our headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, we serve homeowners all over Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. We are an award-winning member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
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