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Combining different finishes like polished nickel with brass brings character and avoids a flat look.
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Stick to two to three metal tones to keep the design intentional and avoid overwhelming the space.
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Popular combos include polished nickel with antique brass or matte black with chrome.
If you’re hesitant to embrace mixed metals in your kitchen, don’t be—pro designers say that this look is having a major moment as of late and is definitely here to stay.
“Mixed metals is a design approach we often find ourselves introducing to clients, and more often than not, it turns out to be exactly the look they’re going for,” Maggie Goodrich, an interior designer with Third Street Architecture, says.
Here, designers speak to everything you need to know to become an expert at mixing metals in your own home. They touch on the benefits of mixing metals, offer tips on how to mix metals like a pro, share some of their favorite metal combinations, and also provide insights on what not to do when it comes to mixing metals in your kitchen.
Meet the Experts
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Maggie Goodrich
is an interior designer with Third Street Architecture. -
Melissa Sakell
is a kitchen and bath designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build.
Benefits of Mixing Metals
Goodrich values how choosing mixed metals can make a kitchen look more intricate.
“Combining different finishes across
fixtures and hardware
adds depth and personality to an area, giving it a sense of intentionality and curation,” she explains.
In contrast, kitchens that exclusively use a single type of finish may appear dull or too clinical, according to the designer.
A further advantage of combining different metals is that it lets you gently explore bolder finish trends without fully incorporating them everywhere in the room, as Goodrich points out. She clarifies that this method helps in designing an area that appears simultaneously innovative and timeless.
How to Correctly Combine Different Metals
To begin combining different metals in your kitchen, Melissa Sakell—a kitchen and bath designer from Anthony Wilder Design/Build—recommends designating a specific finish for each type of hardware. This approach could involve choosing
brass cabinet pulls
in combination with a sleek nickel tap.
“Sakell points out that confining your color selection to just two or three metallic shades maintains an intentional appearance instead of causing overwhelm; adding more could transform the look from well-curated to chaotic,” he explains.
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Designers’ Favorite Metal Pairings
Given that there are so many possible metal pairings to choose from, we asked the pros we spoke with to highlight some of their favorites.
Goodrich likes working with refined materials.
nickel
Including options like antique brass, polished chrome paired with antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze combined with antique brass, and unlacquered brass alongside antique brass, among others.
She equally likes choosing layered combinations; such as matte black paired with chrome and antique brass, or polished nickel combined with oil-rubbed bronze.
Goodrich notes, “These intentional combinations enhance the entire appearance while still allowing your individual style to develop.” He adds, “After accepting that combining different metals can be both effective and visually stunning, it paves the way for boundless innovation.”
Sakell mentions that polished nickel and brass are her premier choices for metal pairings.
“She notes that there’s an eternal coziness to both textures that exudes a sophisticated and subtle luxury when combined. It’s really about the balance of hues and materials.”
As she points out, it ultimately comes down to individual taste, and with the proper equilibrium, nearly any combination can be successful.
Avoid These Mistakes When Dealing with Combined Metals
It’s evident that numerous choices abound for combining different metals, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various combinations. However, certain design guidelines should remain at the forefront as you proceed through this endeavor.
Firstly, Goodrich recommends avoiding mixing metals or colors when choosing your appliances.
”
Appliance finishes
Although they have become somewhat more diverse, they are still quite restricted,” she states. “If you don’t stumble upon a white or matte black design that you truly adore, we suggest considering your appliances as part of a neutral palette.
The designer also mentions that you shouldn’t stress over ensuring the hardware you select matches the color of your appliances.
Goodrich states, “They should not be part of the design discussion in the same manner and ought not to determine your finishing options.”
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
