Mixing Metals: The Art of Curated Chaos
I recently received an email from a client asking about cabinet hardware finishes, and it got me thinking about the delicate art of mixing metal finishes. Generally speaking, you have two choices: either match everything to death (yawn) or mix different finishes. The former is the equivalent of buying a suite of matching furniture off the showroom floor – a definite no-no if you want a well-designed home. It screams, “I’m afraid I’ll make the wrong decisions, so I just want it done.”
On the other hand, mixing different finishes can result in a curated look that is far more dynamic. But there’s a fine line between curated and chaotic. Too many finishes scattered about willy-nilly doesn’t look artless, it looks thoughtless – as if you weren’t really paying attention and just bought random stuff with abandon, hoping it would all come together peacefully. Editing your choices to create a curated look is one of the biggest contributions a skilled designer can bring to the party.
Sure, we designers know all about colors and undertones, fabrics and furniture construction, finishes, codes, and ergonomics. We can rattle off a zillion numbers for appropriate distances and sizes. But creating a great design is alchemy – part science and part art. It’s born from a combination of experience, knowledge, and intuition.
Striking a Balance
That said, there are some guidelines to follow when mixing metals. A table with gilded iron legs might echo the same finish tone in a lantern fixture or picture frame, for example. A polished nickel or chrome bathroom faucet might be paired with mercury glass accent pieces and brass cabinet hardware and sconces.
I like to use chrome for bath faucets and shower fittings because it’s a classic that will never look dated. But mixing in some gold tones in other metals, like the bathroom sconces, hardware, and mirrors, is a nice way to add some elegance and warmth. The bath in the image above uses exactly that formula, and the gold against the black cabinetry and mosaic tile feature wall is stunning.
In the kitchen, you’ll often see stainless appliances and faucets beautifully mixed with brass cabinet hardware and brass-accented pendants. Brass foot rests and nailheads were also selected for the custom counter stools. Much like we sprinkle accent colors around a space, spreading the finish around the room creates a pleasing rhythm. Don’t segregate all the silver stuff on one side and all the gold-toned finishes on the other – that’s like letting them have a fight.
Embracing the Contrast
In this Boston condo kitchen project, we mixed silver-toned appliances and faucets with vintage, antique brass pin pulls and knobs found at an antique store. The gold and bronze tones of the hardware are echoed in the gilt framing and bronze chandelier. A touch of black is always appropriate, and a bit of black-finished metal in a curtain rod, cabinet hardware, furniture, or lighting plays well with almost any other finish.
In this gorgeous sunroom project, we combined black iron custom rods and a brass floor lamp. The Baker side table is a combination of black iron legs and with brass accents and an antiqued silver mirror top set in a black iron gallery rail. There are exceptions, of course, but sticking with two or, at most, three colors of metal is a safe bet.
You might also want to try mixing shiny with more matte finishes – polished nickel or chrome with gilded iron, natural brass with stainless steel. And if you have an element that integrates two finishes, like a stainless steel hood with brass accents or two-tone lighting or cabinet hardware, even better.
Exploring Metallic Accents
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of mixing metals, here are a few of my favorite metallic accent selections, from tiny martini tables to pendant lanterns. Click on each image for more information.
And remember, when it comes to design, the A1 Landscape Construction team in Temecula, California is here to help you create a space that’s both visually striking and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
