Mixing metals in a kitchen can add depth, character, and visual interest to your space, but it’s important to do it thoughtfully to maintain a cohesive look. Here are some expert tips to help you successfully blend finishes in your kitchen design.
Pick Only a Couple of Finishes
To avoid visual clutter, limit your selection to two finishes. For example, you might pair a warm brass with black metal or a cooler chrome with matte black. Keeping the palette simple ensures the design feels intentional rather than chaotic. At #MoundMiniMansion in the image below, we chose brass for the cabinet hardware and lighting with chrome plumbing fixtures.
Repeat Finishes Throughout the Room
Consistency is key when mixing metals. If you choose brass for your cabinet hardware, echo that choice in accents like your range hood trim, pendant lights, or open shelving brackets. Repeating the same finish helps tie the entire kitchen together.
At #LotusLakeRemodel, we repeated brass in the cabinet hardware and lights, while the chrome is repeated throughout the plumbing fixtures.
How Cabinets Can Play a Role
Cabinets can act as a “metal” in the design. For example:
- White oak cabinets: Their warm stain can mimic the tone of brass, adding a soft, golden hue to your kitchen.
- Black cabinets: These can stand in for black metal, creating a bold and modern contrast.
Using your cabinetry as a neutral or metallic element allows you to introduce another finish without overcomplicating the design.
Plumbing & Lighting Fixtures
Keep Plumbing Fixtures Consistent
To maintain harmony, all plumbing fixtures—such as your faucet, pot filler, and sink drain—should be the same finish. For instance, if you choose polished nickel for the faucet, stick with that for all other plumbing fixtures.
Vary Lighting Finishes
Lighting offers a great opportunity to introduce a secondary finish. For example, if your plumbing fixtures are brass, you can incorporate black or chrome finishes in your pendant lights or sconces. Just make sure the undertones align.
We mixed brass and black finishes at #MendotaModern. We chose black plumbing and lighting fixtures with brass cabinet hardware. The brass is repeated as an accent on the lighting fixtures, but also compliments the warmth of the white oak hood trim and shelves!
What to Avoid
Pro tip: Avoid pairing finishes that are too similar as they can clash due to their slight differences in texture and shine.
Pairs to Avoid:
- Polished brass and brushed brass
- chrome and polished nickel
- black and oil rubbed bronze
How Do Appliances Play a Role?
Stainless steel appliances act as a neutral element in your kitchen. They don’t need to match your other finishes as long as they’re consistent with each other. Feel free to focus your attention on your hardware, fixtures, and lighting instead.
By following these tips, you can mix metals in your kitchen design with confidence and create a space that feels cohesive, stylish, and uniquely yours.
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