It’s no secret that interior design is an art, especially when designing key rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms. One of the power tools of a designer is mixing metals to prevent the design in a room from falling flat. By distributing a balance of metals, you can create a stunning and high-end look in your space. So, in this blog post, I’ll give you the secret handbook of mixing metals, all the dos and don’ts, and real-life examples I’ve used in my projects. So, if you’re ready to be amazed, keep on reading!

Dos and Don’ts Of Mixing Metals in Your Kitchen and Bath

Do: Get a sample of the finish or look at it in person especially if it is gold.

Gold is tricky to match because there are so many variations. Not only will you feel relaxed but also confident you made the right choice. Always consider your cabinetry colors when selecting hardware and the look you are going for in your design.

Don’t: Overwhelm your space with too many different metals.

We don’t want to overcrowd our space with a wide selection of metals; instead, the goal is to focus on two or three complementary metals for a room. Consider using one dominant metal and the others as accents to create a well-balanced space.

Do: Use polished nickel for plumbing fixtures in your bathroom.

Investing in polished nickel is my preference since they're costly to replace down the road. This metal is classic and gives that feeling of being in a high-end hotel bathroom. For this project, we used polished nickel plumbing fixtures for a classic and luxurious look that will always be in style.

Don’t: Forget to follow your design style.

Knowing your design style should be your starting point for every project. Knowing your likes and dislikes will allow you to reflect your personality in your renewed space. If you don’t know your design style, take my FREE quiz here.

Do: Repeat your metal at least once more in your design.

For example, if you have all silver cabinet hardware and want to introduce black pendant lighting in your kitchen, repeat that black in the window hardware in an adjoining room or even in a picture frame on the wall. If you’re unsure how to move forward, book a call with me to get my help.

Don't: Combine finishes that are too similar to each other.

For example, you don't want to use brushed nickel and chrome or polished nickel in the same space. They are all a variation of silver. Instead, combine a brushed nickel with a shiny gold or a polished nickel with a matte, antique gold. Opposites attract! A matte black will look great with any finish, just don't overdo the black. I always say every room needs a small touch of black.

Don’t: Forget to consider other elements in your room.

After all, we’re going for a harmonious look, so look at all of your finishes together and consider all the elements as a whole when deciding to mix your metals. In this project, we followed this rule and replaced the cabinet hardware with a more modern brushed nickel finish that complimented the new Smoky Blue Island and the classic white cabinetry. The result? A white kitchen that will always be in style!

Mixing metals should be like adding that missing piece to the puzzle to achieve your desired goal, so remember to consult your interior designer before you make any big decision.

Mixing metals in kitchens and baths opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to transform your space into a masterpiece. So, let your creativity shine and embark on this journey of mixing metals to elevate the style of your kitchen and bathroom. Don’t forget to share this post if you’ve found it helpful and pin it here as inspiration for your next design project.