Intentionally mixing metals in a space can elevate an interior's space and give you a look that isn't easy to replicate or one you'll see very often when walking into a home.
If you're dead set on a unique look for your home, a break-in contrast might be the trend you've been looking for, especially as it's grown in application over the last few years.
Metal accents can add depth, texture, and sophistication to your home decor. However, mixing metals can seem intimidating for many homeowners.
Fear not!
Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of combining different metal finishes to create a cohesive and stunning interior design.
Why Mix Metals?
Gone are the days when matching every single metal finish was the golden rule of interior design. Modern design embraces variety, and mixing metals can:
- Add visual interest and complexity to a room
- Create depth and dimension in your decor
- Reflect your personal style and creativity
- Break up monotony in your design scheme
Understanding Metal Finishes
Before diving into mixing, it's crucial to understand the common metal finishes:
1. Polished Finishes
- Bright, shiny, and reflective
- Examples: Polished nickel
- Best for modern and contemporary spaces
2. Brushed Finishes
- Softer, more muted appearance
- Examples: Brushed nickel, brushed brass
- Great for transitional and traditional interiors
3. Matte Finishes
- Non-reflective and understated
- Examples: Matte black, matte gold
- Perfect for creating a sophisticated, minimalist look
4. Antique or Aged Finishes
- Deliberately weathered appearance
- Examples: Antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze
- Adds warmth and character to a space
The 70/30 Rule: A Foolproof Mixing Strategy
Too much metal can have your home looking like a storage unit or a working steel factory, and that's not the most inspiring look to come home to every night; the last thing you want to see is a cluttered and confused mess, so ratios are essential.
To avoid a chaotic look, follow the 70/30 rule:
- Choose one primary metal that will dominate (70% of the room)
- Select one or two accent metals to complement the primary metal (30% of the room)
Example Combinations:
- Warm Palette: Brass (primary) + Copper (accent)
- Cool Palette: Stainless Steel (primary) + Chromeent)
- Neutral Palette: Nickel (primary) + Black Metal (accent)
Pick one dominant metal
As mentioned above, you should have one finish to rule them all one dominant metal when mixing two or three metals. If you're picking two, the 70/30 or 80/20 rule can work well but what about three?
In this case, try applying the 60-30-10 decorating rule to the metals as a rule of thumb.
Room-by-Room Metal Mixing Guide
Mixing metal can be a theme you use across your home, or you can pick one room, namely, the kitchen or living room, but that's not to say the bathroom couldn't get the same treatment, either.
Kitchen
- Combine cabinet hardware in one finish
- Select appliances or light fixtures in a complementary accent metal
Example: Brass cabinet pulls with stainless steel appliances
Living Room
- Choose a dominant metal for larger pieces like coffee table frames or lamp bases
- Use smaller accent pieces in a different metal for visual interest
- Consider metallic throw pillows or picture frames to introduce variety
Bathroom
- Match larger fixtures like faucets and shower heads
- Introduce variety through towel bars, mirror frames, or lighting
- Ensure the metals have similar undertones for a cohesive look
Undertones Matter: Warm vs. Cool
Pay attention to the undertones of your metals:
- Warm Undertones: Gold, brass, copper
- Cool Undertones: Silver, chrome, stainless steel
Try to keep undertones consistent within your chosen palette to maintain harmony.
Common Mixing Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-Matching: Don't use the exact same metal everywhere
- Ignoring Undertones: Mixing warm and cool tones can look disjointed
- Cluttered Approach: Remember the 70/30 rule
- Neglecting Context: Consider your room's overall style and color scheme
Pro Tips for Metal Mixing Success
- Start with a neutral base (whites, grays, blacks)
- Use metallic accessories to introduce variety
- Consider the room's natural light
- Don't be afraid to experiment
- Trust your aesthetic instincts
When in Doubt, Seek Inspiration
Inspiration helps transform vague ideas into concrete design concepts and provides you with a healthy amount of options to play with when you try to move towards making the vision on your pin-up board a reality.
Before you start selecting paint colours or purchasing furniture, exploring design resources can help you decide on your primary choices and fall back and allow you to spend more on price.
While you can start with visual inspiration from sources like:
- Pinterest boards
- Interior design magazines
- Home decor blogs
- Professional interior designers
These are only aspirational examples of what you can achieve; once you start hitting up local suppliers for stock and costs, you'll have to contend with reality and the upper limit of your budget.
Embrace Your Creativity With A Metalic Mix 'n Match
Mixing metals is an art, not a strict science. While these guidelines can help, ultimately, your personal style should shine through. Don't be afraid to break rules and create a space that feels uniquely yours.
Remember, the key is balance, cohesion, and confidence. With practice, you'll develop an eye for combining metals that transform your home into a stunning, personalised sanctuary.
Happy decorating!**
Create the ideal home.
Future-proofing your home should not have to be a stressful experience; with professional guidance, you can create a space that's not only functional but also adds value to your home and quality of life.
If you're still unsure about your renovation plans and want to speak to a professional, please feel free to reach out to our team for a consultation, and we'll be happy to walk you through some of the options and even create a 3D model of possible ideas.
Once you're ready to move from the idea phase to the building phase, our team will be ready to support you, source materials from high-quality suppliers and help you build your dream space.
