Secrets To Mixing Metals with Your Hardware

Welcome to my blog! I hope the "Best Kept Secrets of Design" will encourage you to continue to reinvent your space, answer your design questions, or simply inspire you.

By Ann Schamberger

Today's latest trend allows the freedom to mix metal in your home's interiors. To arrive at a cohesive, designer look, try these tips.

Tip #1 Know Your Options

Hardware can be purchased in a variety of metal finishes. #Brass, #Nickel, #Bronze, #Iron, and #Chrome are the most popular options.

Tip #2 Recognize the Subsets For Each Metal Finish

Each metal will have a variety of finishes. Consider a Brass finish. It can be purchased in an Antiqued Brass, Polished Brass, Brushed Brass and/or a Satin Brass. Although each piece of brass hardware has a similar look there is a notable difference in their tones. For examples, Antique Brass will have a darker appearance compared to the shinier, more golden tone of Polished Brass.

*Whether ordering lighting, kitchen handles, or sink faucets pay close attention to the type of brass finish. Mixing the variety of any finished hardware will look odd in a small space.

Tip #3 Limit the Number of Metal in a Room

Too much of a good thing is often not a good thing. This same theory applies to metal finishes. If you are selecting different finishes for your #kitchen or #bathroom keep the different metals 2-3.

*Try combining brass with either a black iron finish or a nickel finish to get an up to date look.

Tip #4 Avoid Mixing Nickel and Chrome

Although chrome and nickel are silver metals they differ greatly. While chrome has a blue finish, nickel has a warm finish. The two #finishes are best not used in the same space. The reason for this is that the chrome finish will make the nickel finish appear dingy and dirty.

Knob in Polished Chrome finish. Notice the blue undertone.

Knob in Satin Nickel finish. Notice the warm undertone.

*Utilize either all chrome or all nickel finished hardware in your home #office.

Tip #5 Repeat the metal finish 3 Times in a Space

Try incorporating the metal finish 3 times in a space. This can be accomplished by adding accessories. Decorative boxes, framed art, or vases often use metal accents to elevate their design.

Mixing metal hardware in a space should be given careful thought and consideration before spending money to incorporate these updates. Remember the 5 tips to help guide you!

Not sure where to start on your kitchen remodel? Then contact us! We will be happy to schedule a consultation and answer your most difficult questions. ann@annpbrennaninteriordesign.com