Mixing Metals
Recently, I was profiled with a cabinet designer, Atlas Housewares, for a bathroom design with MassaRossa Luxury Homes for mixing chrome and antique brushed brass metals. At the time, I had not done this combination and was a little nervous about how it would turn out. Thankfully, it turned out beautifully!
When you mix the metal finishes from plumbing, lighting and cabinet hardware there is a method to the madness. There are some rules to mixing to have it make sense and having the perfect “imbalance” is key. Before we get into some tips about mixing metals, let’s talk about the finishes readily available. This is a short but comprehensive list.
Nickle - Silver with a warm-gold undertone and comes in polished and brushed finish
Stainless - Silver finish usually in a brushed finish
Chrome - Shiny silver finish that usually comes in polished but also can be brushed
Champagne Gold - A soft gold that usually comes in a brushed finish
Brass - A bright gold in polished or brushed finished
Copper - Comes in both brushed and polished
Oil Rubbed Bronze (ORB) - Dark brown tone in a brushed finish
Black - Very dark and typically a matte finish
A few points to consider when mixing metals:
The price can vary significantly
Before you get your heart set on a finish or style, do a little research. Nickle finishes for plumbing are typically the most expensive with gold and black a close second. Make sure your design fits the budget. Chrome, ORB and stainless are the most cost effective. I advise my clients to use those in places (like kids rooms) if your budget is tight. Also, with the overwhelming amount of choices for cabinet hardware, it can be daunting so make sure you have your count, pictures of your cabinets printed and select with someone who knows brands, pricing and quality. It can help the process significantly!
Side note: Please don’t use a local show room, their time, their expertise, get a quote and then go online to buy to save a couple of bucks. It is rude… Ok :) Enough said!
Decide whether you want to pop or blend
In my bathroom picture, I had a pop of gold with my light fixtures and everything else was chrome. This is a simple way to mix metals! Just make sure your mix goes well… you can google or search Pinterest for a mix of metals to see it done to make sure you like it. If you choose to blend, (I usually just do 2) this is where the method behind the madness comes in. I will illustrate with a kitchen. Let’s say the island lights are black and gold. I would do black hardware throughout the kitchen but add gold hardware just on the island for some fun. There are countless ways to blend and again I would encourage you to have fun, do your research and go for it!
It’s “in” and will be “in”
Several of my clients have been worried that certain finishes will “go out”. I see NO evidence that any finish is going out when it’s used correctly. My advice is to do what you love and don’t worry about it being “in” for 10 years!
Metal finishes can vary from different manufacturers
This is a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way a few times. Gold is the often the most difficult finish to match between companies so be careful! There are numerous “golds” and I haven’t always got it right. Usually, the silver and black tones are no problem and can blend together beautifully. Again, do your research to ensure you get the look you want!
Completing the look of any room can be powerful. Adding gold accessories, like the small drum table next to the bathtub, just brought all the mixing together beautifully. A huge thank you to Amanda Layton of The Staged Life, for her staging as it helped this room come to life! Design is about layers and knowing where to start, what to add and how much! Being intentional, using inspiration as your guide and having some fun usually pays off and turns out amazing!
Designer with a purpose,
Micah Abbananto