Mixing Metals With Confidence

 People worry about mixing metals, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. But it’s definitely something you should consider doing if you want to add interest and character to your home.
 
Sticking slavishly to the same finish can look predictable and dull and it’s absolutely not necessary to coordinate everything. Just follow a few simple rules and you’ll soon be mixing with confidence.
 
Here are my top five tips for making it work.

Image courtsey of decorpad.com

 1.    Stick to two or three different metal finishes and don't worry about including your                    appliances.​ These are more often than not stainless steel and, like a pair of denim jeans,                generally fit in with any scheme. But do remember to think about the metal that appears                  elsewhere in the room - on table legs, chairs and bar stools, as well as light switches and                sockets - include these as one of your choices.

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  2.  Have like objects in the same finish. So,for example you could choose to have all your light           fixtures in one metal and all your hardware such as cabinet handles and knobs in another.
       One way to add real impact is to have the lighting over your island or dining table in one finish         such as brass or copper and have all the other finishes in a different metal so that the lighting         becomes the real showstopper in the room. 

​      Alternatively, if you have a kitchen island in a different wood to the rest of the cabinets this is a        great opportunity to introduce a contrasting metal in any hardware on the island unit.
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Image courtesy of Maison du Pax

3.  The key to doing it well is contrast. Make your choice look considered and deliberate and             you’ll create a scheme that has energy and character.

     Contrast warm with cool – warm metals like brass, copper and gold look great mixed with cooler       colours like chrome, iron and silver. Or opt for matte black with a polished bronze or brass.
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     Avoid mixing metals that look too similar such as nickel and chrome. Although one is the warm        version, and one is the cool they’re too similar and it can look like you haven't thought it through.

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Image courtesy of decorpad.com

​4.   Don’t forget about texture. Mix shiny with matte or rusted finishes and polished with                      hammered metals. Remember to disperse them throughout the room for a balanced and                    considered look.  

 5.  Finally, think about the style of the room. Chrome and matte black work well together in an            Industrial style kitchen, as does copper. A traditional style bathroom looks beautiful with                  antique brass,matte black and satin nickel.  

Image courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

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Feeling inspired?
 
If you are looking to create your own beautifully unique home, I can help.

Whether you’re planning a complete re-design of your home, want to transform a particular room or just need a bit of help and advice on colour and decoration.
 
Get in touch to discuss how I can help.

Thanks for reading.
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​Kate x

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