A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

Mixing metal finishes in the kitchen is a great way to add an interesting and contemporary look to your home. And in today’s post, I’m sharing some simple tips on how to mix different metals in the kitchen, along with a guide to what metals go together, images of kitchens featuring mixed metal finishes, places to shop for kitchen faucets and fixtures, and more.

I’ve spent hours researching and gathering tips, ideas, and inspiration on mixed metals in the kitchen, and today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.

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If you’re currently planning a kitchen remodel or are making choices regarding finishes and are looking for simple tips for mixing metal finishes in the kitchen, I hope you’ll find some great ideas in this post.

First, is it OK to Mix Metal Finishes in a Kitchen?

When we moved into our current home twelve years ago, we chose one metal finish for every single space (brushed nickel everywhere!). However, thank goodness, the days of choosing one metal finish for an entire home or space are over.

It’s now very common to mix and match metal finishes-not only in the kitchen, but in the bathroom, as well. In fact, I incorporated a mix of brass and chrome finishes in our recent master bathroom remodel.

Whether you’re going for a chic, modern, timeless, or elegant look, mixing metals in the kitchen adds visual interest to your space and is a look that will last far beyond 2023.

Ali Henrie Design – Rebekah Westover Photography – pendant lights

While you should feel free to mix metal finishes in your kitchen, most interior designers recommend selecting no more than three metal finishes for one room.

I also think it’s a good idea to use your primary metal finish for permanent fixtures like faucets and lighting. Then, use your secondary finishes on your drawer and door pulls, towel bars, etc.

Since it’s easier to change kitchen cabinet hardware, you can always switch out your pulls and knobs if your taste eventually changes.

This timeless kitchen design features a masterful mix of brass sconces, a black lantern-style pendant light, and polished nickel faucet and cabinet pulls. From Jean Stoffer Interior Design:

Which Metals Can Be Mixed in a Kitchen?

Metals come in warm and cool tones. Warm metals include brass, gold, copper, and oil-rubbed bronze. Cool metals include chrome, polished nickel, and brushed nickel.

Black is considered either a cool-toned metal or a neutral and makes a great second or third metal to balance out your mix.

This lovely warm wood kitchen island is enhanced by detailing on the cabinet doors as well as a mix of brass and black (or bronze) metal finishes. From Olive and Oak Interiors:

If you want to mix metals in the kitchen, I recommend mixing cool metals with warm metals to create a nice, eye-pleasing balance.

In general, I wouldn’t mix two metals in the same family, such as nickel and chrome, unless they’re far apart in the space or you’re also adding a warm-toned metal to the mix.

Metals also come in a variety of sheens and finishes, including matte, satin, brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, aged, and antiqued.

I love the mix of sleek polished brass and polished nickel in this elegant kitchen design featuring coffered ceilings and warm marble countertops from Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes:

When mixing metal finishes in a kitchen, some designers recommend matching the sheen on your fixtures; i.e., if you’re using polished nickel, you would also choose polished brass, rather than brushed.

However, most interior designers agree you can safely mix shiny with matte-as well as warm with cool. I do, however, recommend placing your different finishes next to each other before they’re installed to make sure you’re creating a cohesive mix.

Can you mix chrome and brass fixtures in a kitchen?

It’s fine to mix brass and chrome fixtures together, as well as brass and nickel. As the two most popular metallic shades, gold and silver (or brass and chrome) go well together and can be combined to add stylish contrast in the kitchen.

This elegant kitchen design features black framed windows, a chrome faucet, and brass pendant lights. From Christopher Architecture:

Are stainless steel appliances considered a metal finish in the kitchen?

If you have an abundance of stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, as most people do, it’s a good idea to consider stainless steel as one of your metal finishes.

As I mentioned above, you should try not to mix more than three metals in one space. Ideally, then, if you have stainless steel appliances, you would incorporate a maximum of two other metal finishes in your kitchen.

However, if one of your metal finishes is brushed nickel, it could be considered the same as brushed stainless steel, since the two finishes are so similar.

Are gold and brass finishes still in style?

While chrome kitchen fixtures are trending for 2023, brass is still in style, adding a luxurious touch to any room.

Brass works well in both warm and white spaces as well as kitchens with darker tones. I recommend using brass when you want your eye to be drawn to the fixture or metal finish.

This beautiful kitchen is a great example of how striking brass metal finishes can be when paired with white cabinets. From The Fox Group:

In general, brass finishes are becoming more subtle and toned down, with more of an antique or aged deep golden look, rather than yellow, pink or shiny finishes.

One thing I’ve experienced when ordering brass cabinet knobs and pulls online is there’s no way to know what color and tone of brass you’re getting until you receive it.

Often, something that appears to have an antique brass finish online might actually have a yellow or pink cast when it arrives. I’ve also ordered pieces on Amazon that were described as brushed or matte but which ended up having a satin or shiny finish.

So, unless you’re okay with ordering and returning a bunch of items until you receive the right shade of brass or gold, you might want to choose your brass pulls, faucets, lighting, etc., at a local hardware or kitchen design store.

As an alternative, you could just go with chrome, black, bronze, or nickel faucets and pulls, which are generally more consistent in color and finish.

But, as always, I recommend choosing fixtures and finishes that make you happy. So don’t stress if you can’t find fixtures in the exact same color and finish. Similar tones usually go well together-especially if they’re not placed right next to each other.

This modern kitchen design from The House of Silver Lining features beautiful brass finishes (and a touch of black):

Is chrome or brushed nickel more modern?

Chrome adds lightness and brightness to a space and is usually considered more modern than brushed nickel; however, chrome also works well in more traditional settings.

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Chrome is also one of the most popular kitchen finishes in 2023, as it coordinates well with both light and dark color schemes.

Work Your Closet

Brushed nickel, also called satin nickel, has a more subdued, matte finish, lending itself to a more traditional look. Brushed or satin nickel also works well in both light and dark spaces and with just about any color scheme.

Polished nickel is similar to chrome in that it has a shiny, reflective finish. However, polished nickel fixtures have a deeper, warmer tone than chrome and therefore generally work best with darker color schemes.

Both chrome and brushed nickel are budget-friendly choices, while polished nickel fixtures tend to cost a bit more.

Is brushed nickel out of style?

Brushed nickel is a classic finish and is still an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. While it’s not one of the top metal finishes for 2023, it’s still a great option that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Brushed nickel finishes on the faucet, sconces, and pot filler mix beautifully with the glass and brass pendant lights in this stylish kitchen from Studio McGee:

similar counter stools – pendant light fixtures

How to Mix Different Metal Finishes in the Kitchen

There are many different ways to mix metals in a kitchen so they will compliment each other, as you’ll see in the images below. In general, I recommend opting for one dominant metal and choosing one or two other metals as your accents.

To begin, let the existing metal finishes in your kitchen give you a starting point. Do you already have a lot of one metal finish in your space?

For example, if you currently have an abundance of stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, you might want to add in a bit of brass and/or black to create an interesting mix.

To keep your kitchen looking cohesive, don’t mix too many finishes, colors, and styles in the same room. For example, if your kitchen encompasses a dining area and/or keeping room, like ours, try to keep the styles of the light fixtures the same throughout the entire space.

On the other hand, if you decide to mix styles; i.e., modern and traditional fixtures, in one space, then I recommend keeping all the metal finishes the same.

Matching metals is okay, too

Remember, even though mixing metals in the kitchen is popular right now, there’s nothing wrong with matching all the metal finishes and hardware in your kitchen.

Matching metal finishes is an easy way to give a space a cohesive, thoughtfully put-together look, as shown in this stylish kitchen design from Studio McGee:

cane counter stools – light fixtures

Use Your Kitchen Cabinet Color as a Guide When Choosing Metal Finishes

When choosing your metal finishes, take into account the color and finish of the kitchen cabinets and kitchen island. Here are a few guidelines:

Dark blue, green, and black cabinets look gorgeous with brass faucets and cabinet pulls, as shown in this beautiful deep blue kitchen from Anne Rae Design. See more blue kitchen cabinet ideas in my post, Beautiful Blue Kitchen Ideas.

White and light gray kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with chrome, polished nickel, or brass fixtures for a timeless look. Our kitchen has a dark blue island and white cabinets, so I chose brass finishes for the faucet and kitchen cabinet hardware to match our decor.

Light wood cabinets or islands are often paired with black for a more modern vibe, but brass and chrome look amazing, too, as you can see in the beautiful space below, featuring a chrome faucet and pot filler mixed with brass pendant lights and cabinet pulls. From James May Homes and CKF Cabinetry:

Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Match the Faucet?

Traditionally, kitchen cabinet hardware was chosen to match the faucet finish, but that’s no longer necessary.

Although your cabinet hardware doesn’t have to match your faucet, I do think it’s a good idea to repeat the cabinet hardware finish elsewhere in the room-perhaps in the lighting or decor. This helps tie the room together and create a cohesive look.

Inspiration for Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

The following images are filled with beautiful ideas and inspiration for mixing metals in the kitchen.

This modern French country kitchen features an interesting mix of polished nickel and brass elements, including a touch of brass on the counter stools. The brass and white pendant lights over the island lend a modern touch to this beautiful European style kitchen from James May Homes:

Here’s another view of the beautiful kitchen from Brandon Architects featured earlier in my post. I love the modern yet timeless quality of this space.

I love this classic white kitchen with its glass and brass pendant lights, chrome faucet, and seagrass counter stools. From Salt Design Co.:

A beautiful mix of white kitchen cabinets, black countertops, and brass and black fixtures enhance this lovely space from Jen Langston:

This light and airy kitchen incorporates brass, black, and polished nickel finishes and was designed by Studio McGee and Erin Hansen for Christine Andrew. Here’s where to find the counter stools:

I love the brass light fixtures and pulls mixed with the chrome faucet and pot filler in this lovely kitchen from Studio McGee:

A deep blue island and white cabinets pair beautifully with the brass pendant lights, chrome faucet, and black cabinet pulls in this fresh space from Kate Lester Interiors:

The stunning black and white pendant lighting, mixed with a polished nickel faucet and brass sconces and pulls, enhance this elegant modern kitchen design from Jean Stoffer Interior Design. I love the curved island, too:

This chic kitchen design features a waterfall island countertop, striking pendant light fixtures, and a beautiful mix of black and brass hardware. From Vivir Design:

This lovely modern kitchen design, from James May Homes, features polished brass pendant lights, a black faucet, aged brass sconces, and a mix of polished nickel and brass cabinet pulls:

A chic modern kitchen design with nickel finishes on the faucet and pulls, black shelves, and amazing brass pendant lights and chandelier, by Kate Marker Interiors:

This chic kitchen design features a brass finish on the pendant lights, chrome on the faucet and pot filler, and black cabinet pulls. The patterned backsplash beautifully ties everything together. From Pure Salt Interiors:

This modern farmhouse kitchen incorporates a mix of brass, polished nickel, and brushed nickel elements, highlighted by the striking pendant lights and counter stools. From Becki Owens:

This beautiful European farmhouse style kitchen incorporates mixed metals via brass finishes in the faucet and pot filler along with polished nickel cabinet pulls. From Amber Interior Design:

This beautiful kitchen features show-stopping pendant lights in a bronze finish, paired with chrome faucets and pulls and stylish woven counter stools. From Salt Design Company:

I’m so inspired by this stylish modern coastal kitchen design from Pure Salt Interiors, with its gorgeous pendant lights and woven counter stools:

Love this beautiful kitchen design with its warm wood kitchen island, brass faucet and cabinet pulls, and black and nickel pendant lights, from Studio McGee:

Last, but definitely not least, is this stunning butler’s pantry from Jean Stoffer Design, with a mix of warm, aged brass finishes in the lighting and polished nickel finishes on the faucet and cabinet pulls.

This is a great example of how to match cabinet hardware to the surrounding decor. Tying in a metal finish with a picture frame is also a great way to create a cohesive look in a space.

Where to Shop for Kitchen Fixtures and Lighting

I’m sure it’s clear by now I love the look of mixed metal finishes! In my opinion, mixing metals in the kitchen makes for a stylish, timeless space.

However, mixing metals in the kitchen, and investing in a kitchen faucet, lighting, and cabinet pulls, regardless of the style and finish, doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are a few favorite places to shop for kitchen fixtures, lighting, and hardware.

Serena & LilyWayfairMcGee & Co.Pottery BarnRejuvenationAmazon

And here’s a selection of kitchen lighting, faucets, and door and drawer pulls in different metal finishes:

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Kitchen Faucet Ideas

Cabinet Pulls and Knobs

For more kitchen design and decorating ideas, here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

Kitchen Counter Stools: Beautiful Ideas for Every Style and Budget

Modern Coastal Kitchens I Love

Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

How to Design Your Perfect Kitchen Island, with Layouts, Cabinets & Tips

A Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors for 2023

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2023

A Simple Guide to Decorating with Transitional Style

California Casual Interior Design: How to Bring West Coast Style to Your Home

Beautiful and Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners for the Kitchen

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the RH Look for Less

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom

The New Studio McGee Target Collection

I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions about mixing metals in the kitchen. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens