Mixing metals is sometimes seen as controversial, but it is one home décor trend that can add elegance and a unique, eclectic touch to any home. Mixing metals can also make your home look more modern, as past designers often adhered to the straight and narrow of choosing single metals.
If you’re wondering which metals to choose to add the most visual interest to your home, there are plenty to choose from. Gold and silver are perhaps those you think of first, but all metals, including aluminum, brass, iron, and copper, have something special to add.
Warm, Cool and Neutral Metals
The first thing to know about mixing metals is how to classify them as warm, cool and neutral. This will help with choosing the right metals to create a look you love.
- Warm metals are those with a golden tone, including gold, bronze, brass and copper.
- Cool metals have a silver tone, including silver, aluminum and stainless steel.
- Neutral metals are black in color, for example, cast iron and black zirconium.
Pick a Few Favorites
Mixing metals can be a great idea, but the best way to do this is to limit yourself to a few favorites. Pick a single metal to be the most dominant. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances, choose stainless steel as your dominant metal, and choose stainless steel metals about 70% of the time. Some designers suggest choosing a cool metal as the dominant metal, with one or two warm metals as accents. In truth, any combination of metals can work, but contrast is important.
Metal Meets Color
Of course, the color of your metal won’t necessarily be the only thing influencing your color scheme when mixing metals. Warm metals will often complement other warm shades, while cool metals will complement cool colors. If your room is predominantly neutral, warm metals can add color and warmth to a room.
Mixing Metals in Kitchen Design
One of the easiest rooms to start mixing metals in is perhaps the kitchen. In the kitchen, your appliances will likely dictate what your base metal will be. Think about the color of your kitchen to choose an accent metal. When mixing metals in kitchen design, consider:
- Appliances
- Metal seating
- Shelving
- Lighting
- Faucets
- Metal hardware
Choose a metal you love for your appliances
Don’t forget to play with texture when mixing metals in kitchen design! The color of your metals should not be the only contrasting element when mixing metals in the kitchen. When mixing metals, combine matte finishes, polished finishes, brushed metals and hammered metals.
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