Mixing Metals

Sit down with your metal mixology experts.

Adding that final touch to your kitchen remodel can feel daunting. How do you combine two design elements you love without completely overdoing it? Why does the room still feel incomplete? We’ve got a simple solution for you – mixing metals! We promise it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Mixing metals in interior spaces has become a huge hit amongst the design community. It opens an entirely new way to add depth and character to your remodel. Why limit yourself to one fancy finish when you could have two, or even three? Personalization should never come with such a sacrifice.

Prior to the popularity and redefinition of mixing metals, it was typical to stay within the “warm” or “cool” metal groups. Warm finishes may include brass, bronze, and copper while cool finishes include stainless steel, nickel, and chrome. However, modern trends see designers exploring the possibilities of combining them to create an entirely new space.

At Dahlia Design, we love incorporating mixed metals into our projects! Kitchens are an especially perfect place to dabble in this trend. A popular choice is mixing metals interchangeably between cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures. A few combinations we personally enjoy include brushed bronze and polished nickel, modern brass and brushed nickel, or matte black and chrome.

It’s also popular to mix cabinet hardware finishes only. Kitchens that have two-toned cabinetry work perfectly with this trend, as you can designate a different hardware finish to either cabinet color. For example, a brushed bronze handle on white upper cabinets matches beautifully with a matte black handle on warm wood lower cabinets.

If you find that it is difficult to pinpoint the perfect spot to mix metals in your space, consider using your interior accessories and lighting fixtures to meet those needs. Mirrors and pendant lights are a great alternative for the metal-mixing canvas!

No matter how small of a detail it could be in your remodel, all design decisions are impactful in creating the personality of your space. Mixing warm and cool metals has the potential to craft a harmony of materials. Consider adding depth and charisma in your home by mixing it up!