Two or three decades ago, mixing metals in a kitchen design was uncommon and relatively unpopular. Back then, kitchens would feature only one type of metal for a more uniform look. Uniformity and blending were the key to kitchen designs in years past.
Over time, designers became bolder and more confident in their stylistic choices, gradually introducing new finishes like stainless steel for appliances or chrome and nickel for drawer pulls. The trend of mixing metals in kitchen designs showcases the willingness of designers to step outside traditional boundaries and has become a hallmark of modern kitchens in recent years.
Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
Mixing metals in a kitchen design may cause your mother and grandmother to gasp. After all, it’ll likely be the first time they've seen this type of design. They may have never thought that a combination of metals would be aesthetically pleasing. But who says that you can't combine different metals in your kitchen design? After all, design is all about pushing the boundaries to create something new. And that means taking a risk.
Are Mixed Metals in Style?
Yes, mixed metals in the kitchen are very much in style and have become a popular modern kitchen trend. By combining different metal finishes, you create a more dynamic, layered look to your kitchen. Designers today embrace this trend as a way to make a kitchen feel custom and personalized, allowing homeowners to experiment with various textures and tones.
The most popular metals in kitchen design are combinations of copper or brass with stainless steel, black, and white. This design creates a modern, sophisticated look that complements various other design styles.
What Metals Should You Not Mix?
When mixing metals in the kitchen, avoid combining metals that have very different tones or finishes. For example, mixing warm metals like brass or gold with cooler metals like chrome or stainless steel can create a jarring contrast. It’s also best to avoid using too many shiny, reflective metals in one space, as it can make the design feel overwhelming. Stick to a few metals with complementary tones and varying textures to create a balanced, cohesive look.
Can You Mix Three Metal Finishes in the Kitchen?
Of course! Mixing three metal finishes in the kitchen is possible if done tastefully. The key is to balance the metals to avoid overwhelming the space. For example, you can pair brass for the cabinet hardware, stainless steel for the appliances, and matte black for light or sink fixtures.
By choosing finishes and designs with varying textures or levels of sheen, you can create a layered, sophisticated look without it feeling chaotic. The trick is to ensure that one metal serves as the dominant feature while the other two act as accents. This approach allows for a striking yet well-balanced design that reflects your personal style.
Top Tips For Mixing Metals in Kitchen Design
There are many ways in which you can experiment with mixing different metals in kitchen design. While there are no hard and fast rules you have to follow, here are a few guidelines to help ensure you carry out this task successfully!
Choose a Color Scheme
Choosing a color scheme is a great way to get started when it comes to mixing metals in kitchen design. After all, this will help ensure that the different metals work together to create a complementary, polished aesthetic, as opposed to looking like a random selection of appliances and kitchen fixtures.
When choosing a color scheme, consider carefully the kind of atmosphere you want to create in your kitchen and select colors that complement it. For example, many studies have found that copper shades often elicit a positive emotional response, with many people finding it to be a “comforting” or “homely” color. Alternatively, darker shades, such as black metals, can create a space that feels sleeker and sophisticated.
Establish a Theme
When it comes to interior design, choosing a theme for each room can also come in handy during the renovation process, as it helps make decisions on what products to purchase much easier. Choosing a theme, whether industrial, contemporary, or vintage, can help guide your metal choices and create cohesion across other design elements in the kitchen.
For example, if you want to stick to modern, contemporary theming, then you may want to pay attention to which metal products are currently trending. Right now, chrome and nickel-based products appear to be particularly en vogue, which is comforting as they also have a certain timeless quality, which means you aren’t falling victim to a micro-trend when introducing them into your space.
Additionally, a range hood design can serve as a statement piece within your kitchen, reinforcing the theme of your space while incorporating mixed metal finishes to add style and functionality.
Create a Sense of Contrast
While cohesivity is often encouraged when designing any space within the home, sometimes contrasting colors or materials can help you to create an eye-catching, dynamic space. As such, don’t be afraid to disregard more traditional color-matching rules, if only in the name of experimenting. For example, pairing dark colors with lighter shades is a great way to add new layers to your kitchen.
Consider Maintenance Needs
When selecting new fixtures for your kitchen, it's also important to consider how much maintenance they require to stay in good working order. Because metals have different qualities, some require more care than others.
For example, brass is an incredibly durable metal, and as a result, requires very little in the way of maintenance and care. Some metals, like copper, will develop a patina over time, which can be desirable or require additional upkeep, depending on the style you’re going for.
Remember Your Budget
Your budget is also important when it comes to mixing metals in the kitchen. Some products will inevitably be more expensive than others. As such, you should indicate how much you are willing to spend on kitchen renovations before you start shopping. This will help stop you from overspending while also encouraging you to be a little more conscious of your spending habits.
While some products may be more expensive, they are often more durable, meaning you won’t need to replace them as quickly, providing better value for your money in the long run
Where to Buy Products with Mixed Metal Options for Your Kitchen
If you're ready to embrace the trend of mixing metals in your kitchen, finding the right products is key to achieving a balanced and unique design. At WorldCopperSmith, we offer a wide selection of customizable kitchen fixtures, from sinks to range hoods, featuring a variety of mixed metal finishes. Whether you're looking for bold copper accents or sleek stainless steel, we have the perfect pieces to complement your design.
Contact us today with questions about our metal finishes and other customization options. Explore our collection and find the ideal products to make your kitchen truly one-of-a-kind.
