Revitalize Your Kitchen with Mixed Metal Finishes

The outdated appearances of a kitchen are not just tied to antique cabinetry or speckled granite, but can also be brought about by something as basic as uniform metal finishes. Using the same metal finish for each component of your kitchen - from knobs and pulls to fixtures and appliances - might not be an apparent design blunder, but can inadvertently give your kitchen a timestamp.

Trends come and go - remember the love for chrome in the '90s, that later got replaced by a fondness for warm brass? However, when these trends change, it leaves rooms decked out in date-specific metals looking out of touch. For instance, with the revival of chrome in modern design, kitchens decorated with all-brass finishes risk looking dated.

There's a reason why matching metals was a common design choice- it's practical for a harmonious design. Chrome had its shining moments during the Art Deco era, gold fixtures symbolized the extravagance of the '80s, and black metal hardware became popular during the modern farmhouse style boom in the 2020s.

But for those looking to make their kitchen design feel timeless, the advice is clear: mix and match your metal finishes.

"Matching your finishes will give a monotonous and outdated look,” says Jojo Barr, the London-based founder of House Nine Design Studio. “Introducing a variety of metals adds interest and visual appeal.”

This means you’re not limited to using just one metal type in your kitchen. You can creatively use a blend of brass, bronze, rose gold, copper, silver, chrome, or black metal in different elements like cabinet pulls, knobs, faucets, lighting, and appliances.

“Have a dominant metal that sets the tone for the room, and then add one or two more metals to complement it,” Barr suggests. This solution adds variety without making the space seem overwhelmed.

Another key tip is to contrast the finishings. Combining metals with different finishes-such as polished, matt, or brushed-adds depth and texture. Barr suggests, for example, one could pair polished brass with matte black or bronze.

Additionally, it's imperative to consider the interlinks between cool and warm tones when pairing metals. Mixing cool metals like chrome, nickel, and silver with neutral tones like black and bronze provides a grounding effect. On the other hand, warm metals also work when paired with a neutral bronze tone.

In addition to switching up metal types, Barr recommends layering finishes of the same metal. Layering different finished of the same metal - say brass - in polished, brushed, antique, satin, and unlacquered forms along with matte black metal can create a visually striking design.

When it comes to implementing the mixed metal trend, it’s essential to distribute these metal finishes throughout your kitchen in a way that highlights their uniqueness. For example, use a combination of metal finishes on lighting fixtures, kitchen hardware, and decorative items.

"Different metals should be distributed evenly throughout the space to avoid clumped appearance and ensure a balanced look,” states Barr. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful, timeless aesthetic in any kitchen.