Many homeowners have it in their minds that every piece of metal in a home should match. I'm here to tell you the days of having to match all the fixtures in a bathroom or kitchen are over.
Layering different finishes throughout a home can have quite an impact and add depth to a room. But how do you do it effectively? Here at Home Space Harmony we’ve got you covered. Below are some general rules of thumb but always remember, if you love a design element keep it if it makes you happy.
Consider the room’s style. Adapt the metal combinations to the room’s design style. For instance, if you have a modern space, chrome and matte black work well. For a more eclectic or vintage feel, mix aged brass with copper. Farmhouse or industrial styles might call for a mix of wrought iron and galvanized metals.
Pick a dominant finish. Choose one metal as your primary that you will see throughout the space and will set the tone for the room. Incorporate other finishes as accents to complement it. A room where metal finishes are split 50/50, or in perfect thirds, can feel chaotic and unfocused. When you walk into the room, you should be able to recognize that there's one "star" metal. For instance in a kitchen your focal point may be oversized brass pendants that become your primary metal. When choosing your dominant metal, consider what’s already in the room like appliances, tile, and countertops.
Source: Caryn Rideau
Limit the number of metals. Stick to two or three finishes since too many can create visual clutter. Keep metals of the same function consistent and intentional (like plumbing fixtures). We would err on fewer finishes in a smaller space like a bathroom. A larger space like a kitchen could handle as many as three. If mixing three metals, use the 70/20/10 rule: dominant metal, 20% secondary metal, and 10% accent metal.
Match the undertones. Pay attention to the undertones of each metal. Warm metals like brass, copper, gold and nickel pair well together, while cool metals like chrome and silver complement one another. However, a rising trend is mixing warm and cool tones, like antique brass and polished chrome, for a more eclectic, layered look. Just make sure the mix feels intentional. For instance a gold frame mirror in a room with silver accents can work if balanced correctly. If you are looking to break up warm or cool tones, black or iron can often act as a neutral.
Distribute metals. Spread the different metal finishes throughout your space and avoid clustering all the same type of metals in one area. Remember there are so many other metallic elements in a room, like accessories (e.g., picture frames, mirrors), furniture and hardware that can help you create that balance.
Source: Chris Loves Julia