Happy Friday, all! Sorry for the lack of posts this week - we had family in town for a big chunk of it, and I wanted to soak up as much time with them as possible (you would, too, if your niece was this cute!) Anyway, I've been playing catch up since, but I did want to check in and post before we head into the weekend.
This is a topic that I've run into a lot in the past few years - both while working at a design/build home renovation company, and while working with clients on a consulting, interior design basis, and I thought it was worth posting about. The issue is this: is it okay to mix metals + finishes in a kitchen??
While I firmly believe that you can, I've come to realize that many are hesitant to do so, or think it's a huge faux pas, and that the finishes of the appliances should match the finishes of the plumbing fixtures, hardware, and lighting in order for the space to look cohesive... And you know what? I totally get it. Kitchen renovations are often one of the most expensive undertakings homeowners face, so it makes sense that you'd want to get every detail just right & make sure every element works well together.
Interestingly, though, mixing metals + finishes in a kitchen is not only possible, I think it can often enhance the overall look. Think of it in terms of putting together an outfit - you can create a really polished, almost matchy-matchy ensemble, or you can put together a textured, layered outfit with contrasting colors and materials... Neither approach is right or wrong, and both can be beautiful when done well. Here are some of my favorite kitchens that illustrate this more mixed approach:
Notice how this (gorgeous) white kitchen mixes lots of finishes, but does so in a subtle way - the range and faucet have a stainless steel/brushed finish, while the cabinet hardware is oil rubbed bronze, and the Hicks pendants are black & brass... All different metals + finishes, yet they work really well together. *Via Style at Home.
In the above kitchen, I love how the cabinet hardware ties in nicely with the black-framed windows, while the brass finish of the faucet adds some contrast + warmth.
Again, the black framed windows work well with the oil rubbed bronze hardware, while the polished finish of the faucet provides a subtle contrast. *Via the zhush blog.
Here, stainless steel appliances are combined with bronze-finished lighting and polished nickel/chrome plumbing fixtures. Unrelated, but I love the color of the island, too. *Via BHG.
These copper-colored (or perhaps brass?) pendants make a statement, and coordinate well with the cabinet hardware & the nailheads on the bar stools. However, the range and faucets are in the more traditional stainless steel + nickel finishes. *Source: Anne Hepfer Designs
Stainless steel appliances are combined with minimal brass pendants and hardware for an overall modern, yet interesting mix. *Source: croma express.
Another great example of stainless steel appliances + fixtures mixed with brass hardware. I love the rustic wood shelves, too. *Via House and Home.
This pendant provides a subtle copper accent in an otherwise stainless + nickel kitchen. *Via House Beautiful
Have loved this kitchen for a long time - the brass hardware, faucet, and pendants are mixed with stainless appliances (you've probably noticed by now that stainless appliances are almost a constant!) *Via House and Home
It can even be as simple as adding a gold or brass picture frame to an otherwise stainless and nickel kitchen, like the above (*Source Albertsson Hansen Architecture). Or, adding an oversized brass lantern, as shown below. Both are subtle ways of adding a contrasting finish, while still keeping the overall look cohesive.
Anyway, I hope these examples illustrate the range of options you have if you're looking into a kitchen renovation. While keeping all finishes consistent is certainly one approach (that's often quite beautiful), mixing metals + finishes can also result in an equally beautiful space.
Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
