Mixing metal can be even more impactful than matching . These expert gratuity will aid you find a winning combination .

There ’s no ruler that articulate every finishing in your home has to match . In fact , it ’s often practiced if they do n’t . Mixing metallic element has become a favorite way of life to create a pull in - over - prison term look inkitchens , bathrooms , living areas , and more . vary metal finishes acrosshardware , furniture , lighting , and other fixtures , adds depth and fictitious character that a matching look would lack .

Courtney McLeodis the founding father and principal of Right Meets Left Design , a New - York based inner design firm , and has been boast in various interior intention books .

Kitchen with dark blue cabinets and rug

Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography LLC

1. Select One Metal as Your Primary Finish

A hierarchy of finale is the key to winner , McLeod says . A room where metallic element finishes are carve up 50/50 , or in perfect thirds , can feel helter-skelter and unfocused . " When you take the air into the way , you should be able to recognize that there ’s one primary color , " she says . " cull one finish to employ as a focal point , andincorporate other finishes as accent mark to complement it . " Start with a metallic element that reflects the overall aesthetic of the elbow room . For illustration , satin or svelte nickel works well in traditional spaces , whilematte black put up a more contemporary feeling .

Courtney McLeod

Pick one finish to apply as a focal point , and contain other finishes as accent to complement it .

2. Choose complementary metals for accents.

aspire to have your prevailing metal make up approximately 60 to 75 per centum of the finishes in the room , McLeod intimate . Then opt one to two accent alloy for the quietus , compensate attending to the undertones as a way to determine which metal go together . In general , boldness , copper , Au , and nickel have warm undertones , while untarnished sword , chrome , and other silver metals give off a cooler expression . Matte black is fairly neutral . Although you may mix in fond with nerveless , McLeod notes that you ’ll have to be careful to avoid clashing . When mixing two very different metals , such aspolished stainless steelwithaged copper , bridge the interruption with a refinement that ’s somewhere in the middle , like brushed stainless steel .

3. Vary the finish as well as the metal type.

Metals can be antique , matte , satin , brushed , or polished , and incorporating a diverseness of sheens can make the mixture even more interesting . " If you require to use nickel and governing body together , go with refined nickel note and satin brass , " McLeod suggests . Contrasting soft with lustrous adds more note and depth . She warns that combining two polished ending can result in a veryglamlook , so if that ’s not your intent , err on the side of lusterlessness to satin metals . " Softer , more muted finishes that do n’t have a lot of shine are easygoing to immix than polished one , " she says .

In universal , McLeod be given to stay away from gamy - shine conclusion , like chrome and polishedbrass , which can be hard to mix in effect with other metals . urbane boldness can quickly veer into ' 80s territory if you ’re not careful , she tell , so an aged , brushed , or satin refinement tends to shape better . For eloquent - tone last , McLeod prefers Ni over chrome , because its strong undercurrent harmonizes considerably with brass finishes .

4. Distribute the metals throughout the room.

5. Go with what you love.

" Do n’t be afraid of your own appreciation and style , " McLeod says . If you love the classic look of atomic number 28 , for example , do n’t feel pressured to choose brass , just to keep up with the latest style . take metals that chew over your personality and complement your existing paint colors and surfaces . If you wish the outcome , consider it a succeeder .

marble-pink-bathroom.jpg

Credit: Adam Albright

green kitchen cabinets

Credit: Werner Straube

Kitchen with wooden floors and gray cabinets

Credit: Panichgul Studios, Inc