Spice Up Your Kitchen With Mixed Metal Hardware

If your kitchen cabinets are looking tired or boring, one of the easiest ways to give them new life is by upgrading the hardware. And mixed metal finishes are a gorgeous way to make a statement.

Blending complementary metals, textures, and styles creates visual interest, contrast, and depth. The mix of finishes gives kitchens a quality, timeless look that feels collected over time.

Why Mix Metal Finishes in Kitchen Hardware?

Hardware may seem like a small detail, but it makes a surprising impact. The right mixes, shapes, and placements can transform the look of your entire kitchen.

Adds Visual Interest

Mixing metal finishes breaks up the monotony of cabinets by adding eye-catching contrast. The blend of colors and textures creates a focal point for the room.

Creates Contrast and Depth

Varying metals make cabinets less flat and one-dimensional. The play of light on different finishes adds dimension and depth to the space.

Texture and Character

Mixing textured metals like brushed bronze and smooth chrome creates irresistible texture. The blend also feels collected and storied, adding character.

Timeless, Quality Look

Thoughtfully mixed metals have an heirloom quality feel, unlike trendy matchy-matchy hardware. The layered look gains character over time for timeless appeal.

Principles for Mixing Metal Finishes

Follow these guiding principles when playing mixologist with metal finishes:

Avoid Matching Metals

Skip pairing metals that are too similar, like brass and gold or chrome and stainless steel. The finishes compete instead of complement.

Opposing Finishes

For maximum contrast, blend opposite finishes like cool chrome with warm antique brass. Or combine matte black with glossy nickel.

One Finish, Mix Shapes

An easier approach is to stick to one finish but vary the hardware shapes and styles. Mixing modern knobs with traditional cup pullsunified by the same metal finish creates cohesion.

Complementary Metals

Finishes in related color families like bronze, copper and brass create harmony. Black and pewter play nicely too. Just don't over mix metals.

Where to Use Mixed Metals in Your Kitchen

Hardware is often overlooked as an opportunity to showcase mixed metals. Here are some prime spots:

Cabinet Pulls

Cabinet pulls steal the show and come in endless shape and finish options. Use statement pulls in contrasting or complementary metals to set the tone.

Cabinet Knobs

Traditional knobs offer versatile styling possibilities too - from sleek modern to elegant filigree and more. Group knobs in two tone-on-tone metals.

Drawer Pulls

Long bands of pulls are design powerhouses for mixing. Break up all that real estate with blocks of different metal finishes.

Appliance Handles

Swap out the standard stainless handles for custom options that coordinate with your hardware scheme. It makes appliances feel intentional.

Light Fixtures

Don't forget about metals beyond hardware - like light fixtures. Coordinating metals there enhance the mixed finish look.

Mixing Metals by Kitchen Size

Small Kitchens

In compact kitchens, limit yourself to one or two finishes. Small spaces can't handle too many competing metals.

Large Kitchens

With expansive cabinets and drawers, larger kitchens can handle more blended metals. Distribute a mix evenly for balance.

Mixing Metal Styles

Beyond color, mixing metal finishes is about varying style and texture too. Have fun blending not just metals but eras like:

Modern & Antique

The combo of contemporary matte black hardware with vintage brass pulls pops nicely. Both finishes are experiencing a major revival too.

Polished & Brushed

Playing polished nickel off rugged, brushed pewter adds appealing light contrasts and textural dimension.

Gold Tone & Silver Tone

Warm gold and champagne bronze finishes complement cool silvery mixes with gray undertones. The metallic mix feels luxe.

Matching Appliances & Fixtures

To make appliances, fixtures and hardware feel cohesive, echo metal finishes with coordinating:

Faucets

Faucets come in a range of on-trend metals to match your hardware mix - like matte black, champagne bronze, brushed nickel and more.

Pendant Lights

Over-island pendants can establish a color palette for hardware. Tie it together with metallic light fixtures.

Range Hood

Range hoods have become a focal appliance. Opt for a dramatic mixed metal one as your hardware inspiration.

Kitchen Sinks

Farmhouse sinks can even join the metal party with copper, hammered nickel and more on-trend alloy options.

When to Keep It Matchy

While mixed metals rock, too much variety can overwhelm a compact kitchen. Keep it simple with:

Same Finish for Whole Cabinet Run

On shorter cabinet runs maintain order by sticking to the same continuous finish. Contrasting metals sometimes work best on upper/lower splits.

Runs of 2-3 Mixed Knobs/Pulls

Another approach is to group coordinating mixed metals in rows of two or three for each type of hardware. It prevents chaos.

Mixing Metal Finishes Step-By-Step

Follow this fail-proof process when blending metal finishes:

Take Inventory of Existing Finishes

First, note finishes of existing fixtures and appliances you want hardware to coordinate with. This guides metal mixing.

Choose 2-4 Complementary Metals

Select two to four metal finishes in harmonizing or contrasting tones. Too many metals overwhelm.

Select Cabinet Areas for Each Metal

Strategically assign different metals to specific cabinets for balance. Upper cabinets can feature one tone, base cabinets another.

Install in Small Batches

Mix metals methodically in batches to ensure even distribution. Step back between phases to evaluate.

Step Back & Evaluate

Analyze the big picture before finalizing your mixed metals. Make sure the composition feels cohesive and balanced.

Inspiration for Mixed Metal Style

These stylish looks seamlessly blend mixed metal finishes:

Modern Glam

Sleek polished chrome pops against dark antiqued bronze finishes in handsome modern transitional spaces.

Industrial

The industrial look plays off rugged matte black iron handles against exposed stainless steel appliances.

Traditional

In traditional rooms, mix an heirloom patina like antique brass with contrasting modern brushed nickel.

Farmhouse

Chippy white cabinets grounded with vintage iron pulls exude cozy farmhouse charm when blended with oil-rubbed bronze.

Eclectic

For ultra-modern eclectic spaces, unconventional metals like smoked chrome and gun metal steel create an edgy vibe.

Mixed Metal Finishes for Every Budget

Find the perfect on-trend mix for your budget with:

Value Metals

Affordable metal mixes like stainless steel or aluminum paired with black iron pulls work in modern or industrial spaces.

Mid-Range Metals

For a quality blend that's still budget-friendly try mixing brushed nickel with antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze.

High-end metals like unlacquered brass, real bronze and luxe metals create next-level blending for upscale kitchens.

If your kitchen is ready for a mini makeover, don't overlook the power of hardware. Mixed metal finishes transform boring to bold. And following basic guiding principles ensures a cohesive composed look.

So embrace your inner mixologist. Blend, contrast and collect an alluring mix of metal finishes that tell a story. Then stand back and let your hardware become the kitchen's leading lady rather than the understudy.