Mixing Metals: The Do's & Don'ts For Your Home Remodel

There are some things that just don't go together. Oil and water. Orange juice and toothpaste. The big question in today's home improvement market though, can you mix metals in your home remodeling project? The answer is absolutely YES! Mixing metals, when done with intent is a great strategy to use to add visual interest and character to your room design. With so many popular material choices, the possibilities are outstanding. Silver, gold, brass, iron, or matte black (just to name a few) can be harmoniously paired together creating a layered and eclectic look as long as you do it right. Here are the dos and don'ts of mixing metals to get you inspired.

DO: Choose A Dominant Metal

You will want to choose one metal that you love to be the most prominent finish in the overall design concept for your remodel. Then select one or two other metals to be accents. A similar concept to choosing paint color schemes and having an accent wall in your room. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with stainless steel or nickel as the dominant finish, consider adding in a brushed gold pendant light or even a champagne bronze chandelier. Maybe you lean towards having a white and gold look already. Try bringing in a chrome table to create a metallic balance.

A room where the metals are split equally 50 / 50 or even in perfect thirds can feel unfocused. Even a bit chaotic to some. According to Better Homes & Gardens, "Aim to have your dominant metal make up approximately 60-75% of the finishes in the room." You should immediately be able to tell what the primary color is when you walk into the room. The role of your other finishes is to complement it.

DON'T: Be Afraid Of Mixing Warm & Cool Tones

Gold, copper, brass, and nickel are considered warm metals, while silver, stainless steel, and chrome are cool. Many Arizona homeowners believe that matching your finishes is the best way to coordinate the look in their kitchen or bathroom remodel, but in reality, it can evoke a very monotone vibe and worse yet create a dated look. Instead, try placing a warm metal with a cool to create a rich pop of color. Contrast is key!

Matte black is considered fairly neutral and can be used in a wide array of settings to add distinction as well.

DO: Consider The Color Palette Of The Room

No one said that you had to paint, but if you're picking metals, it's recommended that you use warm metals with warm hues. Just to recap, warm metals would be brass, copper, nickel, etc. These are best paired with warm hues such as beiges, browns, and whites. When using cool metals like chrome, they are best with cool hues such as blues, greens, and grays.

Now I'm sure you're wondering, what about neutrals? Metallic accents will add warmth and color to your neutral-toned space.

DON'T: Forget About Texture

Incorporating texture can make all the difference in a room with mixed metals. We're talking matte, hammered, weathered, and glossy to take your home improvement design to the next level.

DO: Distribute The Metals Around

You'll want to spread the various metals or finishes around the space creating a balanced harmony throughout. The one way that you can throw off your eclectic design is by clumping too much of one color together. Thus they begin to fight for attention and take your eye off of where the focal point really is.

Tip: Whether you are doing a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation, choose your cabinet hardware in your primary finish, while using the faucet or light fixture(s) to show off your accent finish.

DON'T: Choose Based On Current Trends

Your home should reflect your personal taste and style. If you love nickel, don't feel pressured to choose a brushed gold or any other color as your dominant finish just because it is on trend in that moment. Choose finishes for your kitchen or bathroom remodel that reflects your personality. At the end of the day, if you love the result, that is all that matters!

DO: Accessorize

Still too scared to go all out with your finishes? Start small using accessories. They are a great way to ease into it without the big commitment.

Be mindful not to introduce only one piece of chrome for example in a room full of brass. You want your accessory to be purposeful, not like it was placed in there by mistake. You can avoid this by sprinkling in a multitude of smaller accessories in different finishes. A few key special placement areas in the kitchen might be as table centerpieces, displays on open shelving, or within your glassware.

DON'T: Get Overwhelmed

Let's start by covering the main finishes ….

• Chrome
• Polished Chrome
• Satin Nickel
• Brushed Nickel
• Polished Nickel
• Copper
• Oil-Rubbed Bronze
• Brass
• Antique Brass
• Satin Brass
• Polished Brass
• Matte Black
• Satin Black
• Gloss Black
• Gold
• Antique Gold
• Brushed Champagne
• Satin Champagne
• Champagne Bronze
• Metallics
• And More!

Ok, it's easy to tell someone not to get overwhelmed with that long of a list, but let's face it, this can seem like quite a daunting task. Luckily, there are experienced designers that can work with you to create the perfect atmosphere for your home.

DO: Keep it Subtle

While mixing your metals adds a dynamic touch to your otherwise symmetrical room, you never want them to compete for attention. If your room is in need of a neutralizer, consider bringing in a wood or iron element. They can add to the overall design without clashing with your metals. The goal of your space is to look put together and effortless.

DON'T: Go Completely Random

Mixing finishes and textures may seem totally random, but is does take some planning and structure to create that perfect look. Only bring in elements to your kitchen or bathroom remodel that play a particular role in the overall design – design with intent.

DO: Use In A Minimalist Design

Just because you love a minimalist design, doesn't mean that you have to forgo using multiple metals. If the space is clean and simple, just the way you like it, picture using powder-coated metals in whites and blacks and incorporating a vintage metal statement piece to add dimension.

DON'T: Go Overboard

Play around with the metals in your space to find the perfect balance, but be careful not to go overboard during your Phoenix home remodel. Start with mixing 2. I mean, there is always a potential and real possibility to bring in a 3rd as a statement piece of sorts in a larger space, but two is a great place to start. Pairing a prominent metal and an accent metal will have your home looking chic in no time.

More often than not, homeowners want to know which metals work best together. The answer is easy. They all can go together beautifully when you have a clear design plan in place. There is no magic in being matchy-matchy with your kitchen or bathroom remodel design. The same holds true for accessories, textures, and furnishings.

Hopefully, these do's and don'ts have your creative juices flowing and inspired to amp up your room's design palette with mixed metals. At the end of the day, it's not about "if" they go together, rather that they are each a thoughtful addition to your remodeling design scheme.

When you're ready to remodel ….

TWD, an award-winning remodel contractor in the Phoenix market has all of the key components to make your next remodeling project a success. They …

• Have been in business since 1996.
• Have an interactive design showroom showcasing the latest trends and quality material selections.
• Have on-staff designers that not only are experienced in remodeling but also have a background in interior design.
• Have hundreds of 5-star reviews from Arizona homeowners they've worked with.
• Have a web-based project management software system that every homeowner has access to 24/7/365 to stay 100% connected to their remodeling project.

TWD has been honored to work on remodeling and home repair projects of all complexities over their 25+ years in business including full home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinetry, drywall, painting, stucco, and more. The staff is diversified in their expertise and dedication to providing quality service on every job no matter the size. For more information on the services they offer or to request your appointment, simply visit www.twdaz.com or search TWDAZ today.