Mixed Metal Kitchen Guide

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the place where everyone gathers, homework happens, food is shared and conversations take place. That’s exactly why it is one of the most popular rooms to remodel — and one of the most complicated. A lot of homeowners feel as though there is a lot riding on every decision. Each detail, from the layout to the wall color to the fixtures and finishes, can impact the overall look of the room.

Are you giving your home some updates? Do you hope you’ll end up with a kitchen that you and your family can enjoy for the long haul? If so, here’s a timeless idea to consider: Mixed metal.

What Is the Mixed Metal Look?

Every kitchen has at least some metal featured in the faucets, light fixtures, etc. Mixing metals involves using different — but complementary — metals in a single design. Rather than choosing a chrome kitchen faucet and chrome pendant lights to match your stainless-steel stove, for example, you can incorporate two or three metals to use throughout the space.

Why Mix Metals?

A kitchen that is “matchy-matchy” does not create the same layered, high-end look that mixed metals can. Incorporating various metals allows you to use one statement piece as a focal point in the room — say, a copper range hood or bold satin brass pendant lights — instead of blending everything together. Mixed metals help a new kitchen feel a little more historical and timeless. Additionally, certain styles, such as farmhouse, are all about mixing new and old features to create a custom feel.

How Can You Mix Metals Appropriately?

While mixing metals can help create a layered, cohesive kitchen style, it only works when you do it thoughtfully. To design a space that you’ll be happy raising your kids in, here are some tips for mixing metals intentionally:

1. Don’t overdo it. A little contrast is eye-catching and interesting; too much, on the other hand, tends to overwhelm a design and muddy the look. Generally speaking, you want to stick to two or three metals in the kitchen. Note, however, that iron can be considered neutral and, in some cases, so can stainless steel. 
2. Make one metal the star of the show. When it comes to metals, every kitchen needs a primary material that’s used most often. Don’t pick two contrasting metals and make them compete with each other for top billing; rather, make one the dominant choice, and let one or two others complement it. 
3. Alternate the lights. If your space has both a chandelier and pendant lights, don’t match them. Contrast their metals to help the space feel more collected and intentionally designed.

Renovating the kitchen is a great opportunity to make your home more functional and turn one of the most heavily used rooms in your home into a space that feels more organized and purposeful. If you’re looking to update your kitchen, try mixing metals in the design.

To learn more about how to achieve the perfect blend, take a look at the accompanying resource, which highlights eight tips for blending metals in a way that you and your whole household will enjoy.

AUTHOR BIO: Carmen Fiordirosa is Vice President of Marketing for Gerber, a manufacturer of high-quality kitchen and bathroom plumbing products. Fiordirosa, who has more than 18 years of experience in the marketing industry, focuses on earning the trust of trade professionals and homeowners alike who find value in products that have both style and substance.

Infographic created by Gerber.