Need Advice on Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

8 years ago

I'm building a home in which I've chosen chrome faucets, a white apron-front farm sink, quartzite countertops with blue-grays and some jade-like greens in spots (very light), cloudy gray subway tile for backsplash and white cabinets. I want to warm it up with some brass pendant lights for the island and possibly a brass pot filler. Would this look crazy or would it actually warm the space up and add some interest?? Also, what should I do about drawer and cabinet pulls? Help!

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PRO

User

8 years ago

Well. if you follow trends, then only mix metal finishes that are easy to change later. And aren't expensive to change. Like knock off lighting. Faucets and pulls are more long lived. But, scale back the scale from the giant oversized lights that have seemed to dominate people's Pins for the last 7-8 years. Scale can only be ignored as a room element for a while, but it always comes back to bite you.

Giant brass everything is only popular now because of the very cold white and gray look that people feel is lacking in warmth. Because it is. That gray/white trend is changing too. Warm woods are making a great deal of headway in the style setting locations. And modern, not transitional, designs. Warm wood slab cabinets are the next hot thing. Like a mix of 60's -80's, but with less pop art influence. More Zen Modern. If you are interested in trends and want to get ahead of them.

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Comments (9)

P Banos
8 years ago
I'd pick a satin brass, or antiqued, or a bronze finish. Pick a major and an accent finish. The major could include the drawer pulls.
Bree Donohoo
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the advice! I did pick an antique, brushed brass. What do you think of copper? And also, would you go for chrome or brushed brass for the drawer/cabinet pulls/knobs? I'm too torn to make a decision.
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P Banos
8 years ago
I'd want to see a photo. Look at photos and see what attracts your eye. I'd say the gold fixtures are a bit more trendy, the chrome more traditional.

Kitchens with brass/copper lights:

Moody Blues · More Info

Advanced Renovation Projects · More Info

And here with gold pulls:

Portfolio · More Info

Barton Hills · More Info

Elegant Colonial · More Info
sofikbr
8 years ago
I think it is fine mixing finishes, but chrome faucets in kitchen too much maitanance anyway. So select brushed brass for pulls, light and faucets. Just don't go with huge pendants, this trend will not live long...
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
8 years ago
Diversity may be the spice of life, but consistency is happiness over the long haul. Translation: don't mix metal finishes!
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
8 years ago
How long does a "trend" last? Curious minds want to know...:-)
P Banos
8 years ago
Umm, I guess from a couple of months to a couple hundred (thousand?) years, depending.

I agree about the ginormous lamps, but think mixing metals is fine. And I like that brass is making a comeback. When I see all the brushed stainless doorknobs everywhere looks like my office.
PRO
Anglophilia
8 years ago
I have no trouble with the lights and pulls being another metal, but I'd keep the pot filler the same metal as the faucet.