Mix more than cake mix in the kitchen by mixing metal finishes.
Whether you are remodeling, building or just making a few updates in your kitchen, don’t overthink metal finishes. I can understand when pulling together appliances, door hinges, door knobs, faucets, cabinet door pulls or knobs, light fixtures and a sink can be overwhelming.
Many times a person will decide on one colorway, whether it is in silver, gold, bronze or black tones. However, considering you will be selecting from several vendors, they don’t have a consistent color tone. I find this is monotonous and not only looks like someone tried too hard, but it just looks off balanced. Contrasting metal finishes can really work well together.
Let’s start with the largest metal object, the appliances. I can remember when popular appliances were avocado or sunflower. Many people will select stainless. This brushed silver tone is a nice neutral, warm finish that can work with just about anything. Your cabinet maker can make cabinet fronts for your dishwasher or refrigerator. Then you wouldn’t have a metal to consider in that respect.
A stainless sink is also the most popular. Although porcelain, cast iron and resin sinks are also an option.
Door hinges and door knobs or levers come in a variety of finish colors. And many times, these different color times can come in polished or brushed. I find that polished finishes tend to be more contemporary, where the brushed tines are more traditional. This is usually where the quandary begins. Oil-rubbed bronze was very popular for many years. Black or brushed nickel are now just as popular.
Many kitchens have an island or even a peninsula. And these area usually have pendant lights that hang over. There might also be an attached breakfast room that will have a hanging chandelier. Some fixtures are made from wood, but many are also made with metal.
Faucets have become much more of a statement piece in the kitchen. And if your island or peninsula doesn’t have a raised bar, the sink is more visible than it used to be. You will find many finishes to select from. There are even mixed metal finishes where faucets are concerned.
I enjoy selecting cabinet hardware. The cabinet door hinges are mostly concealed the days. However, your doors and drawers will need a handle or a knob. Not only can you contrast your hardware from the other metal finishes, you can use a combination of handles and knobs. I like to think of kitchen cabinetry as furniture and select hardware that might have the characteristics of a dresser in a bedroom.
Have fun with it, Be inspired with images of kitchens that you like.
