Mix and Match: Creating a Cohesive Look with Different Hardware Finishes

Mix and Match: Creating a Cohesive Look with Different Hardware Finishes

One of the most exciting and creative facets of interior design is the ability to blend various elements to craft a harmonious and captivating space. A prime area for this creativity is in the use of metals and finishes. Gone are the days of uniform metal finishes throughout your home; contemporary design trends embrace the fusion of different metals and finishes to achieve a unique and personalized look. We’re here to walk you through the art of mixing metals and finishes to create a cohesive and stunning design.

Mixing Metals Like a Professional

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing metals. To help you achieve a modern look, we’re here to offer our favorite tips for mixing and matching metal finishes like a designer. Before you get started mixing different metals and finishes, we recommend establishing a solid foundation. Consider your space’s existing color scheme, style, and overall aesthetic. This foundation will guide you in choosing metals and finishes that best complement your design. Here’s what you need to know about building on that foundation.

Select a Dominant Metal:

Choose a dominant metal to serve as the primary focus and set the tone for your space. Popular choices include stainless steel, brass, or black iron. Use this metal for larger fixtures and elements such as cabinet handles, faucets, and lighting fixtures.

Provide Balance with Complementary Metals:

Introduce complementary metals that contrast with the dominant one to add visual interest and depth. For instance, if stainless steel is your dominant metal, incorporate complementary metals like solid brass to add warmth and character.

Stick to a Color Palette:

Maintain design cohesion by adhering to a specific color palette, selecting metals and finishes within a certain color range. For a warm, inviting space, use metals with warm tones like gold, copper, and brass. For a cooler, contemporary look, opt for metals with cool tones such as chrome, nickel, or silver.

Use Different Textures: 

Enhance your design by mixing different finishes, such as matte, polished, brushed, and even semi-precious stones and Murano glass. This adds depth and dimension to a space. For example, pair polished brass cabinet knobs with matte black drawer pulls to create a dynamic and intriguing space.

Think About Proportions:

Balance and proportion are crucial when mixing metals and finishes. Use each metal and finish in appropriate proportions throughout the room to avoid overwhelming the space with one metal. Evenly distributed metals and finishes help you achieve a sense of balance and harmony throughout the home.

Location, Location, Location:

Take the room’s purpose into account when mixing metals and finishes. In a kitchen or bathroom, we recommend prioritizing durability and ease of cleaning. In living rooms or bedrooms, you can easily focus more on aesthetics and incorporate a wider range of metals and finishes.


Mixing metals and finishes is an excellent way to inject personality and style into your home. By following our tips and staying true to your vision, you can create a cohesive and stunning space that reflects your unique taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy exploring the possibilities of metal and finish combinations we offer at Deco & Deco.

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