How to Mix Metals For a Luxe Look

The mixing metals trend continues to grow as homeowners realize how simple, sophisticated combinations elevate the aesthetic by introducing color and texture. To get this luxe look, selections should appear intentionally curated to strike the right balance. Here is a guide on how to choose wisely and mix metals harmoniously. 

Why is Mixing Metals so Effective? 

Interior design trends have shifted significantly away from monochromatic, minimalist palettes in favor of rich aesthetics. Mixing metals offers color, texture and warmth, all while drawing the eye to the right spot in a pleasantly balanced design. 

“Mixing metals adds depth and interest to a room. By tying in more metals in different areas, you’re creating a cohesive flow that keeps things dynamic without feeling too scattered,” says Knikki Kennedy Grantham, creative director for Keeler Brass Company. 

“For example, if you use a brass light fixture above a kitchen island and tie in brushed nickel or matte black cabinet hardware, it creates a beautiful contrast. The mix feels intentional rather than chaotic. Centralizing mixed metals in the hardware, like light fixtures, cabinet pulls, or even accent pieces, helps to ground the space while giving it an edgy, modern vibe,” she says. 

Limit Choices and Pick the Right Placement 

Mixing metals yields a warm, textured aesthetic, but it is important to remember that you can have too much of a good thing. Similarly, metals need to be paired and placed strategically. 

Choose two metals only, or possibly three if the area is large, but don’t split metals in equal halves or thirds. 

If you are pairing two metals, which is the most common practice, assign 60-70 percent to the dominant metal, with the remainder to accents. If you choose three metals, use a similar approach as you would with paint color application to achieve visual balance. The 60:30:10 rule is a good guideline, where a dominant color occupies 60 percent of the space, 30 percent as a secondary color and 10 percent as an accent. 

How does this work? To apply this in the kitchen, choose a dominant metal, which might be on the range hood, appliances and light fixtures, with the hardware in a secondary metal, and small accents in a third metal. In a bathroom, you might have plumbing fixtures in one metal, with mirrors and other accents in another metallic finish. It’s good practice to have fixtures with similar use in the same finish, such as a tub filler and a showerhead in a shower/tub combo.  

Ensure that metals are spread out in a room, rather than in clusters. Be mindful of the size and scale of various fixtures and incorporate that into the overall balance.  

Mixing Metals to Add Textural Layers 

One of the biggest benefits of mixing metals is how they enrich the visual/tactile experience. Amp up visual variety even more by incorporating different textured finishes.  

“Keep texture in mind to create intentional contrast. Mix textures within the same metal family for a dynamic look, such as hammered, polished, and matte,” says designer Kathy Kuo of Kathy Kuo Home.  

Kuo states that mixing metallic textures functions similarly to layering fabrics and upholsteries to bring warmth to a space. The goal is a cohesive, not competitive design.  Think about shapes and lines offered by textural finishes and then layer them intentionally to complement each other. 

Look for Undertones 

Beyond the color of a particular metal finish, be aware of temperature undertones that are present, and may seem even more prominent when placed in contrast with other colors, possibly altering your intended aesthetic. 

For example, gold, copper and brass have warm, orange/red undertones, while stainless steel, chrome and nickel have blue undertones, making them cooler. Be aware of this if you plan to mix warm and cool undertoned metals. One strategy is to dress a room in cool metals, with a focal point, such as a statement light fixture, placed prominently to infuse warmth. 

Mixing Metal Inspiration 

Before you pick your metals, determine what the overall aesthetic of the room will be and choose a dominant metal that will set the style tone. Are you going for contemporary, traditional, transitional or thinking about sub-trends, such as Quiet Luxury? Certain metals are associated with specific aesthetics, with contemporary and modern tapping into stainless steel, chrome and nickel, while more traditional looks use brass, gold and pewter.  

If you aren’t sure, staying with a neutral is a safe bet, such as matte black, gun metal or iron, and then branching out from there. 

“I lean towards using black to ground more vibrant metals like polished nickel and polished or satin brass.,” says Kennedy Grantham, 

Kennedy Grantham encourages homeowners to drill down the details for the most dramatic effect, such as layering hardware with backplates, for subtle, but noticeable contrast. 

Other unexpected, but effective ways to mix metals are with backsplash, furnishings, kick plates, range knobs and accents. 

There are lots of effective combinations for mixing metals, but here are some popular pairings: 

Matte Black and Gold

This creates a classic contrast and is trending in a number of areas in the home, including in kitchens, with matte black appliances, with gold hardware and trim. 

Satin Bronze and Polished Nickel or Polished Chrome 

Satin bronze is replacing satin brass, particularly in bathroom trends. Pairing satin bronze with polished nickel or polished chrome is a good choice to balance cool and warm undertones and is popular in transitional aesthetics.  

Satin Bronze and Aged Brass 

If you want to complement metals rather than contrast, and seek an earthy, vintage aesthetic, the combo of satin bronze and aged brass is appealing.  

Gunmetal and Polished Nickel or Polished Chrome 

Gunmetal offers industrial grit, and works as an excellent neutral, while the bling of polished nickel or polished chrome make this pairing a good choice for contemporary, minimalist styles.