Gone are the days of feeling like you need to match every single metal finish in your home perfectly. The hottest trend in interior design is the artful mixing of metals! When done correctly, it adds depth, interest, and a custom, collected-over-time look to your space. But how do you combine polished nickel, matte black, brass, and chrome without it looking like a mistake? Follow these simple rules.

The Golden Rules for Mixing Metals:

1. Choose a Dominant Metal: Start by selecting one primary metal that will make up about 70% of your hardware. This creates a cohesive base. This could be the finish on your door handles, cabinet pulls, or faucets.

2. Select a Secondary Accent: Choose a second metal to serve as an accent, making up about 20% of the finishes. This could be your light fixtures, bathroom accessories, or decorative elements.

3. Add a "Spark" Metal (Optional): A third metal can be introduced in very small doses (about 10%), like through picture frames, small décor items, or even the bolts on a light fixture, to add a layer of sophistication.

How to Make It Work: Pro Tips

• Tie It Together with Tone: The easiest way to mix is to stay within the same tone. Mix warm metals together (e.g., Brass, Gold, Copper, Black) or cool metals together (e.g., Chrome, Polished Nickel, Stainless Steel). For example, matte black (neutral) with brass (warm) is a classic, winning combination.

• Distribute with Intention: Don't cluster all of one finish together. Spread your accent metal throughout the room to create a balanced, intentional look. If you have brass cabinet pulls in the kitchen, repeat the brass in the pendant light over the island and again in a towel bar in the nearby bathroom.

• Finish is Your Friend: Mixing different finishes of the same metal is a foolproof strategy. Combine polished brass with brushed brass, or matte black with aged iron. This creates subtle variation without conflict.

Feeling inspired but need the perfect pieces to execute your vision? Explore our curated collection of hardware finishes at [Your Shop Name]. We provide the tools, and you get to be the artist.