Why the Mixed Metals Home Decor Trend is Here to Stay

Gone are the days of all monochromatic metals and matching fixtures. Interior designers and DIY enthusiasts alike are embracing mixed metals in every room from the entryway to the kitchen. In fact, mixed metals landed on the 2018 Pinterest 100 list released earlier this year.

Mixed metals is a home decor trend that’s here to stay. Not only are there tons of easy DIY tutorials to help you update the current metals in your home (hint: spray paint is your best friend), but mixing metal finishes is also a budget-friendly option because it doesn’t require you to purchase new fixtures or furniture every time you want to update a space.

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When it comes to mixing metals, bathrooms and kitchens are the most popular rooms–most likely because they have the most fixtures. But you can also use mixed metals in bedrooms, entryways, and more. Today as part of our Color Files series, we’re sharing some of our favorite mixed metal spaces and how to achieve a similar look in your own home.

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Mixed Metals in the Bathroom

The first design trick to remember is that matte black goes with everything. From brass and copper to brushed nickel and silver, matte black looks good with all metal finishes.

Need proof? Just take a look at the bathrooms showcased below. Gold vanity lights combined with a black faucet or cabinet hardware add sophistication and glamour to the space.

Master Bathroom Update via A Place of My Taste

DIY Bathroom Reveal via The Painted Hive

DIY Faux Gold Mirror via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body for Remodelaholic

Bathroom Makeover Reveal via IHeartOrganizing

Mixed Metals in the Kitchen

When mixing metals in the kitchen, appliances do not need to match fixtures or other room accents. We repeat: kitchen appliances do not have to match your fixtures. While it’s still standard to purchase matching kitchen appliances, there’s no reason you need to coordinate your fixtures.

An easy and fun way to break up the metal accents in your kitchen is to choose a range hood or overhead lighting in a different finish than your appliances. Copper or gold fixtures pair nicely with stainless steel appliances. Bring in other metal finishes with bowls, pots and pans, or drawer pulls as seen in the kitchens below.

Mixing Metal Kitchen Finishes via BHG

Fixer Upper The Ramsey House via Magnolia

Copper +Silver Mixed Metals Kitchen via BHG

Fixer Upper The Carriage House via Magnolia

Mixed Metals in the Bedroom

You can’t go wrong pairing metal finishes that contrast with each other. The easiest way to do this is to combine a cool metal with warm metal. Try silver, chrome, or brushed nickel for your cool metal and gold, copper, or brass for your warm metal.

Some classic metallic combos include silver and gold, nickel and silver, and copper and iron. Subtle metallic touches found on the lamps, furniture, and wall decor in the bedrooms below illustrate the cohesive flow contrasting metals provide.

Fixer Upper The Americana House via Magnolia

Bedroom Refresh via A Place of My Taste

Bedroom in Tribeca Town Home via Elite Building Group 

Mixed Metals in the Entryway

Hate the metal finish of your chandelier, door knobs, or door hardware? Use metallic spray paint to change the metal finish on a home decor item. Your entryway chandelier and front door hardware are both great places to try out this transformation.

Check out Corey from Sawdust 2 Stiches‘ tried and tested method to upgrade door knobs with spray paint. Or take a que from Corey W at TinySidekick and DIY your own Hemmeli Hurricane Pendant Light. 

Light Fixture Makeover via Bless’er House

Entryway Closets that Gather Everything You Need via BHG

How to Style a Small Entryway via Lolly Jane

Below, we’ve rounded up decor items, lighting, and fixtures to help you achieve the mixed metals style in your own home. Simply click any of the images below to learn more about each item. You may have to double-tap on mobile.

More decorating and design tips:

Tips for decorating with warm metals in modern decor

Tips for decorating with neutrals and mixed metals

Tips for mixing wood tones

Choosing a paint color that works with wood tones

Published: May 4, 2018Filed Under: Design Inspiration Tagged: color files, copper, gold, metallics, mixed metals, silver

About Clarissa Earl

Clarissa is a wife and stepmom embracing life in the Land of Enchantment. She works as a nonprofit communication specialist by day and blogger by night. Some of her favorite things are Dr. Pepper, green chile, baseball, country music, and her yellow lab.