To reface or replace?

Do you need to match metals?

Quick answer, no! Simply put there is no designing rule stating you have to match your metal finishes in a room. For instance, your hardware if oil rubbed bronze does not have to match your satin nickel faucet! Wait, mixing metals? You bet! When you have more than one finish in your kitchen it helps create a unique, collected space rather than creating a space that looks like every other kitchen. However, don't go crazy! Here are some golden rules and guides to follow so that your selections don't overpower the overall look of your space.

No More than 3 

When mixing and matching metal finishes you do not want to exceed 3 finishes in one space. With more than 3 it can often overpower and become distracting. Determine your main finish and then choose 1-2 finishes to accent around it.

For example, if your main finish is oil rubbed bronze, add pops of copper, satin nickel or flat black to your light fixtures or faucets to create focal points. Determine where you want the pop to be! 

Keep them on the Same Plan
Break your kitchen into three different visual plans. Shown below we created three separate horizontal plans to a particular space. You can see a lower, middle and the upper section. Each plan has a different finish within them. The main goal is not to have your different finishes necessarily side by side, but rather far enough apart to create a visual pop rather than confusion. This space has three different finishes. It may seem like a lot but if spaced out in different plans the pops of color and contrast adds visual focal points.  



Power in Numbers
Another good rule is to separate your finishes by category. Typically the cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixtures would be your main categories for a space. For a kitchen, cabinet hardware will out number the other two selections. So with that in mind having a pop of contrast would be more successful on the categories with fewer numbers.

3 different metal finishes. Brass light fixtures, black cabinet
hardware, satin nickle faucet. 

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One metal finish throughout brass.

With these rules it can be easy to mix and match like a pro! However if you need advise or would like to discuss your plans with a cabinet designer or our hardware specialist, call to schedule an appointment!