Metals In Interior Design

Are you ready to elevate your interior design game? One of the hottest trends in the world of interior design is mixing metals. Gone are the days of sticking to just one metal finish throughout your home; now, it's all about creating a dynamic and personalised look by combining different metals in your colour scheme. So, how do you pull off this trend. Let's dive in!
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1. Start with a Base Metal: Begin by choosing a dominant metal that will serve as the foundation of your design. This could be the finish of your light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or furniture legs. Popular base metals include stainless steel, brushed nickel, and matte black.
2. Add Contrast with Complementary Metals: Once you have your base metal, it's time to add contrast and visual interest with complementary metals. For example, if your base metal is stainless steel, consider adding warmth with brass or copper accents. These contrasting metals will create depth and dimension in your space. My go to is always base it with black, I am not a huge fan of gold and silvers together.
3. Balance is Key: While mixing metals, it's important to maintain balance. Aim for a mix of approximately 70% of your dominant metal and 30% of your complementary metals. This will ensure that your design feels cohesive and intentional.
4. Consider the Overall Aesthetic: When choosing which metals to mix, consider the overall aesthetic of your space. For a contemporary look, opt for sleek and minimalist metals like chrome and silver. For a more traditional feel, brass and gold accents can add warmth and sophistication.
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There are several metal colours you can use to create different effects and styles. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Silver/Chrome: Silver finishes, including chrome, are sleek and modern. They add a reflective quality to a space, making it feel brighter and more spacious. Chrome finishes are often used in contemporary and minimalist designs.
2. Gold/Brass: Gold and brass finishes bring warmth and luxury to a room. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, especially in traditional or vintage-inspired designs. These finishes work well as accents or statement pieces.
3. Copper: Copper finishes have a rich, reddish-brown colour that adds warmth and character to a space. Copper is often used in rustic or industrial designs, but it can also be used in more modern settings to create a bold contrast.
4. Bronze: Bronze finishes have a deep, brownish hue that adds a sense of history and tradition to a room. Bronze is often used in classical or Old World designs, but it can also be used in contemporary settings to add a touch of warmth and sophistication.
5. Black: Black metal finishes, such as wrought iron or matte black, are versatile and can be used in a variety of design styles. They add a sense of drama and contrast to a space and can help anchor lighter colour schemes.
6. Gunmetal: A colour that resembles the metal used to make gun barrels. It is a dark grey colour with a slightly bluish or purplish tint. Gunmetal is often used in interior design to add a touch of sophistication and drama to a space. Perfect for a more masculine space!
7. Brushed Nickel: It is a muted, silver-toned colour that has been brushed with a fine abrasive to create a textured appearance. This finish gives the metal a soft, matte sheen and a slightly warm undertone, making it a versatile choice for a variety of design styles. My favourite!
8. White: the name says it all, this looks stunning in the right application and paired with cabinetry handles and fixtures. You could powder coat really any colour you want at a cost $$$
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Along with the colours, you have so many options of how the metal is finished. Here are some common ones:

1. Polished: A polished metal finish is smooth and shiny, reflecting light to create a bright and glamorous look. This finish is often used in contemporary and modern designs to add a sleek and luxurious touch. However, polished finishes can show fingerprints and scratches more easily than other finishes.
2. Brushed: A brushed metal finish is achieved by brushing the metal surface with a fine abrasive material, creating a subtle texture and matte appearance. This finish is popular in both modern and traditional designs, as it adds warmth and character to metal surfaces while also being more resistant to fingerprints and scratches than polished finishes. Perfect for family homes and sticky fingers!
3. Antique or Patina: An antique or patina finish is achieved by applying a chemical treatment to the metal surface, creating a weathered or aged appearance. This finish is often used to add a rustic or vintage look to interior designs, and can be found in finishes like antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze.
4. Matte: A matte metal finish has a flat, non-reflective surface, offering a modern and understated look. This finish is often used in minimalist designs, as it provides a clean and simple aesthetic. Matte finishes are also more resistant to fingerprints and scratches than polished finishes.
5. Hammered: A hammered metal finish is created by striking the metal surface with a hammer, creating a textured and uneven appearance. This finish adds a handcrafted and artisanal look to metal surfaces, and is often used in rustic or industrial designs.
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Avoid mixing metals that are too similar in tone, like brushed brass with polished gold or brushed nickel with polished chrome as they can clash or look unintentional. Black is always to safe option if you can't match materials all the same - this may be used in mirror frames, lighting or accessories. Styling products are a great way to add the secondary finish so it links together with the scheme.

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Mixing metals is a stylish and creative way to add depth and personality to your interior design. It's a hard to mix metals and needs to be thought out well before trying. Consider the overall style and mood you want to create. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek look or a more traditional, warm feel, there is a metal finish to suit your taste and style. Go ahead, experiment with different metal finishes, and let your personality shine through!