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Editor's Note: I am building a house. When I look at current trends, most kitchens now add one or two design elements. Like most, I was buying stainless faucets, stainless cabinet pulls, and stainless pendants. I like the mix better. It adds personality to your space. Think about it.
Can you mix finishes? The answer is an enthusiastic YES! I love the creativity it takes to use this design technique. Look at it as a "feel thing" when you are designing the lighting in a room. Today, the rules are to be broken! I will show you some awesome rule breaking kitchens I love.
Shoes don’t have to "match" the bag and lights don’t have to "match" the faucet!
But seriously, the current trend is to mix the metals. Here is another: the return of polished brass. The 1980s predominant and classic New England finish is back.
Kitchens
Here is another trend, polished brass fixture in black for lighting.
How about polished, antique, and white in one kitchen.
Most of you are probably more comfortable with antique and one other design element in the kitchen.
How about pairing a satin faucet with a black chandelier?
Savoy House "Spinnaker Lantern" - $349
Bathrooms
Bathrooms have the same ability to break the rules and get creative with texture, color, and style boxes. This contemporary bath with a chrome faucet has the modern bath bar in the industrial finish to complement the mirror and countertop.
Troy B1713 bath bar - $429
One of my clients was great enough to let me use her bath as an example for NOT matching the faucet finish but we did the bronze mirror and light to celebrate the warm tones of the walls and floor.
A beautiful and bright way to bring a brassy tone in with lights is to complement the bath accessories.
Visual Comforts "Vendome" - $189
This beautiful bath has a satin nickel faucet with the bronze table and lights which complement the warm natural stone top.
Norwell "Matthew" - $143
There are many different combinations of mixing finishes. Here is a bath with a similar faucet and light but the mirror complements the tile.
Uttermost "Matteo" Mirror - $414
Currey and Co. Regatta - $440
Conclusion
The design trend now is white cabinets and gray granite. Everyone likes it (including my boss). The only way to personalize that or the next trend is to mix metals and finishes for a unique space.
So think about adding some copper, brass (not sold on polished yet), black, and chrome instead of only defaulting to stainless. You will have a much more personalized and warmer kitchen and bath.
Additional Resources
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