Contrasting Metal Finishes for Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Pulls
Kitchen cabinet pulls come in a variety of metal finishes, from brushed nickel to oil-rubbed bronze. But recently, interior designers have embraced a trend that takes mixing metals to the next level: utilizing pulls and knobs with contrasting and complementary metal finishes together to add visual interest and bring eclectic style to kitchen cabinetry.
The Evolution of Mixed Metal Finishes in Kitchen Design
Mixing metal finishes for hardware and fixtures is not an entirely new concept in interior design. But this trend has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade thanks to several factors:
- Greater range of metal finish options on the market, from standard choices like nickel and stainless steel to unique artisan finishes like galvanized steel and forged iron.
- Shift towards more personalized, eclectic home styles where combining a mix of finishes fits the aesthetic.
- Ability to coordinate metals with the sleek finishes of modern appliances and fixtures for a cohesive look.
- More durable protective seals allowing for mixes of finish types that previously could not withstand moisture, heat, cleaning, and wear-and-tear.
As this design trend continues gaining momentum, the possibilities for imaginative mixed metal combinations are endless for kitchen cabinet hardware.
Mixing Metal Finishes Creates Dimension and Interest
Using cabinet pulls in mixed metal finishes is an easy way to add personality and dimension to your kitchen design. Combining finishes like matte black pulls against brass knobs or pairing chrome with bronze handles creates depth and contrast. Mixing metal finishes draws the eye around the kitchen, highlighting different elements like floating shelves, appliance panels, and the island.
Contrasting Textures Builds Visual Interest
An appealing aspect of mixed metal cabinet pulls is the ability to play with different metal textures. Mixing smooth stainless steel bar pulls on upper cabinets with hammered copper pulls below makes use of contrast to add design interest. Or combine the rugged, variegated look of oil-rubbed bronze with the smooth simplicity of nickel or stainless steel.
Complementary Finishes Tie the Design Together
While contrast has its merits, don't overlook the value of complementary mixed metals. Warm metal finishes like antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and aged copper work beautifully together. Their similar undertones tie the whole kitchen design together. Or pull chrome and stainless steel together for a sleek, modern kitchen aesthetic.
Varying Proportions Catch the Eye
An impactful use of mixed metals is to install pulls of varying sizes and shapes on kitchen cabinetry. Oversized black iron pulls on base cabinets contrast dramatically with delicate brass knobs on the uppers. Using mixed proportions is an easy route to a statement-making style.
Choosing Metal Finishes for Intentional, Cohesive Combinations
With the vast range of available finishes, selecting the right metals to mix and match can feel overwhelming. Follow these expert tips when planning your combinations:
Limit Combos to 2 or 3 Finishes
Resist choosing too many competing finishes. The visual impact lies in bold contrasts between 2 or 3 signature metals instead of a confusing array of several.
Consider Undertones and Styles
Combine cool tones like stainless steel with other sleek silvers and grays for modern spaces, while warmer antique golds and coppers pair better with traditional design. Don't mix an overtly modern black stainless finish with traditional oiled bronze.
Coordinate Metals with Other Features
If your kitchen utilizes mixed metals on pendant lights or appliances, echo one or two of those in your hardware for continuity. Or ifyou have mainly neutral cabinet colors, choose metals with some color depth like brass and copper.
Factors to Consider When Mixing Metal Finishes
Successfully blending a mix of metal cabinet pull finishes requires a bit of finesse. As you plan your combination, keep the following style factors in mind:
Modern Style Looks Best with Sleek Finishes
The clean lines of contemporary and modern kitchen designs shine with mixed metals like stainless steel, chrome, nickel, and matte black. These smooth, neutral metal finishes complement the pared-down aesthetic of modern style.
Traditional Kitchens Suit Classic Finishes
For traditional home interiors, match metal finishes to the overall classic style like antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, aged copper, and pewter. Wrought iron black pulls also look fabulous against cream cabinetry in old-world style kitchens.
Eclectic Style Loves Unexpected Mixed Metals
Got an eclectic or vintage-inspired kitchen? This is the perfect opportunity to get creative and unexpected with your mixed metals. Aged brass, copper, and paint-flecked iron suit shabby chic style. Or go super unique with rose gold, mercury glass, and galvanized steel in your mismatched bohemian kitchen.
Placement Principles for Cohesive Appeal
Well-positioned mixed metal pulls promote harmony rather than chaos. Below are professional placement strategies to try:
Anchor With a Dominant Finish
Select one dominant metal finish for cabinets sets like uppers or bases to act as an anchor, integrating statement pulls in lesser-used finishes as accents across more unique cabinet spaces.
Transition Finishes from Top to Bottom
On a focal feature like a spice pantry or appliance garage, graduating between two or three complementary metals from top cabinets down to the lower doors creates cohesion and purpose.
Repeat for Consistency
Maintain visual consistency across each bank of base or wall cabinets by repeating the same dominantly-used pull or knob. This provides balance while allowing you to mix accent finishes elsewhere.
Caring for your Mixed Metal Hardware
With multiple metal finishes installed, properly caring for your hardware ensures it retains its beauty and function. Below are essential mixed metal maintenance tips:
Understand the Life Span of Each Finish
Research or ask manufacturers if any pull or knob finishes installed have a shorter expected life span or require more frequent replacement than the rest. Plan accordingly.
Clean Each Finish Individually
Use polish and cleaning approaches appropriate for each specific finish to prevent damage. For example, brass and copper may require a gentle polish while matte black pulls fare better with simple soap and water.
Some metals like brass, copper, and bronze naturally oxidize and tarnish from exposure to air and moisture. Maintain their original beauty by applying a protective sealant according to manufacturer instructions.
You can take your kitchen design to the next level with mixed metal cabinet pulls.