Seasonal Trends: Mixing Metals

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Each season a new trend emerges onto the interior design scene inspiring home owners to make dramatic changes to their home.  But, do you have to change out everything in your space in order to make a big impact or can you simply introduce little touches of the trend in order to freshen up the room?  The answer is yes to both.  Every so often you need to freshen up your space by changing out a large piece such as a chair or area rug, but most of the time you can simply add a few new trendy pieces to make enough of an impact to make the space feel fresh and new.   So, this season freshen up your space with metallic.  
      Mixing metals is a great way to add depth and character to a room without introducing bold colors you may regret later down the road.  Don't be afraid to mix a galvanized metal farmhouse bucket with a shiny rose gold vase.  Here are my top three tips for introducing mixed metals into your space.  

1.  Determine your color palette.

​If your home is filled with cool tones such as blues, purples, and greens then lean more in the direction of silver and chrome.  But, if your home has reds, oranges, and pinks (warm tones) then seek out a few stunning gold, brass, and copper pieces.    Now, when it comes to neutrals (white, cream, beige, and grey) you have the option of any and all metals, even if you have little pops of color throughout. 
For example, a kitchen with white walls, a white backsplash, grey countertops, and blue cabinets can be accented with any metal.  Now you may be saying, "but blue is a cool tone so you should stick to chromes and silvers."  But in all actuality majority of your space is a neutral so a rich gold will warm up the space  or a matte nickel will keep it light and airy.  Either way both metals bring their own depth and personality to the room.

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2.  Choose a dominate metal. 
Once you have determined your palette, the next step is to decide which metal will be the dominate.  Then use that metal on a large and impactful piece of furniture or home décor and allow the other metals to keep the eyes moving throughout the space.   An example would be having a rich shiny gold coffee table and table lamp, but copper and brass picture frames and trinkets.   Or a large silver bookcase with pops of nickel, chrome, and black metal décor amongst the books and family heirlooms.  ​

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3.  Mix Metals

Picture Source: Inspire to Gather

Finally, don't be afraid to mix a dull or antiqued metal with shiny metals.  This subtly will create depth and keep the eyes wondering.  The shiny metal initially draws you in while the antique metal keeps you intrigued.  The use of mixed finishes works particularly well in a farmhouse style home