Using metals too similar to each other can make your space look sloppy and inconsistent. Some better metals to mix would be brushed gold and brushed nickel, champagne bronze and matte black, or chrome and matte black. These combinations give your space tasteful depth and visual interest.
Yes you can mix metals. Adds interest. I have brushed nickel hardware in master bathroom. Replaced the old typical stainless steel stuff. I have silver and gold accents on the walls, mirrors and in artwork. The mirror frame, I made myself, is silver leaf.
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Brushed nickel has a cool, silvery hue, making it ideal for pairing with cool tones. Colors such as soft blues, greens, and grays can create a serene environment that enhances the elegance of brushed nickel fixtures.
Iron is the neutral of the metallic world. It is a modern industrial touch that adds a dark element to a palette that needs to be grounded or toned down. It won't clash with other metal tones, and it also highlights warmer metals, such as gold and brass, as a strong pop of color.
So which neutral colors go with gold? The trick is to pair metallic gold with warm, deep-tone neutrals, such as charcoal or slate gray, chocolate brown, rich olive green, and dark tan or beige.
Satin/Brushed Nickel (Warm Undertone)
One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.
Brushed nickel, with its subtle texture and brushed finish, is available in a similar range of silver shades but can also be found in other metal finish hues such as gold, bronze, and copper, giving you a more diverse range of options. Ultimately, the color range for both finishes will depend on the manufacturer.
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
A mixture of cool tones like nickel and chrome and warm tones like brass and gold provides balance. One should be the dominant, more pervasive finish throughout the space (think: your cabinet hardware and light fixtures). The second can be an accent (think: your mirrors or faucets).
Brushed nickel finishes, which are rubbed with an abrasive while still at the factory to create their special look, are especially susceptible to damage from bathroom and kitchen cleaners that contain low-concentration phosphoric acid.
It's also not the best choice if you have stainless steel everywhere; the two finishes blend together too much, dulling the impact. While it's durable, brushed nickel isn't invincible. Over time, it may show scratches, especially in high-traffic areas.
"If you want to use nickel and brass together, go with polished nickel and satin brass," McLeod suggests. Contrasting soft with shiny adds more distinction and depth. She warns that combining two polished finishes can result in a very glam look, so if that's not your intent, err on the side of matte to satin metals.
14K gold is a mix of approximately 58% pure gold with 42% other metals such as nickel, copper, silver, and zinc.
One of the most captivating trends on the rise in bathroom design since 2021 is the use of brushed gold, a matte finish that reveals sophistication and embodies the essence of modern luxury.
The primary difference between satin nickel and brushed nickel is the texture. Satin nickel is slightly smoother and glossier while brushed nickel is recognizable for its slightly rougher feel and appearance. The contrast is subtle, but significant enough to suit different home aesthetics.
Brushed nickel is dominating the 2024 kitchen faucet trends so far as it is stylish, sophisticated, and can easily conceal blemishes. More niche and opulent finishes, such as copper or chrome-plated brass, are on the rise. These finishes create a patina as they age, which can add character to your kitchen.
I personally think Nickel is the most timeless of the metals. Brass has really gained in popularity with interior designers, but is probably a trendier choice. I've seen a rise in the popularity of black hardware especially in this age of farmhouse- EVERYTHING (Thanks Chip and Joanna).
Cool Metals
Bright and reflective, metals are sure to make a statement in your home. Moving away from gold and warm-toned metals, cool-toned metals like silver, chrome, steel, and aluminum are going to have their moment in 2024.
Brushed Nickel – Dominant Metal
I went with a brushed nickel for my vanity faucets, tub faucet, and shower hardware. As I've mentioned before, nickel is considered a warm metal, but its undertones are so subtle, that it almost acts as a neutral. So in this case, I had no problem mixing it with a soft champagne gold.
Start by selecting a colour palette that compliments brushed nickel's timeless elegance. Soft neutrals like grey, beige, or muted pastels work beautifully. For a bolder statement, consider deep blues or forest greens.
Shiny chrome is the most popular bath finish and comes with an affordable price tag. Nickel has a warmer tone and a more exclusive pedigree.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
And when it comes to the most timeless kitchen hardware finish, it seems warmer metals reign supreme. 'We love using bronze or antique brass because they add warmth to a room and feel like jewelry in a space,' says Tama.
In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors. Brushed Nickel: Known for its subtle shine, brushed nickel adds a neutral yet contemporary look. It's versatile, making it a favorite for bathrooms and kitchens.