Let’s talk kitchens, darling. Not just any kitchens—stunning, personality-packed, conversation-starting kitchens. And guess what’s taking center stage in the design world right now? No, it’s not another shade of greige (though we do love a good greige moment)... it’s the mixing of metals!

That’s right. Gone are the days of matching every knob, pull, faucet, and light fixture like it’s a uniform. The new look? Effortlessly curated. Artfully layered. Perfectly mixed.

At Sterling Staging & Design, we are obsessed with this trend because it brings depth, dimension, and designer-level flair to spaces that once felt a little... flat. Let’s dive into how and why this look works—and how to pull it off without making your kitchen feel like a hardware store exploded.

Wait, Mixing Metals? Isn’t That a Design Don’t?

Old-school rule books may have said “match your finishes,” but we’re here to tell you that rules are meant to be reinvented. Mixing metals is not only allowed—it’s encouraged in today’s most stylish homes.

Picture this:

● A warm brass faucet gleaming against cool matte black pulls

● Stainless steel appliances paired with champagne bronze light fixtures

● A brushed nickel pot filler elegantly coexisting with polished chrome cabinet handles

It’s not chaos—it’s balance. Think of it like mixing jewelry. A gold bracelet and silver rings? Chic. Same goes for your kitchen.

Why We Love It (and You Should Too)

Instant Visual Interest

Mixing metals adds a layered look that feels thoughtful and custom—not cookie-cutter.

Adds Warmth + Texture

Combining warm tones (like brass or gold) with cool tones (like chrome or nickel) brings contrast that makes your kitchen feel richer and more inviting.

Tells a Story

Your home should reflect you. Mixing metals feels intentional, a little daring, and totally elevated. (Kind of like a great outfit.)

How to Nail the Look Like a Pro

Okay, so how do you avoid turning your dream kitchen into a design disaster? Easy. Follow these Sterling-approved tips:

1. Pick a Dominant Metal

Choose one metal to lead the way—maybe 70–80% of your finishes. It could be stainless (especially if your appliances are), matte black, or brass. Let it anchor your look.

Sterling Tip: Think of this as your kitchen’s “base coat.”

2. Add a Supporting Star

Bring in one (maybe two) other metals as accents—think statement lighting, open shelving brackets, or hardware. This keeps things interesting without overwhelming the space.

Example combo we LOVE: Matte black hardware + brass pendants + stainless steel appliances

3. Keep the Style Consistent

While the finishes can vary, keep your overall vibe cohesive. Mixing metals is cool—mixing design styles (industrial, farmhouse, mid-century) too much can feel messy.

Translation: Don’t pair glam gold with rustic iron unless you really know what you’re doing.

4. Mind the Undertones

Cool metals (chrome, nickel, stainless) play well together. Warm metals (brass, copper, gold) also get along. But mixing a super yellow brass with a blue-toned chrome? That’s a no from us. Choose finishes that complement each other’s undertones for that seamless look.

Design it Like a Designer

This trend isn’t just about hardware—it’s about the entire visual story your kitchen tells. Here’s how we recommend mixing metals thoughtfully, from a true design perspective:

Use Metal to Define Zones

In open-concept kitchens, metal finishes can subtly define different zones. For example:

● Brass or gold pendants above the island = warm, welcoming focal point

● Matte black on lower cabinetry = grounded, graphic punch

● Stainless appliances = neutral base that blends with everything

This creates structure without needing walls or dividers.

Balance Hard and Soft

Metals are naturally hard and reflective—so soften the space with contrast. Think:

● Textured wood shelves next to brushed brass brackets

● Soft linen Roman shades above a brass faucet

● A marble backsplash to bridge cool and warm tones

It’s all about mixing not just metals, but textures and moods.

Repeat for Rhythm

Design loves repetition. If you bring in a black finish, repeat it two or three times: maybe cabinet pulls, window frames, and a matte black faucet. This creates cohesion and rhythm, so nothing feels out of place.

Sterling Rule of Three: Every finish should appear at least 2–3 times in a room to feel intentional.

Use Metals as Accents, Not Overload

Let your metals be the jewelry of the room—not the whole outfit. Don’t overdo it! A few thoughtfully placed mixed metal details go a long way. And remember—sometimes less is luxe.

Final Word: Be Bold, Not Bland

Mixing metals isn’t a risk—it’s a reboot. It tells the world that your home is layered, luxurious, and totally on trend. Whether you’re selling, remodeling, or just ready to break free from boring matchy-matchy rules, this is a style move with major payoff.

At Sterling Staging & Design, we believe in spaces that shine. Mixing metals is one of our favorite tricks to add visual interest, warmth, and serious wow factor—especially in kitchens.

Ready to Elevate Your Space?

Whether you're staging to sell or styling to stay, let us help you bring that perfectly curated look to life. From mixed metals to masterfully designed interiors, we’ve got the eye (and the inventory!) to make your home unforgettable.

Contact Sterling Staging & Design today to book your consultation or learn more about our design and staging services.