Mixing Metals: My Foolproof Formula to Make It Work

Create depth, contrast, and balance in your home by mixing metals the right way.

Let’s clear something up once and for all: Mixing metals is not a mistake.

In fact, when it’s done well, it can elevate your interiors, create depth and dimension, and add that little spark of interest your space was missing.

Still, I get it, mixing finishes like brass, chrome, and gunmetal can feel a little risky, especially if you’re mid-renovation or choosing fixtures for a new build. So many clients ask, “Do I have to choose just one?”

The short answer? No. You just need a plan. Here’s mine:

1. Choose a Dominant Metal

Start by selecting one metal to lead the way, your dominant finish. This will be the most visible across the space, and it helps anchor the design.

2. Add Your Accents

Once you’ve set the tone, bring in one or two accent metals for contrast. This could be as subtle as a black frame on a mirror or as bold as a brushed brass handles next to chrome tapware.

Keep it intentional: you’re not aiming for chaos, you’re building layers.

3. Repeat Each Finish at Least Twice

This is where it all comes together. When each metal appears in at least two places, your eye naturally connects them.

For example:

• Brass handles and brass pendant lights

• Black framed mirror and black door handles

• Chrome tapware and stainless steel appliances

This small rule makes the biggest difference.

4. Let Contrast Work for You

Brass and chrome? Black and gold? Don’t be afraid of contrast. Some of the most elevated spaces are the ones that mix high-shine with matte, warm with cool.

What matters more than colour temperature is balance and repetition. As long as each finish appears more than once and it’s used with intention, it will look cohesive.

So now you’ve heard it from a designer, mixed metals can work, and when done correctly, they make a space feel collected, not cookie-cutter. They show confidence in your choices and allow your home to feel layered and lived-in, just the way it should be.

Want to get your finishes right from the start? Book a 2-hour design session with me, it’s the perfect way to get clarity, confidence, and a solid plan for your space.

Get in touch here and let’s make it happen.

See you in the next dispatch,

Sam x