Our clients will often ask us about various “rules” in design. While there are definitely guidelines the typical designer or decorator will follow, there is also a lot that is up to personal preference, style and interpretation. One common guideline we are asked about is whether it is okay to mix metals in the interior. Our short answer is; yes! Our long answer is as follows..
Mixing metals in the interior is of course not for everyone. But when done right, it can make for a very unique and interesting statement of style. It can also help create a look of having collected great metal pieces over the years for a refined, antique and eclectically styled interior. One guideline we have learned over the years is to; choose one metal to be the main metal. This can be Brass, Bronze, Copper, Nickel or even Galvanized metal, but there should definitely be a basis from which to start with. By starting with a dominant metal in your space, you can more easily bring in the other metals you wish to use without the mix becoming too “in your face”. You could perhaps start with a large brass mirror and a hammered brass chandelier before bringing in a nickel topped coffee table and bronze accents!
Another guideline to note would be the mixing of warm and cool metals with your existent color palette. While we absolutely love using warm and cool metals together, we also find it important to ensure that our warm metals are working with our warm color palettes and cool metals with cool. For example, when we mix Nickel pieces with Bronze pieces we may combine it with decor that is a warmer beige and a cooler light blue. This style combination allows warm and cool to work with one another.
In the CeTerra Showroom, you will find there are certain colors that can work simultaneously with mixed metals. Our Turquoise palette is a perfect example of this. It looks beautiful with golds as well as cooler galvanized metals. The key to mixing is seeing what will work with your existing pieces as well as finding the balance that you enjoy. For a neutral metal option, Iron and Steel work well to balance out the cooler and warmer metals being mixed in. Try one of our Custom Steel Consoles as your base and then try bringing in some smaller Brass and Nickel accents!
It is our belief that there are not truly “rules” for design but rather “guidelines”. In this day and age, Interior Design consists of so many different ideas and notions that we really are free to express personal style and still have a classically attractive home. One of the guidelines we enjoy sharing with clients is that it is completely okay to mix metals. Nickel with Brass, Copper with Bronze, Steel with Galvanized metal. The options are endless and we are here to help you know where to start and how to achieve a refined, mixed metal look in your home. Shop CeTerra’s metal pieces today for inspiration!
