Mixing metals has long been considered a design faux pas but it also happens to be one of 2014’s decor trends. I suppose rules are meant to be broken and it is hard not to break this one when there are so many delicious golden accessories to add to your (likely) predominately silver metaled home.
As with breaking any rule, it is important to take precautions to not get caught, in this case, with a gaudy, awful mess of a home. If you are itching to try the trend, or just take that gorgeous golden heirloom out of your cupboard, consider these four suggestions on how to carefully mix your metals.
1.) If you are nervous about mixing metals, err on the side of caution and choose just two finishes that you like. Chrome and/or brushed nickel go nicely with a soft brushed gold. Bronze works well with brass or iron.
A pleasant mix of bronze and iron (bronze round table and iron sculpture on the fireplace)
This is a gorgeous blend of brushed nickle and soft gold. It doesn’t jar the eye.
2.) Think of the metal finish you want to add to your room as though it were an accent color. The rule of thumb with accent colors is that you should have at least three hits of it in a room to draw the eye throughout the space and provide a sense of cohesion. The same can be said of adding some brass or gold to a room predominated by chrome. The picture below exemplifies this beautifully.
3.) Having an accessory or piece of furniture that is made of mixed metals makes visual sense out of having different metals displayed throughout a room.
The antiqued glass of this console gives the appearance of a silver metal which contrasts the golden trim.
The mirror relates well both to the silver console and the bronze lamp.
4.) Using frames of varying metals for a gallery wall is a good way to tastefully introduce different metals into your room. It has the same kind of affect as a piece of furniture made of mixed metals because with a gallery wall the cluster of art tends to visually read as one piece, paving the way for mixed metals throughout the rest of your room.
With all the gorgeous golden accessories out there it’s hard not to want to jump on board with this trend. I will be breaking up all the chrome in my powder room with these stunning 3D sculptures from Lofty Living:
As soon as I get thee lovelies onto the wall I’ll be doing my far overdue bathroom reveal.
Here are some beautiful pieces to temp you to trend:
Cheater metal mix with anthropologie’s gold sequined pillows.
Brass and glass boxes from Crate and Barrel.
Classy glass and bronze side table from West Elm.
Rose gold paper organizer from CB2.