The most trending metal finish has always shifted with each design era and had its own specific place in design, but in recent times, it seems that a combination of colors and finishes has become more common. Now, mixing metal colors between knobs and pulls, faucets, lighting and other furniture accents can be found in all sorts of home styles. Is it a craze, or will this design choice stick around? See what our local design professionals have to say:
Mary Erker Signorelli, Le Coeur Design
Although unlacquered brass and oil-rubbed bronze can complement each other beautifully at times, I'm a firm believer in matching hardware—especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. When metals are mixed in these spaces, I often find myself questioning whether the choice was truly intentional or simply the result of limited material options. A consistent finish tends to feel more thoughtful, cohesive and elevated.
Anne Marie Boedges, Anne Marie Design Studio
Mixed metals have quietly become the standard in nearly every home. The surge in matte gold is a big part of why! It’s a finish most people won’t find echoed elsewhere in the house, so pairing it becomes the practical move rather than the daring one. That’s opened up a beautiful range of fixtures blending black with matte gold or polished nickel. A look that solves a real problem tends to stick around, and this one is solving one in a lot of houses right now.
Katie Marvin, S&K Interiors
You don’t have to force your fixtures to match—thoughtfully mixed metals can create a more layered, personalized home. For an intentional look, limit your palette to two or three finishes and repeat each one throughout the space. This simple repetition builds depth and sophistication while giving you the freedom to choose pieces you love while keeping it classic looking for years to come.
Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design
Mixing metal fixtures is a timeless choice. Strong projects feel layered and collected, and the right combination of metals complements the design without competing with it. Great projects seldom consist of matchy matchy metals. The interesting part of a project is in the mix and that includes metal finishes that are mixed, not matchy. The mix of metals is a classic design choice.
