Mixed Metal Finishes are Replacing Matte Black

When it comes to a home-building or renovation project, it’s important not to look past the details. In a home, perhaps one of the most important details is the metal finishes of the hardware throughout the project. Nowadays, many builders and renovation experts simply pick a matte black finish for the hardware and call it a day. However, what if that choice could be costly in the future? What if the key to having your project stand out from the rest and truly become stylish is actually to mix metals? 

For years now, we’ve been told that matte black finishes make a home look luxurious and modern. It’s been the go-to option for builders and renovation companies for a long time now, as it seems to be a choice that doesn’t necessarily excite a client but won’t turn them off, either. In other words, it’s safe. However, safe can also mean boring. And when it comes to a home, a client doesn’t want to be bored; they want to be dazzled.

Below, you’ll find a discussion about why it’s time for builders and renovators to move away from matte black finishes for hardware and move toward something more dramatic and inspiring by using mixed metal finishes.

Move Beyond Matte Black 

It must be said that matte black hardware has been the default choice for designers for quite a while now. At one point, it was even considered the “trendy” option. Now, when you walk into a home that uses only matte black finishes, it’s nice, but the “Wow” factor isn’t as strong as it once was.   

That’s not to say that matte black is gone, it definitely is amongst one of the most popular finishes in modern homes but designers are looking to challenge it a bit. Maybe it’s time to embrace a more colorful and varied textured future for hardware. In many projects, there is a rising desire to include warmer finishes and those that evolve over time as they develop a patina. 

The mixture of colors has led many to desire mixed metal finishes to add depth throughout their home’s designs. Satin brass, satin silver and matte black are still amongst the most desired finishes however, there appears to be more blending of decorative mixed-metal finishes. 

By elevating your home design and adding depth to the details with mixed metal finishes, you can build something that embraces style with more  character.

Best of all, demand for matte black isn’t fading, it’s the opposite. Used in combination with other metal finishes and more textured options, matte black hardware can serve as a great contrast and  accent that highlights particular details in your designs.

Why Mix Metals?

For years, the idea of mixed-metal finishes in home hardware was considered quite taboo. Wouldn’t a home that mixes different metal hardware look and feel disjointed? This fear led many to adopt only one type of metal finish for a home project. Before matte black was a popular option, there was bright yellow brass in the 1980s and satin or brushed aluminum in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, it seems that people are looking for environments that are less sterile, experimenting with new finishes and materials. Hardware is starting to appear wrapped with graphite and gunmetal gray finishes and other muted Earthtones. Fueled by a neo-retro mindset, peoples’ appetites for textures and tactile feedback are becoming a defining feature in design.

When you use mixed metal hardware, the home quickly develops depth, charm, and personality. Used effectively, mixed metal finishes extend the home's overall design, making it more timeless and creating an inviting space that balances eye-catching elements. It also allows designers to create more harmony with the many different materials used throughout the space.  With wood, stone, textiles and ceramics, combining metal tones can bridge the different material characteristics for a more balanced design.  Beyond the visual impact, the combination of warm and cool metals will ensure that no single element is overwhelming, helping to create an emotional balance throughout the room. 

Helpful Tips for Mixing Metals

You can’t just randomly pick hardware finishes for a home. Serious thought is needed when choosing the right finishes. Thankfully, some design rules can be used to clarify the choice. 

Use a Maximum of 3 Metal Finishes Per Area

The single most significant rule for mixed-metal finishes in a home is to show restraint. Once you break free of the fear about using different metal finishes, it can be easy to go overboard. A general rule of thumb when it comes to mixed metal hardware is to limit yourself to a maximum of three finishes per area of the home. Some might even say the limit is only two, but that idea is already seen as a bit too restrictive in home design.

When you limit yourself to only three metal finishes, you ensure the home feels unique and stylish while remaining thoughtful and restrained. You want to avoid the client becoming overwhelmed by the various fixtures. Instead, with this rule, each piece of hardware feels purposeful. The overall style of the room can shine through.

Also, even though three finishes should be the goal, if you feel like two fit the room better, that’s perfectly fine. This might be the case in a smaller space with less metal hardware available.  

Pick a “Foundation” Metal Finish

So, you’ve decided you want to use three different metal hardware finishes in your design, but you’re unsure how to choose them thoughtfully. That’s where a foundation metal finish comes in. 

When picking which mixed metal finishes to use, you should first think about which one is going to be the foundation (or dominant) metal. The other two options should be seen as accents. At this point, you might want to revisit the idea of using matte black finishes. As stated above, while using only matte black may seem tedious, using it as a foundation provides excellent contrast. However, if you really want to shed matte black altogether, look at something like modern antique brass.

Once you choose a foundation, you can start looking at accents. Some popular choices for accent finishes include polished nickel and brushed nickel. These both go well with matte black and antique brass. 

Focus on contrast

When mixing metals with hardware finishes, the goal is simple: contrast. This is what draws a client's eye and attention. When you focus on comparison, you allow each metal finish to stand on its own without feeling mismatched.

For example, think about a room that features quite a bit of cool metal, such as chrome and stainless steel. This can often be seen in a kitchen space. When considering contrast, choose an accent finish for the hardware, such as antique brass. Antique brass is a warmer metal that adds much-needed warmth to the kitchen.

As mentioned above, perhaps the easiest way to add contrast to hardware finishes is to have accents play off matte black. There’s no other color around that provides a better foundation for comparison than black. Of course, as with everything else we’ve discussed already, don’t forget restraint. Matte black with antique brass might not be the solution for all areas of a home.

Don’t Forget About Textures

So far, we’ve talked about mixed-metal hardware quite a bit, but primarily about color. It’s also essential to consider the textures of each metal finish. A great use of texture can be the finishing touch that takes a home design to the next level.

Combining various hardware textures, such as polished, matte, or even hammered, adds another layer of depth and sophistication to the project. It’s immediately eye-catching and shows enhanced detail. It’s easier to attain contrast, as well, while utilizing differing textures. 

Avoid Cheap or Fake Metal Finishes

This should almost go without saying, but unfortunately, it must be said: don’t buy cheap or fake metal hardware. Obviously, when you purchase high-quality metals for a project, such as from Sugatsune America, you’re investing in the longevity and strength of a build. That is especially the case when it comes to metal hardware. You want to build a home or renovate a space that not only looks great but also lasts. However, you also want to avoid cheap or fake metal finishes at the design level. 

As an experienced builder of all kinds, you know that quality materials, especially metal hardware, are easy to spot. They’re heavier, sturdier, and look more costly. Cheaper materials, well, look cheap and flimsy. You can spend hours deciding which metal finishes to mix and which colors and textures to go with, but if you choose to buy less expensive (or even fake) metal hardware, you’re shooting yourself in the foot before the project even begins. It’s a mistake that will cost much more in the long run. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold

Ultimately, this can all be summed up quite easily: don’t be afraid to go bold. When it comes to choosing metal finishes, you can go with the quickest, boring solution, or you can spend more time being thoughtful. The latter will leave you with a project that is beautiful, timeless, and stylish. It can truly set you apart from the rest. Mixed metal finishes can turn any home project into something special.