Interior Design Tips For Mixing Metals In A Bathroom

Mixing Metals in the Bathroom Is A Great Look That's On Trend!

If you enjoy watching remodeling shows on cable, you've probably noticed the growing trend of mixing metals in the bathroom. Mixing metals has been a trend in kitchen design for several years, and today is gaining popularity among homeowners and designers in the bathroom.

The fashion industry influenced the trend, and mixing metals can bring vibrancy and focus to your bathroom space. It's no longer against the rules to combine different metals, shades, and textures in your interior design!

However, there are some rules to follow when mixing metals. Consider how they complement each other, how they fit into your home's overall design, and the best textures to choose to work with the other materials in the room.

Here are six tips to consider when mixing metals in the bathroom.

Tip #1: Compliment, Don't Compete

rose gold shower heads coordinate with the black accent tile, and the black tile ties in with other accents

The goal of any interior design is for the elements in a space to balance and complement each other. When mixing metals in your design, most designers recommend using no more than three. This is the perfect amount to make a visual statement in your bathroom without making it seem cluttered.

Another consideration is that you don't want to mix two metals in the same color family. For example, if aged brass is one choice, avoid shiny gold. While the two are similar in color, they have different undertones and do not look cohesive side by side.

Two metals in a single space that almost match appears to be a mistake rather than an intentional design choice. When mixing metals, you want your selections to look deliberate.

Tip #2: Start with a Primary Base

gold pulls follow suit with the gold faucets & shower heads

Your primary metal selection should account for around two-thirds of the fixtures in your bathroom. Use metals with a cooler undertone if your aesthetic taste runs to contemporary or transitional design. Metals like brushed nickel, polished chrome, or stainless steel for sink and bath faucets, handles, grab bars, and shower heads are all cooler.

If your taste runs to a more traditional or rustic vibe, look for a metal with a warmer undertone like brass or bronze. For a more cutting-edge look, hammered copper, matte black steel, bright nickel, antique gold, and natural iron – are all strongly trending right now!

Tip #3: Make a Statement With Your Accent Metal

a black towel warmer is an accent color in the space

For the remaining third of your fixtures, choose a metal that complements your base metal choice and your overall bathroom design. For example, a nickel accent can brighten a traditional space, while a matte black accent will enhance the sophisticated side of a transitional design.

To balance the look of your design, choose finishes with a similar hue, like matching brushed nickel faucets and a matte black mirror frame. How you introduce your accent metal is your choice. Some standard options include vanity knobs and pulls, lighting, towel rings, shower trim, mirror frames, and accessories like soap dispensers or lamp bases.

Tip #4: Take Inspiration From Other Rooms in Your Home

When choosing the tone of your primary and accent metals, pull inspiration from the other rooms in your home. For example, if your kitchen faucet is polished chrome, consider choosing polished chrome as your primary metal in the bathroom. Maybe your hallway light switch plates are bronze. Adding a bronze light switch plate in the bathroom, bronze cabinet pulls, and bronze lighting sconces can transition the metal from one space into another.

Tip #5: Coordinate Mixing Metals with the Other Materials in Your Bathroom

the drawer pulls mix different textures of the gold color

To design a well-balanced bathroom, consider the other materials used to help influence the metals you choose. For example, stainless steel hardware can bring a modern aesthetic to the piece if you have a white maple vanity. If you have a dark walnut vanity, brass knobs will enhance its classic style giving the space a warm, masculine look.

Tip #6: Try Experimenting With Textures

Don't skip texture as a design element when mixing metals in your bathroom. Modern metals are available in various textures along with traditional finish options like matte or polished. They can be brushed, antiqued, burnished, oiled, hand-rubbed, or hammered to bring a whole new dimension to your design.

For example, a satin finish on a pair of brushed nickel faucet handles offers users a smooth, tactile experience. A hammered bronze sink bowl or hammered copper bathtub causes the water to flow in unique patterns toward the drain.

No matter how you choose to incorporate texture. It's an excellent way to add a sensory element to your design. The only thing to avoid is using a single metal in different finishes; this looks more like a mistake than an intentional design choice.

The Bottom Line On Mixed Metals Design

While the trend for mixing metals has been popular for several years in the kitchen, it is moving into the bathroom and looks like it's here to stay. But whether you're excited to try your hand at mixing metals or are inspired to update your bathroom, consider the benefits of working with a professional designer.

If you're unsure how to proceed or are uncertain about mixing metals, start researching the topic. Visit online sites like Houzz, or watch the popular shows on HGTV or Magnolia for inspiration. If you're already working with a designer, they can help you achieve your vision and explain your options.

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project and live in the Greater Madison, Wisconsin area, give the expert design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call (608) 846-5963. Let us help you incorporate mixed metals into the design to create your dream living space!