Hardware isn’t only in the kitchen—it’s throughout the home! There’s more to mixing and matching hardware than you might think. Here are some helpful tips to help you create a cohesive home design through the hardware in your house.
Avoid Mixing Similar Materials and Finishes
Materials that are too similar create an undesirable lack of contrast. For example, brass and gold or chrome and nickel are both very similar to one another. They aren’t complementary, and the matching tones can make the hardware appear as an oversight.
It’s also important to remember there are different finishes for hardware. One distinction is if you have polished or unpolished hardware. Switching out hardware is a subtle change that makes an immense difference when examining the entire room’s design. That said, placing similar materials or mixing polished and unpolished finishes in the same space will not enhance your home’s design.
Only Mix Two Hardware Colors
A home full of color is a home full of life! However, there are better methods for incorporating color into your home than through your cabinetry hardware.
Limit your hardware to only two colors. This rule is crucial when mixing and matching hardware because the two tones can better define the style of your house. Each space will feel connected and complementary through these two solid colors. Whether you use gold, silver, white, black, or otherwise, choose two that will suit each space and tie your home together.
Always Match Door Handles and Hinges
Homeowners commonly ask why door handles should match the hinges. Since not every piece of hardware must match, matching door handles and hinges might seem unimportant.
When these pieces of hardware aren’t the same, the mismatch appears as a construction mishap. When designing your dream home, this subtle choice can make a big difference.
That said, the shape of the door handles may change throughout the home. Just keep in mind that you should always keep the same finish for the handles and hinges.
Mix in Subtle Accents To Stand Out
Your home reflects your personal style. While it’s important to develop a cohesive home design through the hardware, you also want to incorporate stand-out styles. Consider creating accents through the kitchen sink faucets or the light fixtures above an island. These slight changes will make a tremendous impression.
Match the Hardware in Smaller Spaces
In an expansive kitchen with many cabinet doors and draws, changing up the style of the hardware while keeping the same finishes adds incredible character. But mismatched styles or finishes in small spaces can confuse the eye.
Space has more of an impact than you might expect. In a smaller room, dissimilar hardware appears incohesive. A bathroom, for example, should have the same finish and style throughout. While not every cabinet and drawer handle or faucet needs identical features, they do benefit from a similar style. It will improve the room’s composition while adding character to a smaller space.
