Mixing metals used to be a questionable practice, and even something of a no-no, but interior designers and artisans are now increasingly incorporating and juxtaposing a variety of metals, metallic finishes and alloys within their handiwork.
Rather than clashing, the combining of metals, such as rosy copper, shiny nickel and warm brass, within one object only enhance its overall texture. Likewise, the pairing of disparate metallic objects within a room imbues the space with an added richness and depth that only one tone just can’t deliver.
Take the contemporary kitchen above, designed by Sara Story. The space looks pleasingly cohesive (and a far cry from garish) even though she has juxtaposed brass, copper and stainless-steel elements throughout the room. Remarkably, all of this sleek style is contained in a renovated gothic Victorian house.
And the above modern living room in Boston’s Back Bay, designed by Frank Roop, epitomizes refinement with its opposing gilt, brass and chrome accents in an array of styles and periods. It’s a grand, sophisticated space that’s decidedly unpretentious — and its tonal layering really exemplifies this vibe.
Below, we’ve also compiled a selection of 1stdibs furniture, fashion, and other items that personify extraordinary depth and visual harmony of singular objects that employ varied metals, alloys, and finishes.
1. 2.77-carat diamond and yellow and white gold ring, 21st century
2. Italian mixed-metal chandelier, ca. 1960
3. Rolex rose gold and stainless-steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, 1940s
4. Bulgari diamond, gold and gun-metal chain, 1960
5. Tiffany & Co. mixed-metal japonisme vase, ca. 1878
6. Paul Evans for Directional patinated-steel, pewter and copper cabinet, ca. 1970
7. Los Castillo polished-copper and sterling-silver tray, 1950s
8. Franck Chartrain Narcisse patinated-bronze and steel side table, 2015
9. Pair of brass, copper and mixed-metal lamps in the manner of Karl Springer, 1970s
10. Escari Mexico brass and mixed-metal handbag, ca. 1970s
11. DLeuci Studio Orat nickel-plated, brass and stone sculpture, 2017