Here's Proof That Your Bathroom Features Don't Have To Be A Single Type Of Metal

There's something to be said for mixing materials in your home. Gone are the days when monochromatic layouts were the only way to achieve a stylish and aesthetic interior. Design has come a long way, and combining different elements, like metals within your bathroom, is not only acceptable, but encouraged by many designers and experts, various materials bring more depth and dimension, as well as a broader color palette to your space. It's with that in mind that you may want to rethink your bathroom entirely and bring in two or maybe even three different metal materials for your fixtures and hardware. Combining these can effortlessly elevate a washroom and open up the possibilities of how you can decorate within it.

While it may not be new news that mixed materials work within home designs, people are still experimenting with what works and what feels overwhelming or unbalanced. Bathrooms are smaller spaces where you can be both creative and daring in your designs. However, it's always important to err on the side of caution when renovating or decorating, because some upgrades can be too much for these rooms. Mixing metals in your home decor can be simple, but you don't want anything to clash, which is why you should start with only two and work your way up to more if you choose to.

Take a moment to consider your bathroom when deciding what metals to use. How many fixtures do you have, what is your color scheme, and how much hardware there is in your space? Also make sure to think about materials that will last and are easy to maintain, since your bathroom probably gets a lot of use. Stainless steel fixtures are traditional and stylish and can match a variety of aesthetics. The great part of choosing one stainless steel is that it also works well with other metals like bronze, copper, and gold. Use stainless steel for your faucet and shower fixtures, or you can use chrome, too. These are all durable and neutral, so they make a great base for your bathroom.

Once you've chosen your fixture material, you can then pick a complementary metal for accents, hardware, and decor. If you went with chrome or silver, maybe use something gold-toned like bronze or brass for lighting fixtures and cabinet pulls. Mixing warmer metals with cooler tones found in silver and chrome will balance the room out and help everything flow together nicely. This also allows you to bring in warmer shades in your paint, linens, and wall decor, because the brass or copper has introduced this element.

Should you opt for matte black fixtures, brass lights and pulls could create a delightful contrast. The black will provide a pop of drama and style, while the brass will offer a pop of warmth. The brass will be more notable and build on the drama the matte black brings, so depending on your decor and the vibe you're going for, you could also opt for a more subtle contrast with matte black and cool chrome fixtures. Your final choice may ultimately come down to your cabinetry, flooring, and wall colors or designs. Mina Starsiak Hawk is a stickler for small design details, but even she likes the way matte black pairs with a gold mirror frame and cabinet pulls, so you can trust an expert in proving that these combinations work. 

Don't forget about doorknobs and hinges, which should copy your base metal to pull that through more fully. Lastly, consider ornaments and smaller additions like frames, bowls, and other knickknacks on your counters and shelves. These can match your accent metals, using the same material as your hardware and lighting fixtures. Decorating with metallics inside your bathroom can help with dimension and texture, too, so don't be afraid to add shimmering touches throughout the space to accentuate your mixed metal vibe.