When it’s time to upgrade your kitchen, there’s one trend designers should keep an eye on. It’s affordable, easy to install in any kitchen, and visually appealing. According to the pros, Mixed metals are the design trend that will carry over into 2026. Instead of having cabinet handles, faucets, and lamps all the same metal, you can mix and match silver, black, gold, and bronze items for a chic, unique look.
“People are looking for more personalized and easy updates in 2026,” explains interior designer Laura Gerber. ODE design In Falls Church, Virginia. “The hardware is affordable and readily available in a variety of styles, making it a non-intimidating update that anyone can try.”
The mixed metal trend reflects a major shift in home design as homeowners abandon minimalism in favor of personalized interiors. According to many designers, today’s homeowners are incorporating retro-inspired pieces, meaningful art, and nostalgic elements into their homes. Mixed metals are the latest way homeowners are looking to add something unique and functional to their spaces.
Below, designers explain why mixed metals are trending in kitchen design and offer tips to compliment the look of your space.
In fact, Mary Gordon of InSite Builders & Remodeling says matching hardware can “collapse” a room. “It’s like the old rule that shoes, purses, and belts have to coordinate,” says the Bethesda-based designer. “It’s predictable and outdated.”
Organizing your space by arranging hardware is a low-risk method, but finding a cohesive combination can feel like a challenge. “Think of it like creating a costume,” suggests Trish Knight, interior design partner at Knight Varga Interiors in Vancouver. “We need contrast, but not chaos.”
Gordon says choosing two metallics keeps the space “balanced and contemporary,” but where do you start looking? Look around your kitchen. “Even if you have a mix of hardware, it still needs to connect to something else in the room,” explains Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley in Northern Virginia. “We often tie one finish to lighting and the other to plumbing or appliances,” she says, resulting in an approach that’s “curated without looking too busy.”
From there, you may want to choose a finish with a similar tone. Knight points out that brass and bronze have a mutual warmth, which is why the two metals look so good together. On the other hand, she treats the matte black finish as a neutral that goes with everything. “It shatters the composition and pairs seamlessly with stainless, chrome, nickel or warmer metals,” she says.
contrasting metal can Nicole Roby mentions unlacquered brass and polished nickel, but assigns each to a different category. “The faucets and accessories are in one finish, and the cabinet hardware is in one finish,” explains the Birmingham, Ala., designer. “It adds to the carefully selected aesthetic and a very intentional feel.” Gordon, on the other hand, likes to assign finishes to different “zones.” “You can also use one finish on the surrounding cabinets and another on the island,” she suggests.
When most people think of hardware combinations, they probably think of tone. However, designers say they should not neglect texture. Gordon says both brushed and matte textures have an understated quality that pairs well with each other. But for Toronto interior designer Olivia Bailey, opposites attract. “Make use of texture,” she says. “A knurled handle next to a smooth faucet creates depth without clashing.” As with tones, too much texture can be overwhelming, and Bailey says two is best.
One of the best things about hardware is that it’s easy to replace. If you wake up one day and don’t like what you see, you can change it. Still, Bailey recommends choosing carefully. “Please check your hardware during the day [because] “The color of the finish depends on the lighting,” she says. “Be sure to look at samples at home before making a large order.”
By taking a closer look at each finish and examining all the nuances of color and texture, you’ll be able to create a kitchen that beautifully bridges the gap between form and function.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist covering shopping and deals. excellent housekeeping, women’s health, El Decoand country life Among other things. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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