Remember when shiny brass or metal finishes were the trend? If you still have shiny brass fixtures in your home, it's time for a change. If you're thinking of selling or updating your home, this is an easy place to start as updating and maintenance increase home value.
Deciding on the Metal Finishes for Your Home
Home designers are now recommending that homeowners mix the metals in their homes. Your main decision is whether you want your fixtures and finishes to be trending or timeless. There is an inspiring article written by Jessica Bennett on bhg.com, 5 Fool-Proof Tips for Mixing Metals in Your Home. She states, "Varying metal finishes across hardware, furniture, lighting, and other fixtures adds depth and character that a matchy-matchy look would lack." Bennett also recommends that if you decide to mix the metal finishes in your home, be sure to choose one metal as your primary finish. She shares, "Aim to have your dominant metal make up approximately 60-75% of the finishes in the room." She advises that you pay attention to which metals go together. Generally, brass, copper, nickel and gold have warm undertones. Silver, stainless steel and chrome have a cooler look. Matte black is neutral. An oil rubbed bronze finish is timeless, as it has stood the test of time in the world of home design. A matte brass look is starting to trend.
Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are the first type of fixtures we often think of when deciding to change the metal finishes in our homes. Walk around your home and make a list of lights that need replacing, prioritizing the most obvious as they can be costly. However, think of the big picture. You will be increasing your home value if you update with trending or timeless light fixtures in your home.
Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures
In addition to lights, bathroom fixtures include the faucets and shower head. You will want to replace the stoppers in your sink and bathtub to match the faucets as well. If you have handles or knobs on your cabinets, change those to match everything else.
Light fixtures, kitchen faucets and handles or knobs on your cabinets will likely need updating in your kitchen as well. It is absolutely fine to mix metals in your home. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances, you do not necessarily need a silver-looking finish for your kitchen fixtures.
Other Fixtures
Transcending all rooms are door handles or knobs, strike plates, hinges and door stoppers at ground level. It's not uncommon find find homes trying to match vent covers to match paint or flooring as well.
Changing the fixtures and metal finishes in your home is refreshing. It will give your home a whole new look. If will also increase the value of your home. You can have a lot of fun choosing your new look.
