At Ashley Morgan Interiors, we believe that great design is all about balance—and one of our favorite ways to strike that balance is through the thoughtful mixing of metals. Gone are the days when every finish in a room had to match. Today’s most refined interiors embrace contrast and complexity, and mixing metals is a beautiful way to add depth, warmth, and visual interest to a space. But like everything in luxury design, it’s all about the edit.
Laying the Foundation
When we incorporate mixed metals, we do so with a purpose. We start by identifying a dominant finish to ground the space—often a timeless option like polished nickel, unlacquered brass, or matte black. From there, we layer in complementary accents that bring variety without competing. This might look like pairing warm brass cabinet hardware with cool chrome plumbing fixtures or introducing an antique bronze light fixture into a room with stainless accents. The key is cohesion—each metal has a role and supports the overall design narrative.
Finding the Balance
Balance is achieved through thoughtful repetition. If we introduce a brass detail in one corner of the room, we make sure it reappears in another—maybe through a frame, a table base, or decorative accessories. This subtle repetition creates rhythm and harmony, ensuring the mix feels intentional rather than chaotic. At AMI, we’re always considering how finishes flow from room to room, creating a seamless transition throughout the home.
Collected Sophistication
We also love using mixed metals to reflect a home’s architecture or blend modern and traditional elements. For example, in a classic Southern home, we might pair antique brass lanterns with sleek, brushed nickel hardware to honor the home’s history while still feeling current. Or in a contemporary renovation, we’ll add warmth to clean lines through burnished bronze or hand-forged iron.
"It’s these contrasts that give a space soul
and a sense of collected sophistication."
At Ashley Morgan Interiors, mixing metals is never trendy—it’s timeless. We see it as another layer of storytelling in our designs, one that adds richness and refinement to every room. If you’re ready for a home that feels thoughtfully curated and effortlessly elegant, we’d love to help you strike the perfect balance—right down to the last detail.
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About the Author: Ashley Bruggeman leads the Ashley Morgan Interiors team with over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry. A Lexington, Kentucky native, Ashley combines her deep local roots with a refined eye for timeless, livable luxury. Her passion lies in creating elegant spaces that feel as welcoming as they are beautiful. Learn more here.
