Fashion design and interior design are closely linked, particularly in aesthetics. Both follow the same style, rules, and trends. Fashion rules have been stating for quite some time that shoes, belts, and purses should all match. In recent years, this rule has become so distorted that it is now considered “basic” by the cool kids. Today, a pair of statement shoes or a pop of rose gold are signs of style courage and a person’s willingness to make bold choices with their clothing.
The same rule changes have also occurred in kitchen design. In fashion, the ‘purse/belt/shoes’ rule translates to ‘hardware/lighting/appliances’ in the kitchen design language. We’re finding that homeowners are breaking the rule of ‘hardware fixtures must match’ and choosing multi-finish solutions in place.
A full kitchen can give your Lehigh Valley home the treatment it deserves. Before you begin, learn more about matching Hardware and lighting.
Does the Hardware of light fixtures need to match?
To clarify– matching Hardware and lighting is not unusual. The style rules have changed but are not so extreme that matching finishes has become a faux pas. As a general rule, matching fixtures can be a great way to tidy up the design of a small kitchen.
Sometimes it is only possible to match some fixtures. Another reality: There is much more visual input in a world of open plans. This has liberated us from the traditional design rules, which may have disapproved of some of our creative ideas.
Even though rules have changed over the years, it can feel like you are venturing into unknown territory. Blending kitchen finishes is still a matter of right and wrong. Here are a few helpful examples of how mixing Hardware with light fixture finishes will maintain a stylishly coordinated look.
There is only one overhead light source.
Imagine you have stumbled upon a beautifully designed overhead light fixture with a copper frame. You would want to see this showpiece because your Hardware was an oil-rubbed bronze or satin nickel. No way! Install the fixture knowing that the visual appeal is more than worth it.
You have a kitchen in the farmhouse style.
Farmhouse-style kitchens are designed with the tenets of another era when people were more frugal and focused on sustainability than repurposing or recycling.
Farmhouse kitchens are eclectic by nature. Spice racks and open shelving were “built” from old fruit boxes. When choosing mismatched fixtures and hardware finishes, farmhouse kitchens or any eclectic design can be avant-garde.
You have a mismatched kitchen cabinet.
Many clients choose to mix and match cabinetry. They may use a different finish for the uppers and lowers of the cabinets or even a different color on the kitchen island. Some hardware finishes don’t match specific cabinet colors.
For example, oil-rubbed or pulls, for instance, in dark gray or navy cabinets. Install oil-rubbed Hardware in other areas and choose brushed brass finishes to contrast the dark cabinet. You can now choose from a broader range of lighting fixtures once you’ve slightly changed the hardware finish.
It would help if you created an aesthetic balance in the room.
In certain situations, Transitions are crucial. You can use paint or other color enhancements like a backsplash to create a transition from cabinets to countertops.
Your gold or black-accented light fixture is fine if you have a counter with gold and black accents. Your brushed nickel cup handles will also reflect stimulating colors, helping to transition the contrasts.
This concept is a reflection of the Japanese aesthetic philosophy known as wabi-sabi. This powerful philosophy finds beauty and order in imperfection. It’s about bringing together items that aren’t usually coordinated or matching. This concept allows you to create a unique look for your kitchen by mixing the finishes.
It is better to concentrate on macro than micro.
Designers are often their worst enemy because they and their clients become so preoccupied with each decision that the world seems to end if there is a stainless steel kitchen faucet within reach of a brass knob. Your kitchen design should always take a “macro-perspective.” How will everything fit together? The whole is almost always more stylish than its parts.