Fashion design and interior design are closely linked, especially in aesthetics. They both follow the same style, rules, and trends. Fashion rules have stated for a long time that shoes, purses, and belts should match. However, this rule has been reinterpreted as “basic” by the cool kids in recent years. A statement shoe or pops of rose gold is a sign of style, courage, and a person’s willingness to take bold steps with their clothes.
The same concept changes have also occurred in the world of kitchen design. The ‘purse/belt/shoes’ rule in fashion translates to ‘hardware/lighting/appliances’ in the kitchen design language. We see homeowners go against the rule that fixtures and hardware must match and choose multi-finish solutions.
A full kitchen can be an excellent way for your home in Lehigh Valley, PA, to get the royal treatment it deserves. But continue reading to learn more about matching hardware and lighting before you start.
Are light fixtures required to match hardware?
It is common to match hardware with lighting fixtures. Even though there has been some variation in the style rules, matching fixtures is not considered a faux pas. Matching fixtures is a safe and reliable way to tidy up a small kitchen.
Sometimes it is impossible to match every fixture. Another reality? There is another reality. Open floor plans are the norm. This means there is more visual input. This has allowed us to abandon some of the traditional design rules that might have limited our creativity.
Although the rules may have changed over time, they are still in place. It can be challenging to ignore them. There are both right and wrong ways to blend kitchen finishes. Here are some examples of how hardware can be combined with light fixture finishes to create a cohesive style.
One overhead light source is sufficient.
Suppose you stumble upon an exquisitely crafted overhead light fixture with copper frames. You could have missed out on this showpiece if you didn’t have satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware. No! It’s a great idea to install the fixture, knowing that the visual appeal it creates will be a benefit more than a disadvantage.
A farmhouse-style kitchen is yours.
Farmhouse-style Kitchens are designed with tenets from another era when things were reused.
Farmhouse kitchens are often very eclectic. Open shelving was made using old fruit boxes, and spice racks were made of recycled pallets. When choosing the wrong hardware and fixtures, farmhouse kitchens (or any eclectic design) are boldly avant-garde.
You have a kitchen that has mismatched cabinets.
Many clients choose to mix and match cabinetry. This could include a different look for the uppers or lowers or another color choice for the island. Some hardware finishes don’t reach specific cabinet colors when this is the case.
For example, oil-rubbed bronze knobs or pulls can look sloppy against dark grey or navy cabinets. Install oil-rubbed hardware elsewhere, and choose brushed brass finishes to contrast the darker cabinets. You have more freedom when a slight variation between the hardware finishes.
The goal is to create a visual harmony that ties the space together.
Transitions can play an essential role in some instances. You can use paint or other color enhancements to disappear any hardware and lighting fixture differences, just like a backsplash for countertops.
If you have a black or gold countertop, your light fixture with an accent of gold will work well. Your brushed nickel cup can reflect stimulating colors, helping to transition the contrasts.
This concept is a reflection of the Japanese aesthetic worldview called wabi-sabi. It is a robust design philosophy that finds beauty and order in imperfection. It’s a creative way to combine items that are generally not compatible or match. This concept can be used to design your kitchen in unique ways.
It is essential to emphasize the “macro” and not “micro” aspects of life.
Designers can become their worst enemy. They (and their clients) can get so involved in every decision that it feels like the world is ending if a stainless steel kitchen faucet is within reach of a brass knob/pull. Your kitchen design should be considered from a “macro” perspective. How will everything fit together as one whole? The whole is usually more fashionable than the parts.
Where can I find reliable kitchen remodelers in Lehigh Valley, PA
Are you interested in unlocking the potential of your kitchen’s culinary capabilities? Regardless of your kitchen remodeling ideas, Kitchen Magic can help you create your ideal kitchen. Kitchen Magic can help you create a stress-free kitchen with professional designers who keep the whole picture in view. Our skilled design consultants have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the maze of matching and mixing kitchen finishes. Book a complimentary in-home consultation if you are ready to start your kitchen renovation.