The 5 Personalities of Metals
Sinkology is proud to present Kristan Allen, our design expert and guest blogger who runs the @FarmhouseRedefined Instagram. Kristan is here to share some design ideas and inspiration around designing your home around your Sinkology sink.
My kids are 11 months apart and, as close in age as they are, they couldn’t be more different in personality. I sat pondering this as I brainstormed ideas for this post and it got me thinking about the different personalities of metals. What kind of look and feel do our favorite metallics evoke? Cool, calm and collected? Warm and engaging? Metallics are a great way to make a statement in your home, and with a variety of hues and finishes, they can easily blend in with your current style or help you transition from one style to another. That said, I thought it might be fun to delve a little deeper into the personalities I would assign some of my favorite metallics.
1. Brushed Nickel
I think of brushed nickel as “the bridge.” It blends well and easily transcends any one style. Depending on its surroundings, it can be refined and elegant or gritty and industrial (think rivets and steel). For me, brushed nickel is like vanilla…and by that, I don’t mean boring. I mean it’s something everyone likes and you can pair it with other things to create a whole new flavor. Here, I used it in my powder room to offset a pretty ornate vanity. The steel-like finish grounds the intricate carved wood and keeps it from being too over-the-top for my casual farmhouse style.
2. Copper
Copper is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re using it in small touches here and there, or in big doses, like an apron front kitchen sink, it’s a great way to draw people in. There’s something about the earthiness of the material that really makes a statement. And it’s more versatile than you might think! In my kitchen, I paired a hammered apron front copper sink with distressed cabinets in both off-white and black.
The copper sink’s texture, along with the distressing on the cabinets, gives it just enough rustic feel. The rich copper also provides a pop of warmth in a space otherwise dominated by cool tones like grays and black.
3. Chrome
Classic and fresh, chrome is like your favorite pair of jeans…never out of style and it goes with nearly everything. You can dress it up or dress it down and it’s a great choice for bathroom fixtures. I love pairing it with white/porcelain for a clean, simple look that leaves plenty of room to accessorize with color and texture.
4. Brass
Brass is the original Comeback Kid in my book. Shiny brass fixtures were all the rage 25+ years ago. Now, this shade is moving back up the ranks in popularity. Brass fixtures with a more matte finish (like the ones in this photo from Domino) are striking and handsome. Bold, yet understated. And as much as I love brass in bathroom or kitchen fixtures, I love it just as much in the form of a small knick-knack or antique on a book shelf. Instant eye candy!
5. Gold
It doesn’t matter where you put it…for me, gold always equals glam. It adds instant luxury and commands the eye with its sparkle. This kitchen featured on Style Me Pretty highlights gold to the max with oversized pendant lights, cabinet hardware and fixtures. If you’re not ready to go quite this bold with gold, try adding it in subtle tones to your styled bar cart or tablescape, like this one from Lauren Conrad. A little can go a long way!
So that’s my take on metallic personalities! What are yours? At the end of the day, I’ve got just one concrete style rule…and that is, there are no rules! If you like it, then it’s perfect for your home. I’d love to see how you’re using metallic in your décor. Post your pics to Instagram, tag me {@FarmhouseRedefined} and @Sinkology and use the hashtag #metallichomelove. We’ll be regramming some of our favorites!
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