If it's time for a kitchen upgrade, there's one trend designers say you should have on your radar. It's affordable, easy to pull off in any kitchen, and adds visual interest. According to the pros, the design trend that's taking over in 2026 is mixed metals. Rather than having your cabinet pulls, faucets, and lamps all be the same metal, you can mix and match silver, black, gold, and bronze pieces for a chic and personal look.
"People are looking for more personalized yet easy updates in 2026," explains Laura Gerber, interior designer at ODE Design in Falls Church, Virginia. "Since hardware is readily available in many styles and at accessible prices, it is a non-intimidating update that anyone can try."The mixed-metals trend reflects a larger shift in home design, as homeowners leave minimalism behind in favor of personalized interiors. According to many designers, homeowners today are incorporating retro-inspired pieces, meaningful art, and nostalgic elements in their homes. Mixed metals are just the latest way that homeowners are looking to add something unique and functional to their spaces.
Below, designers explain why mixed metals are trending in kitchen design and offer tips for how to pull off the look in your space.
In fact, Mary Gordon of InSite Builders & Remodeling says matching hardware can make a room "fall flat." "A bit like the old rule that shoes, purses, and belts had to coordinate," says the Bethesda-based designer. "Predictable and dated."
Though juxtaposing hardware is a low-risk way to spruce up your space, finding a combination that's cohesive can feel like a tall order. "Think of it like building an outfit," recommends Trish Knight, interior design partner at Knight Varga Interiors in Vancouver. "You want contrast, but not chaos."
Gordon says selecting two metallics keeps a space "balanced and contemporary," but where to begin your search? Look around your kitchen. "Mixed hardware should still connect to something else in the room," explains Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley in Northern Virginia. "We often tie one finish to the lighting and another to the plumbing or appliances." The result, she says, is an approach that's "curated without looking busy."
From there, you'll want to select finishes with similar undertones. Knight points out that brass and bronze have a mutual warmth, which is why these two metals look good together. Meanwhile, she treats matte black finishes as a neutral that goes with anything. "It grounds the composition and pairs seamlessly with stainless, chrome, nickel, or warmer metals," she says.
Contrasting metals can work—Nicole Roby calls out unlacquered brass and polished nickel—but allocate each one to a different category. "Faucets and accessories in one finish and cabinet hardware in one finish," the Birmingham, Alabama, designer explains. "It adds more of a curated aesthetic and an air of being super intentional." Gordon, on the other hand, likes to assign finishes to various "zones." "One finish can be used on the perimeter cabinets and another on the island," she suggests.
When most people think about mixing and matching hardware, tone probably comes to mind. However, designers say don't discount texture. Gordon says both brushed and matte textures have an understated quality that bodes well together. But if you ask Olivia Bailey, an interior designer in Toronto, opposites attract. "Use texture to your advantage," she says. "A knurled pull next to a smooth faucet creates depth without clashing." Similar to tone, too many textures can be overwhelming, and Bailey says two is the sweet spot.
One of the best things about hardware is that it can easily be swapped out. If you wake up one day and don't like what you see, you can change it. Still, Bailey encourages you to make your selections with care. "See your hardware during the daylight [because] finishes differ in color depending on lighting," she says. "Always look at samples in your home before making a big order!"
When you take a closer look at each finish—examining all the nuances of its tones and textures—you'll be able to create a kitchen that beautifully bridges the gap between form and function.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
