A popular design trend for homes in 2023 is mixing materials and colors when designing your cabinets. Mixing and matching can seem daunting, but tackling this trend will help make your home unique. In this blog, we will give you tips and ideas on how to create a stunning home with mixed elements. Whether you are going to build a new home or remodel a bathroom or kitchen, custom cabinets with mixed materials will take the space to a more sophisticated level. 

Mixing Wood And Metal For The Cabinet Material

The reason designers and homeowners have started mixing materials is to help create more contrast in an area of the home. Contrast is important in any type of design because it makes it more appealing to the eye. Constructing some of your cabinets out of wood and some out of metal are two very different materials, so this will create drastic contrast for your home.

Different types of materials can also make us feel different feelings. Wood cabinets can help us feel connected to the outside world and give us a more cozy feeling. Metal is sleek and stark, which feels crisp and more formal. Mixing materials will help elevate your home to a sophisticated home by eliciting varying emotions. 

When mixing wood and metals, you will need to consider the different finishes of each material. For example, woods are more matte and metals are shiny. Adding two drastically different materials to your space creates texture and depth. 

Dark woods match best with lighter metals (brushed steel or aluminum). Lighter woods coordinate best with dark or black metals. Reflecting the light in the right way is the key to getting the perfect contrast.

Cabinet Hardware Of Different Finishes

The biggest reason to mix hardware styles is to bring more character into the home. The right cabinet hardware will make your home look expensive and high-end without the need to spend a lot of money. 

Hardware needs to help make your home easier to function in as well. Cabinets without hardware can be hard to open and can slow you down when you are cleaning, preparing food, or getting ready in the morning. Choosing functional hardware is more important than looks, but aesthetics and functionality can be combined. 

It is recommended that certain handle shapes are used for different types of cabinet doors. Round knobs are best for out-swinging doors, handles or bars for flip-up doors, and longer vertical options for fridges, pantries, or panels. 

Other good rules of thumb are to keep the hardware consistent on the upper cabinets and choose a different one for the lowers. You can also mix the shapes of handles, but it is easier to choose one finish for the entire space. 

Mixing And Matching Colors

Mixing colors is the most popular mix-and-match option for cabinets. Some homeowners you two or three colors through cabinets and storage options in their homes. When choosing colors, you should utilize color theory and work to match the design of the rest of your home. 

When using color theory, choose colors that are either opposite on the color wheel or are in different color ranges (secondary and tertiary). It is also important to note that colors have undertones, so some grays may be more warm or cool for example. Pairing a warm wood with a warm gray may not be the best option if you are working to create contrast. 

An easy way to incorporate more color is to make your kitchen island or bathroom vanity an accent piece. Choose a bold color to contrast the other neutrals in the room. If color intimidates you, choose one color for the upper cabinets and one color for the lowers. This makes your decision easier and creates a pretty two-toned design that works with any home style. 

Remember that the “rules” are just merely suggestions and if your style is more eclectic, use more than three colors and ignore all the rules that interior designers have preached for years. Your home should feel like you, and your cabinets are no exception. 

Coordinating Cabinets And Countertops

Mixing colors and materials in the cabinets can make it hard to match your countertops. White cabinets match best with all countertop options, but incorporating color will make your space much more interesting.

If your cabinets have three colors, choose the most neutral color of the three and use that for the countertops. Countertops match better when they have similar undertones to your cabinet colors as well, even if just the marbling matchings one of your cabinet colors. 

Custom Cabinets From Rasmussen

Our designers at Rasmussen can help you coordinate styles, colors, textures, and accessories to make your home look its best. Working with our team makes designing an elegant home a possibility while never compromising on functionality. Contact our team to get started on your project right away.