brass & steel in the kitchen

The story starts with this kind of library wall light that I've been in love with for a very long time.

martha stewart

double boston functional library light, visual comfort

Is it too trendy? I guess I don't really care.

urban grace

urban grace



french library double wall lamp, circa lighting

Now imagine my surprise when I showed it to Michael and found that he instantly loved it too. We are going to do it over the sink in the kitchen. He really likes it in the antique brass finish shown above.

I'm still not sure which style of light we'll go for—but the question is the finish. I know it'll look great with the cabinet color. It's BM Stone Hearth, same as the wall color in Keri Russell's home shown here.


So we love the brass, and it works with the paint, but is it going to compete with the appliances? And hardware? And the faucet we already like?

I'd change out the faucet in an instant to match the light.

via the vintique object

And the hardware too. How pretty would this be?

house & home


The real dilemma is the stainless steel appliances. I've been thinking it can't be done. Then I stumbled across this amazing kitchen that I'd forgotten about.

house & home

I love it. It works. The warm brass makes the kitchen feel more elegant and cozy-room-like, less workspace and industrial. Adding that finish balances out the coolness of the stainless steel. Here are a few more shots to contemplate.

houzz

pinterest

aerin lauder's home, vogue

pinterest

Seeing all these images, I'm kind of excited about the prospect of doing a mix now, and not staying all matchy-matchy with the finishes in the kitchen. What do you think? Would you do it in your home? Or do you just like it for someone else's?! Would you do it knowing you were going to sell in a few years and needed to appeal to the average homeowner?

11 comments

Jillian {Her Split Ends} said...

I LOVE the lights. And love the mix of different metals. I think its fabulous...can't wait to see pics!!

Cheers
~ Jillian
www.hersplitends.com

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

I love the mix of metals and would totally do it!

René said...

The mixture definitely works! I'm sure whatever you decide will be great.

Sarah said...

I say go for the lights, Casey!! (Not sure about the brass hardware though!) The addition of the warmth of the brass will be beautiful!!

Kate said...

I love the gold hues mixed with the stainless- not sure I'd have the guts to do it in my own home because I'm a whimp and always like consistency.....kind of like how I wear silver/white gold jewelry but have a couple gold pieces I'd like to wear but never do. Can't wait to see what you guys chose. I know it will be fantastic!

Garden, Home and Party said...

I love the lights and I believe a room looks more interesting with things that don't always match. The antique brass looks like an antique and will go well with anything.
Karen

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

I love the mix of metals. Who says they all need to match anyway? Clearly they don't because your inspiration pics are gorgeous. Do it!

The Vintique Object said...

I'm the dissenter. I'm sitting there thinking, "Mix, Girlfriend, mix!" and then I get to the part about you selling and it stops me. I don't know. I think the average house buyer doesn't see these kinds of details if they're looking at what will be a beautiful and beautifully staged house (as I know yours will be). But I also think the average home buyer can be really picky about these things and will hear HGTV in their heads echoing some nonsense about appliances matching.

That House and Home kitchen STILL gets to me. Your kitchen is going to be SO fab.

pam {simple details} said...

In a heartbeat! Your inspiration photos are evidence it looks great!

Samantha said...

I mixed my metals, and so far no one has entering my home pointing and rolling their eyes.

Dane said...

My cabinets are dark black oak, my pulls are satin brass and my appliances are stainless steel. We are selling in the spring and I don't think anyone will turn their nose up as it is stunning.

Go for it!

*bisous*
Dane