The sleek look of stainless steel kitchen appliances paired with the warmth and richness of gold hardware can create a stylish and eye-catching interior design aesthetic. But successfully blending the two metals requires careful planning and execution. Follow these insider tips to effortlessly incorporate gold hardware into your stainless steel kitchen in ways that are both fashionable and functional.
Balancing Stainless Steel and Gold for Visual Harmony
Stainless steel appliances have dominated kitchen design in recent years. In fact, according to a 2019 survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, over 80% of homeowners opt for stainless steel appliances. Their neutral, versatile look pairs well with most color palettes.
Gold hardware offers the perfect accent, injecting a sense of luxury. The key is finding the right balance, according to Los Angeles-based interior designer Emma Hayes: “Use stainless steel as the dominant metal since it will likely be more prevalent. Then sprinkle in gold hardware and accents for pops of warmth and contrast,” she advises.
By making stainless appliances the main feature, and keeping gold secondary in the form of cabinet hardware and fixtures, you allow each metal to complement the other in perfect harmony.
Hardware: The Best Opportunity for Mixing Metals
Hardware elements provide the ideal vehicles for tastefully blending gold into a stainless steel kitchen. Focus on adding golden touches through:
Faucets
A gold faucet makes a style statement against surrounding stainless steel. Opt for a muted antique brass rather than bright yellow gold. Black stainless faucets also beautifully bridge the two metals.
Cabinet Handles and Pulls
Swapping out standard cabinet knobs for gold hardware elevates the look instantly. Go for a consistent finish on handles and pulls to tie the look together.
Lighting Features
Brass overhead lighting or pendant lights introduce gold in a subtle way. Check that the gold tone plays nicely with your hardware.
Kitchen Island Accents
Dress up a stainless steel kitchen island with gold barstools or chairs. Gold toned metal trim along the base or edges also nicely complements stainless countertops.
Create Cohesion with Complementary Finishes
“Match metals and hardware finishes to keep the overall aesthetic looking cohesive and purposeful,” recommends interior designer Stephanie Jones. Aim for stainless steel with a brushed finish and select gold hardware with coordinating brushed, satin or antiqued finishes rather than high-shine polished gold.
Soft champagne gold, bronze and antique brass work better than bright yellow gold with stainless steel’s muted tone. Unified finishes give the impression that the mixed metals were carefully curated.
Countertops that Complement Gold and Stainless Steel
The countertop material you select can help tie your gold accents and stainless steel elements together:
- Butcher Block: The warm wood look beautifully balances the cool metals. Opt for a light-stained butcher block for a contemporary vibe.
- Marble: Elegant marble’s veining injects movement and contrasts with the industrial metals.
- Quartz: A neutral quartz countertop allows the stainless and gold to stand out. Select a finish like concrete gray.
- Soapstone: Soapstone‘s sandy gray color and texture adds natural contrast next to gold and stainless steel.
Avoid a countertop material that clashes with the metals or overwhelms the space.
Use a Third Color for Added Cohesion
Injecting an additional color creates another layer that brings the look together. Warm woods, natural stone, concrete, blue, green, black and gray all complement a gold and stainless steel color palette.
Interior designer tip: Layer in multiple textures like wood, glass tile, leather and metals to give the space depth.
Stylishly Incorporating Gold and Stainless Steel by Design Style
The striking blend of elegant gold and contemporary stainless steel adapts well to a range of aesthetics:
Modern Design
Gold hardware warms up the sleek, neutral palette favored in modern design. Stainless steel keeps the look grounded and prevents an all-gold scheme from appearing ostentatious.
Transitional Style
Transitional kitchens strike the perfect integrated balance between contemporary and traditional elements, providing an ideal setting for tastefully mixing metals. Stainless appliances combined with gold hardware fittings just works.
Contemporary Environments
The clean lines of contemporary spaces allow gold and stainless steel to really stand out. Gold adds a touch of sophistication to offset the minimalist tendencies of contemporary rooms.
Farmhouse Style
In farmhouse kitchens, the vintage charm of brass, bronze and antiqued gold pairs beautifully with ubiquitous stainless steel appliances. Gold adds cozy style to balance utilitarian stainless.
Industrial Interiors
Stainless steel dominates industrial design palettes with its no-nonsense, metal mechanical look. The inclusion of gold hardware softens the edgy aesthetic, creating a warmer, more welcoming environment.
Caring for Mixed Gold and Stainless Steel Finishes
Maintaining different metals in close proximity requires meticulous care and cleaning to avoid deterioration:
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners
Gentle dish soap and water safely removes most grime from gold or stainless steel without damaging the finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners or anything acidic that can erode metals.
Immediately Dry Gold Surfaces
Allowing water droplets to air dry on gold hardware can lead to mineral deposits and spotting. Always promptly wipe fixtures dry after cleaning.
Polish Gold Monthly
Apply a thin coat of mineral oil to gold hardware once a month using a soft cloth. This nourishes the gold and restores its luster.
Frequently Clean Stainless Steel
Use a stainless steel cleaner or rubbing alcohol monthly to remove fingerprints and prevent buildup on appliances.
Remove Tough Grime Gently
For stubborn debris on gold or stainless steel, use a mild non-abrasive scrubbing pad and mineral oil or stainless cleaner to rub grime away gently. Don’t scour!
Creative Incorporation Without Overdoing It
Strategically blending the metals creates an upscale look that’s subtly chic rather than overly accessorized.
- Alternate gold and stainless steel knobs and pulls down a long drawer bank for visual separation.
- Opt for gold on upper cabinets only and stainless on lowers to break up the metals.
- Anchor the gold and stainless steel with contrasting black metal accents and hardware.
- Choose gold hardware selectively like on the range hood only to accentuate it as a focal point.
- Mix metal finishes like a stainless range and sink with a rose gold faucet and antique bronze light fixtures.
Los Angeles interior designer Jenny Waxman sums it up best: “Carefully curated and well-placed gold accents enrich a stainless steel kitchen in all the right ways.”
Answering Common Questions on Mixing Gold and Stainless Steel
Many readers considering a dual metal kitchen have additional questions on successfully blending these materials. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Does stainless steel go with gold or silver better?
Stainless steel has a more muted, cooler tone than silver and pairs best with warms hues like gold for contrast. Silver and stainless can sometimes blend together.
Should I match metal finishes in my entire kitchen?
Limiting your finishes to just gold and stainless steel can look very uniform and commercial. Consider adding black or bronze accents too for depth.
Is gold hardware high maintenance?
Gold requires more regular cleaning than stainless steel, but taking proper care of it will keep it looking beautiful. Be prepared to polish monthly.
Should my sink match my gold faucet?
While not required, using the same finish like an antique brass sink and faucet creates nice harmony. Just be sure the gold tones complement.
How do I make gold hardware pop against stainless appliances?
Contrast is key. Choose a noticeably different gold tone like a bold brass against brushed steel. Proper lighting also helps the gold stand out.
Inspiring Gold and Stainless Kitchens
The right balance of mixed metals creates a kitchen that’s both stylish and timeless. For inspiration on integrating gold hardware into stainless steel kitchens with beautiful cohesion, take a look at these stunning examples:
[Photo 1: Modern gray and white kitchen with brass pendant lights, gold hardware and stainless appliances] [Photo 2: Transitional kitchen with marble counters, black island and gold & stainless accents] [Photo 3: Rustic farmhouse kitchen with antique gold fixtures, stainless range, and wood counters] [Photo 4: Sleek contemporary kitchen with stainless appliances, gold hardware and black accents] [Photo 5: Bright airy kitchen with gold and stainless accents on white cabinetry]No matter your personal style, thoughtfully blending gold hardware into your stainless steel kitchen creates next-level elegance with broad design appeal.
Homeowner Experiences: Blending Gold and Stainless Steel
Beyond designer tips, real homeowner anecdotes provide helpful advice on succeeding with mixed metal kitchen materials.
Los Angeles homeowner Alicia installed a stainless steel range hood as a focal point and offset it with muted gold cabinet hardware. “I love the pop of glamour the gold hardware adds against the stainless appliances,” she says.
Brooklyn resident Julian describes the thinking behind his combo of stainless appliances and brass fixture accents: “I wanted a look that was simultaneously modern yet warm. The mix of metals nails that balance for me.”
Ultimately using gold hardware in a primarily stainless steel kitchen comes down to personal preference and what look brings you joy. With proper planning and care, you can stylishly blend the metals in ways that express your unique aesthetic vision.
