In this week’s post, we are delving into all of the drama that can be created from mixing contrasting colors and finishes in order to create this elegant take on mixed-contemporary design. With bronze and polished nickel finishes rising once again in popularity, we foresee mixed finishes coming to the forefront in many new home trends whether it be in decorative accents, hardware, lighting, or plumbing fixtures. Similarly with the example below, we believe the combination of such finishes can easily elevate a space, highlighting modernity with the use of modern gold, while maintaining a sense of traditional charm that comes with adding hints of polished nickel. Follow along below as we break down how certain elements in this design contrast the surrounding colors to make a statement that is beautifully harmonious while stepping outside the box.
Starting with the focal point that is created between the countertops, backsplash, and island lighting, is the “Inverness Blakely” quartz slab from Cambria and the “Volterra” Linear Pendant from Hubbardton Forge. Featuring delicate veins of soft taupes and greys across a crisp white body, the “Inverness Blakely” slab looks absolutely stunning when paired with either warm or cool tones, flowing with the varying greys featured in the stacked tile on the backsplash, while setting off the “champagne bronze” finish of Delta’s “Renaldi” faucet and the “Volterra” LED pendant. By filtering it’s light through sheer cuts of alabaster, the “Volterra” casts a soft glow on all of its surroundings in a way that its both timeless and modern, especially when it is set off in a modern gold finish.
Likewise, the “Hathaway” chandelier from Hudson Valley Lighting serves as a jaw dropping contradiction of traditional style and modern design, featuring a classic candelabra shape with a gold leaf finish across arms that are staggered in height and rounded on the edges, almost in a way that creates a “melting” effect on the fixture. This thoughtful design of the “Hathaway” chandelier, effectively adds a “wow” factor within the living room space, as the gold leaf finish is made to “pop” against the subdued tones of mauve, taupe, and silver details, while the rounded points of the otherwise angular silhouette harmonize with the combination of other elements in the room that are both traditional and modern.
