Your cheat sheet to making mixed finishes look intentional (not chaotic)

Mixing metals, tones, and patterns can take your home from “builder basic” to beautifully layered. But without a plan, it’s easy to go from curated to cluttered. Here’s how to get it right.

When mixing metals:

• DO choose 2–3 complementary finishes max (like brass and black or chrome and brushed nickel).
• DON’T spread them evenly across the room—pick one dominant finish, then use the others as accents.
• DO repeat each finish at least twice to make it feel intentional.

When mixing tones (like wood or fabric colors):

• DO vary the undertones—but stay within a cohesive palette (warm tones with warm, cool with cool).
• DON’T forget contrast—your room needs some visual tension, so mix light and dark where possible.

When mixing patterns:

• DO combine different scales (large floral, medium plaid, small stripe = yes).
• DON’T use too many patterns of the same size or style—it gets busy fast.
• DO keep at least one unifying color to tie your patterns together.

Intentional mixing brings warmth and character to a room. Start small, try layering one or two new elements, and let your space evolve.