Should your kitchen faucets' material match your other hardware?

Aug 15, 2023

From rustic brass to shimmering chrome, we explore whether your hardware should match or contrast

Like all precious jewelry, the hardware you choose for your kitchen can elevate the look substantially, which is why you might be wondering whether your kitchen faucets' material should match your other hardware.

The kitchen faucet and hardware, such as handles and joints, might seem like a purely practical addition, the main purpose is its functionality, but there is a lot to be said for matching materials.

‘Think of your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet like jewelry,’ says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds. 'One should complement the other; creating a beautiful and decorative kitchen that has been tailored to perfection.'

However, bear in mind that anything too matchy-matchy can look contrived. The short answer is, to do what feels best for your kitchen. After all, the heart of the home should reflect the homeowner's personality.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that there wasn't too much to consider when choosing the best kitchen faucets or cabinet hardware for your home. Hardworking hardware needs to strike the perfect balance between design and function, so should be planned with just as much consideration as any other aspect of your kitchen.

But, if you are still undecided, let us take you on a journey of material discovery, as we showcase some of our favorite kitchen designs; some that have matched hardware and faucets, and others that haven't. You might just find the inspiration for your next kitchen remodel.

If you have a predominantly white kitchen, you may be wondering how to add interest without encroaching on the subtle, minimalist look.

Add other materials, such as gold or brass hardware to your kitchen sink, to enjoy all the benefits of a white kitchen – plus gentle warmth. ‘White kitchens continue to be hugely popular, despite the reputation that they can be too clinical for a home environment,’ explains Richard Atkins, design director of DesignSpace London.

‘There are many ways to warm up the design, one of which is by introducing different materials into the design scheme. Metallic details work particularly well.'

'Mix materials and remember, finishes don't have to match,' says Jo Le Gleud and Scott Maddux of Design Studio Maddux Creative. 'It is important to think of the materials as a palette that interacts, complementing each other in their differences and still creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. This gives you the freedom to source hardware and fittings from different suppliers and the distinctions allow you to notice their intrinsic beauty of them individually.'

Modern kitchen design is best known for its streamlined and tailored aesthetic, so if your kitchen is leaning towards this kitchen style, you may wish to invest in hardware that matches your kitchen faucet.

For an enduringly stylish and sleek look, go for solid metal. Stainless steel, brass, and bronze are all contemporary additions, giving an industrial edge to your kitchen.

Not all kitchen hardware needs to match as this beautiful rustic kitchen demonstrates. A key tenant of vintage-inspired, according to Adrian Bergman, design manager at British Standard by Plain English, is to ‘embrace the natural warmth and charm of smaller details in the kitchen such as used hardware, which has aged over the years, adding to the homespun appeal’.

Antique hardware and fixtures add character and will again help to elevate the room as a whole. Think about refabricating antique brass faucets when considering which decorative elements work best for your space. Not only can this often save money, but it is also a sustainable kitchen alternative and helps to strengthen the narrative behind the design.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

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