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New Tips for Successfully Mixing Metals in Your Showroom | May 19, 2023 (0 comments)
West Bloomfield, MI--It is not always necessary to do a full-blown renovation to give your showroom a brand-new look. One of the easiest ways is by updating your fixtures. If you have not shown any interest in your showroom in more than five years, it’s time. If the flooring and tiles are holding up well then, a simple refresher will do the trick. If you have seen showrooms that are mixing metals, you might be wondering whether it’s a new design look or something to avoid.
Just like we have seen a recent trend in fashion towards combining both gold, silver and bronze. It might seem risky but if you do it with the correct design intention you will create a beautiful, polished look. The goal is to have the finished space with a seamless blending look. Kelley Jewelers, which I designed, used gold color metal rods that are on the bottom of the beautiful cabinetry and mixed silver artwork on a metallic silver tone wallpaper. The chandeliers are gold and give the store a focal point. See picture of Kelley Jewelers in Oklahoma below.
[Kelley Jewelers, photo credit: Leslie McGwire]
The secret to success lies in the amount of metals used in the store. If you have ever had to combine wood tones in your showroom, you’ll know that the goal is to create blending effects. This stops the spaces from looking like you tried to match woods but got it wrong. The same applies with mixing metal finishes. Buchkosky Jewelers in Roseville, MN, which I designed, reveals the beautiful silver tone chandeliers with the bronze metal on the gate to go through to the VIP rooms. (See picture of Buchkosky Jewelers.)
[Buchkosky Jewelers, photo credit: Leslie McGwire]
When mixing metals keep the finish consistent to attain the intended look. It is important when using different materials to stay within the overall design. In this case, the finish can create the link between all the metals.
When mixing shiny chrome fixtures with gold drawer pulls, choose a gold with a glossier finish as opposed to a matte finish. This will give consistency to the materials even though the metal color is different.
For instance, use silver in the chandelier. Then add some gold in the drawer pulls and fixtures. If you really must have a third finish, you can use the bronze metal. You can see how even three finishes is getting a bit busy so I would not recommend this unless you have a large showroom and some interesting art that helps harmonize the colors.
About the Author: Leslie McGwire™ has over 35 years in business development, interior design and marketing services in retail and jewelry-based businesses. Leslie has won 25 national design awards, including the prestigious Salon Today and INSTORE Jewelry Store awards. Leslie has a true passion for business, design in the retail and jewelry industries. Visit lesliemcgwire.com for more information.