I get what you're saying about fingerprints on matte black—definitely a pain to keep clean. But honestly, I think mixing finishes can be more forgiving than people realize, especially if you approach it intentionally. Here's how I've made it work in the past: first, pick one dominant finish that anchors the space (like brushed nickel or brass). Then, introduce your secondary finish sparingly—maybe just faucets or lighting fixtures—to create visual interest without overwhelming the eye. Finally, tie it all together with accessories or decor pieces that subtly echo both finishes.
I recently did polished chrome faucets with antique brass cabinet hardware in my kitchen, and at first, I worried I'd made a mistake. But once I added some brass accents in the decor (like a brass-framed mirror and some vintage brass bowls), it suddenly felt cohesive and intentional. Now it's one of my favorite spaces in the house... fingerprints and all.
Totally get your point about intentional mixing, but honestly, I've found that sticking to just one finish can simplify things a lot. Mixing can look great, sure, but it can also feel cluttered if you're not careful... especially in smaller spaces. Just my two cents.
I see your point, but it really depends on how you're doing the mixing. I've found that if you keep the finishes in similar tones or styles, it can be cohesive without feeling cluttered—even in tighter spaces. For example, matte black and brushed nickel can pair nicely if they're balanced thoughtfully. Still, simplicity does have its perks—less headache when choosing fixtures, that's for sure.
Have you considered how lighting plays into this? I agree matte black and brushed nickel can blend well, but sometimes under certain lighting conditions, the contrast feels harsher. Maybe test a few samples in your actual space before committing... could save some headaches later.
Lighting is definitely a sneaky factor. I've had clients fall in love with fixtures in the showroom only to hate them at home because the lighting was completely different. Matte black can look sleek and modern under bright, neutral light, but throw in some warm bulbs or dimmer conditions, and suddenly it feels heavy or even gloomy. Brushed nickel is usually safer, but even that can surprise you sometimes—under certain lighting it picks up weird undertones you never saw coming.
Honestly, samples are your best friend here. Grab a few finishes and hold them up in your actual bathroom or kitchen at different times of day. Sounds tedious, I know, but trust me... it's worth the hassle now versus kicking yourself later when you're stuck staring at fixtures you can't stand.
One client I worked with insisted on matte black everything—faucets, pulls, showerheads—because it looked amazing on Pinterest (doesn't everything?). But once installed, the bathroom lighting made it look flat and oddly industrial—not the cozy spa vibe she wanted at all. We ended up swapping half of it out for brushed nickel after the fact, and let's just say her budget wasn't thrilled about that.
Bottom line: don't underestimate lighting. It's a bigger deal than most people realize. Take your time with samples and see how they play together in your real-life space before making any final decisions. Better safe than sorry... especially when "sorry" involves plumbing tools and extra invoices from your contractor!
