We had some aged brass pulls I really liked, but couldn’t find matching PVD levers for the doors. Ended up using both and honestly, once the room was all put together, it looked more intentional ...
Totally get what you mean about fingerprints—my kids seem to have a sixth sense for finding every shiny surface. I’ve mixed brass and matte black in our kitchen, and at first I worried it’d look thrown together, but like you said, repeating the finishes elsewhere really helps. Did you find one finish got more wear than the other? My black pulls seem to hide a lot more than the brass ever did...
Mixing finishes really does create a layered look, doesn’t it? In my house, the matte black pulls are way easier to keep looking clean—brass definitely shows smudges and little scratches more. If you’re on a budget, I’ve found that using the pricier finish just for the most visible spots (like cabinet uppers) and going with something more forgiving where hands are constantly grabbing works out well. You can always tie it together with a few small accents in each finish—think picture frames or even a soap dispenser.
Mixing finishes definitely helps, but I always wonder if it looks “intentional” or just kinda random. I’ve tried to save by using cheaper handles on lower cabinets too, but then I started noticing the difference more than I thought I would. Anyone else get bugged by that, or am I just picky? Also, does anyone actually polish their brass pulls regularly, or do you just let them age?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRIPS FOR YOUR DOORS
Mixing finishes can totally work, but I get what you mean about it sometimes feeling a bit... off if there’s no real pattern or reason behind the choices. I’ve had clients who wanted to mix metals and it looked great because we kept some kind of balance—like repeating the same finish in a couple spots so it feels deliberate. But when you just have one oddball handle here and there, it can start feeling accidental instead of “designed.”
About the cheaper handles—yeah, if they’re right next to pricier ones, you’ll definitely notice. I tried that in my own kitchen once thinking I’d be clever and save a few bucks, but every time I opened a cabinet I could feel the difference. Ended up swapping them all out just for peace of mind.
As for brass pulls, honestly? Most people don’t polish them regularly. The patina is kind of charming, but I get that not everyone loves the aged look. Personally, I let mine age unless they start looking really grimy... then I give them a quick polish, but definitely not on any kind of schedule.
But when you just have one oddball handle here and there, it can start feeling accidental instead of “designed.”
Totally get this. I tried mixing reclaimed wood knobs with some new brushed nickel ones in my last reno, thinking it’d look “eclectic.” Instead, it just looked like I ran out of matching hardware halfway through. Ended up swapping them for all salvaged ones—at least then the mismatched vibe felt intentional. Also, I’ve noticed that some of the more eco-friendly grip options (like recycled glass or bamboo) don’t always match the feel of metal, but they age in interesting ways. Anyone else notice how patina on brass can actually hide fingerprints better than polished chrome?
