Mixing metal finishes: gorgeous inspiration

FREE IMAGES So, I have a conundrum in my master bath. I want to change our light fixtures, but I don't want the light fixtures to match the finish of our faucets and towel racks. I spent some time looking for inspiring ways to mix metal finishes this afternoon, and turns out that it actually makes a space look better balanced when there is a mix of finishes. Below are some of my favorite examples:

This bathroom is closest to ours.  Our faucets pretty much look just like that, our vanity knobs are dark, and I want to get light fixtures with a chrome finish.  Looks pretty good to me!

Traditional Bathroom by Minneapolis Architects & Building Designers Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd

Nickel finish faucets look nice with the dark finish of the sconces and mirror frames.

Mediterranean Bathroom by Aliso Viejo Interior Designers & Decorators D for Design

via Houzz

Love the gold and chrome here.
via White + Gold


One challenge I'm having is picking a fixture type for our bathroom ceiling.  The ceiling in our bath is very high, and the fixture there now is more like a foyer light, and very tuscan looking, which just isn't our style.  Here are some fixtures types I'm considering.

I like semi-flush, but with the fixture so high up would it provide enough light?

Via Joss & Main

I also like this style pendant, and it is tall enough to be suitable for a high ceiling.
via Decor Pad

I really like this option.

Via Joss & Main

I really like these pendants, but I would need something wider.

Traditional Bathroom by Irvine Interior Designers & Decorators Blackband Design

A clean and simple chandelier could work too.

via One Kings Lane

What style fixture would you use for a bathroom with a very high ceiling?

Have Fun with Lighting

FREE IMAGES I have a love/hate relationship with lighting. When it's done right, I love it. When it's done even a little bit wrong, I hate it. Let's not even get into how much most of it costs. It's easy to let lighting be an after thought when we're mostly so focused on furnishings and room layout. A lot of the time I have trouble even considering lighting until most of my room is put together. The good news is is that there is an endless selection of lighting styles out there to find a piece that not only matches your space, but can really take center stage and make a positive contribution to the room. You can make it a talking piece of your space or use it to add a little color!

via houzz

If you are starting from scratch and need to locate all of your lighting fixtures, there are tons or retailers online and with showrooms to find what you need. One example is homebase lighting. Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer selling amazing finds for your home and garden. I particularly love their Habitat Lighting section!

I'm a sucker for lighting in unexpected places - like this chandelier over the island.

via House Beautiful

Between the options of ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, decorative lamps, pendants, and outdoor lighting the options can make the task of choosing daunting.  That's why I allow my room to make the decision for me.  Of course, if you find a lamp or fixture you absolutely love,  the room will follow.

Of course, your lighting doesn't need to scream either, a chic little piece can do it's job well in the background.
via Lonny

There are a few things to consider when selecting your lighting, like how much natural light is in the room, how much light you'll need at night, and where you will need direct lighting and ambient lighting. If you already have enough light in the room adding a fixture or lamp for decorative features can be a little more flexible. 

via BHG

You can really go dramatic in the dining room because you don't have to worry about people hitting their heads!
via Adore Home

Don't forget to be a little creative! You can get get a hollow glass lamp and fill it with something fun or meaningful. This gives you complete control of the final look and style for your space. Just because you need a little light in a room doesn't mean it has to be purely utilitarian - make it something worth looking at too!

via houzz

This post is in partnership with homebase.co.uk