In terms of design accents, we have numerous options. Some people go with brass while others choose stainless steel. Chrome is also very popular, but many people are uncertain whether it fits their kitchen or not. Before you begin incorporating these accents, you should learn as much as possible about the surface you’re working with.
Why They May Benefit the Kitchen
Chrome accents are very popular among people with renovation plans. If you don’t know whether chrome is the right choice or not, here are some benefits to consider.
- Opens Up the Space
Chrome has a surface that is very pleasing to the eye. Thanks to the gloss, the metal can reflect light and bounce through the room. By incorporating chrome accents in the kitchens, you allow that light to pass and illuminate the space. This will ultimately make it look much bigger.
“Chrome is a material that lights up spaces. I know there are metal trends right now—brass, blacked brass, copper, etc. but chrome is classic and somehow futuristic at the same time,” says interior designer Brigette Romanek.
- Creates an Elegant Look
Chrome has an elegant, futuristic look. People wanting to obtain a modern design may use chrome for faucets, pendants, cabinet handles, and different pieces of furniture. The surface is simple, yet its shine is capable of making a statement. Added to the right places, it may create a sense of luxury in a modern or minimalist kitchen.
- Availability of Accessories
Chrome accessories are very easy to fabricate. As a result, not only are they simple to find, but they are also affordable. Most fixtures such as cabinet hardware or faucets are made with a chrome surface, so you may easily find a unique model that pleases your eyes.
Décor items are also easy to come by. A chrome vase may look intriguing on a shelf, and a chair with chrome legs may raise the elegance degree of the kitchen. While chrome is a relatively cold color, it manages to add extra warmth to the room.
- Can Be Used for Walls
Most of the time, homeowners add chrome accents sparingly in the kitchen. They install chrome handles, opt for chrome-coated appliances or choose a lighting source with a sleek chrome design.
For a modern meets minimalist kitchen, a chrome accent wall may visually extend the room. More people are purchasing chrome foil to create patterns on the wall. The result is a mirror-like surface that reflects a significant amount of light while looking very stylish.
Potential Drawbacks of Chrome Accents
While there are several benefits to adding chrome accents to your kitchen design, some drawbacks may be considered as well. These can include:
- Chrome Gets Smudged or Scratched Easily
Glossy surfaces tend to get fingerprints very often. This applies to chrome accents as well. Every print and every smudge will be visible on the surface of the chrome accessories. Objects can get scratched easily, especially since they are simply coated metals.
This will not be a problem if the chrome accents are rarely touched (i.e., a light source or a décor item). Objects that are used frequently will be more problematic. Faucets and other similar fixtures will require regular maintenance, likely after every use.
- Can Still Corrode
As mentioned, chrome is not a metal in its full sense. Rather, it is a coating applied on a different surface. If the accents are used in areas that get a significant amount of humidity, they may corrode and lead to the formation of rust.
- Losing Popularity
Chrome used to be very popular up until a few years ago. When the futuristic trend was taking over interior design, many people incorporated chrome accents in their kitchens. Nowadays, the focus is on country chic or minimalist cooking spaces with a natural touch.
“We're seeing a transition from exaggerated design to calming neutrals, such as stone countertops and satin fixtures,” says one of the founders of Downtown Reality Co., Ben Creamer. This means that high-gloss fixtures and new chrome are no longer a go-to for kitchen fixtures.