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What’s the Difference Between a Chrome and Nickel Finish?

Tall kitchen faucet with integrated spray
Nickel Kitchen Faucet
Chrome Faucet in a modern kitchen
Chrome Kitchen Faucet

Chrome and nickel finishes look very similar, but upon close examination, you’ll find some notable differences in three categories that you should consider before selecting your cabinet hardware or plumbing fixtures.

Finish:  Nickel tends to have more of a soft, warm finish.  Chrome will have a cooler and brighter finish.  You can typically find brushed and polished options in both finishes.

Cost:  Chrome will usually be more cost-effective than a nickel.

Maintenance:  Chrome is a durable, low-maintenance finish. There are two types of nickel finishes, PVD and silver nickel. The more commonly used nickel, PVD, has been available for decades and is low maintenance.   Silver nickel is considered a “living finish” and is a luxury finish, with rich subtle color that needs to be cleaned with special care.

dual sets of fixtures to allow for concurrent his and hers showering
Chrome Shower Fixtures
walk-in shower with mother of pearl inlay tile
Nickel Shower Fixtures

Selecting a finish for your fixtures and hardware is just one of the many choices you’ll make when planning your remodeling. Fortunately, the Normandy Designers are excellent at helping you make the choice that’s right for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Set up a time to talk with a Designer about your kitchen or bathroom remodel. You can also learn more about what happens behind the scenes at a remodel at an upcoming seminar or find more inspiration and tips by following Normandy on Instagram or Facebook.

Modern Kitchen Cabinet Styles

galley kitchen with high gloss finishDuring a modern kitchen remodel, it’s common to select full overlay cabinets because they convey the clean lines and minimalism that homeowners want to achieve in the project.  “In a recent project, we took it a step further and selected high gloss cabinets,” says Normandy Designer Chris Ebert.  “The homeowners wanted a white, black, gray, and blue color scheme, so the cabinets are a combination of white and black, and look very sleek in the space.”

“In a modern kitchen like this, you don’t want a really fussy countertop, leading us to choose a gray top with blue flecks from Cambria,” noted Chris.

“The space was pulled together with marble and glass tile backsplash that created a nice balance in the kitchen.” “The tricky part of this galley kitchen remodel was attaining the open concept the homeowners wanted,” commented Chris.

“We were able to take down one wall, but the brick wall between the sunroom/dining area and the kitchen was load-bearing and we had to work with it.  The solution was to create a sense of congruity from one side to the other, and we did that by incorporating cabinetry on each side.”

If you’re looking for ways to breathe new life into your galley kitchen, you can set up a time to talk with Chris about what to change, and what to keep the same. You can also find inspiration in our photo gallery or at one of our upcoming webinars. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get tips and trends delivered to your feed on a regular basis.

Black and white high gloss cabinets

Modern high gloss high contrast galley kitchen

Black and white glossy kitchen

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