Is Brass Out? How Polished Nickel is Replacing The Favorite Metal
In my email newsletter this week (sign up here, it’s free!), I shared hot takes in regard to home design. Trends versus timeless picks, elements I’m ready to see retire, and home scenarios that elicit strong opinions. One of those design topics happened to focus on brass metals. Is brass out? Does brass feel classic? What should you install instead of brass? Today, we’re chatting about how polished nickel is replacing everyone’s favorite metal, along with the fate of brass. Click through for an interesting post containing my thoughts on this topic, and plug into my designer brain…
Because of the popularity of my trend forecasting and “hot takes” email, I’m wondering if I should resurrect my Design Discussion series (examples here: Nude Art, Accent Walls & Alternative Ideas, Wool Rugs in the Bathroom. Should we bring it back and discuss more of these together? I’m also open to creating a new series around trends (and my thoughts on each), if that sounds more appealing? Either way, let’s dive into brass metals!
Is Brass Out?
Personally, I think brass is here to stay. However, I do believe it’s on the decline in terms of popularity. I’m also willing to say, it was overused and incredibly trendy for many years… which is why we’re naturally seeing a regression. Trends are cyclical! All of that to say, we’re not going to throw out a classic just because it’s being overused… just look at subway tile (another example pictured in my bathroom, above). So, how do we make it work?
There is always a way to make a classic design element feel timeless.
The way you use brass in your home can make or break the longevity, and it influences whether or not you’ll still love it in 5-10 years.
Why the Finish Matters
I’m guessing you knew this statement was coming, but not all brass is created or finished equally. I’ll be the first to say, there are a LOT of bad brass finishes on the market. Knowing which finishes to choose and which to avoid is key in creating a classic aesthetic. Let’s break it down with examples…
Classic Brass Finishes
Which brass finishes should you choose for a timeless look? Brass inherently has a vintage or antique look, based on the way it patinas over time. Therefore, finishes within that family are less prone to appearing dated. I always stick to true antique brass finishes (that look natural) or living brass finishes that will age naturally over time- eventually producing that antiqued look. Do you see the difference in the above and below image? I love my antique brass door hardware… you can see it’s cooler, darker, and has an aged look.
Dated Brass Finishes
The below image is the faucet in our powder room, which was the result of an open box item I scooped sight unseen and couldn’t return. See how it’s much warmer, softer (super matte), and almost orange looking? That’s not ideal. Since that’s a room we still need to renovate, I left it alone- knowing someday it will be updated… but it’s a good lesson. This finish isn’t even the worst of the cheap looking brass finishes I’ve seen.
The prevalence of bad brass finishes has really ramped up over the years, as brass gained popularity. Which finishes should you avoid? Anything brushed or manufactured looking… brass that appears soft (instead of shiny) is never good. Similarly, I avoid any brass the comes off as too yellow or orange. I think the easiest way to differentiate good brass from bad is to ask yourself if it looks antique. Typically it has a darker, less saturated finish than manufactured counterparts, that read brighter and matte.
Is Polished Nickel The Next Go-To Metal?
I’m seeing a lot of designers using cool or silver toned metals at the moment. I definitely think they’re surpassing brass. Whether or not, it’s polished nickel… I’d say it’s a toss up. I’m seeing plenty of chrome and stainless metallic finishes as well. How would I predict these silver metals are going to fare? I don’t see longevity for chrome or stainless fixtures (excluding appliances), but I’m a firm believer polished nickel is timeless (the warmer metal of the aforementioned silvers). It’s a classic we see repeated throughout history- just like antique brass. Remember, it’s more about selection and how it’s applied. That brings me to my text topic…
Why Mixing Metals Is Important
I think the key to creating an aesthetically lasting space is to keep the entire room or home in mind… then choose wisely. That means layering, mixing, selecting many elements (not just plumbing fixtures) that have a classic and curated vibe. If you’re only choosing trendy items, your entire space will look dated quickly. From building materials to accessories, take your time choosing elements for your home that feel timeless.
I’m willing to bet your one trendy item that didn’t withstand the test of time won’t feel so out-of-style or out-of-place, set against a room curated with the classics.
Just something to keep in mind! While it is fun to focus on a single trend, it’s equally as important to think big picture.
Let’s use my kitchen (pictured below) as an example. It’s hard to believe we renovated this space seven years ago! We’ll be celebrating a decade before we know it. When many people are beginning to think about remodels 10 years in, I’m still here admiring my gorgeous kitchen. It’s not a crazy concept- I was just sure not include anything overly trendy. Timeless soapstone, a deep paint color I love, marble, handmade ceramic tile, polished nickel plumbing fixtures, antique brass hardware, and warm wood floors…. individually, one might say some of those things have passed their prime. As a whole, I still think it’s a stunning combination!
FAQ
Mixing metals! Clearly, I love antique brass paired with polished nickel. Bronze is another good option.
Absolutely! There’s no way to avoid it. That’s the way trends work… they’re cyclical. Does that mean you have to replace your polished nickel faucet if brass becomes the next hot thing? Absolutely not. In fact, I’d urge you to renovate with that in mind. My goal is always to create a lasting home I’ll love for many, many years. When designing, I’m constantly asking myself, “Will I love this in 5 years? How about 10 years? What about 15?”.
Personally, I don’t think it was ever out of style- but this applies to any and all fixtures: lighting, plumbing, hardware, etc.
Easy! Matte black. Anything matte with a soft appearance. I do like dark metal though- I’d just choose bronze. That’s another timeless option! I’ll drop an example from our maroon guest bedroom below. I paired a bronze pendant with an antique brass floor lamp… see how the pendant still has a metallic feel to it? That’s what we’re looking for.
Related
Looking for more designer advice on kitchen or bath design? I’m going to share some of my favorites with you below…
- How to Select Different Countertop Edge Profiles
- My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Cabinets
- How to Choose a Marble Slab for Your Renovation
- Easy Smart Home Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas
- How to Replace & Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors
- Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (with Easy Examples)
- How to Mix Metals and Choose Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures & Hardware
- What to Know About Solid Surface Countertops (Pros & Cons)
- How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger
- Classic Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures from Wayfair
Questions? Thoughts? I want to hear in the comment section below! I hope you liked this post and found it helpful. I also know not everyone’s goal is to create a home they’ll still love in a decade… but that’s basically my entire philosophy around here. I’m renovating once (hopefully), creating less waste, and designing a home I adore the first time around (if all goes as planned, ha). I know it’s easier said than done, but I hope by sharing these types of posts you can also create a home you love 10 years down the road. Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead!
