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Out with the cold, in with the warm. While cool metals like silver and stainless steel have prevailed in recent years, warmer metals are now taking the stage—and brass is the leading star.
It certainly isn’t brass’s first time in the spotlight: the metal has surfed waves of popularity from the Victorian area through the mid-20th century and, most recently, in the 1970’s.
So what’s behind brass’s comeback? The no-frills, industrial, high-tech look has been popular for a while, and many are ready to move on. Brass, being warm and luxurious, presents the perfect antithesis. It offers other perks, too: many brass pieces were constructed in times where furniture and home décor pieces were built with quality in mind, so vintage brass pieces are sure to be sturdy and durable. Plus, unlacquered brass offers a natural patina in time, something that is certainly en vogue in today’s décor.
Looking for ways to incorporate brass into your own home décor while keeping the look modern and fresh? Here are 6 ways to get it done.
Fix Up the Kitchen Fixtures
If you like the look of brass but want to ease your way into it, incorporating the metal into your kitchen fixtures is the perfect way to test the waters. Replace cabinet knobs and drawer handles with brass fixtures, and swap your kitchen faucet for a brass one.
If your kitchen already features stainless steel detailing in appliances or other areas, it might feel weird to incorporate brass. Don’t be shy: the two metals can actually compliment each other nicely, creating a balanced feeling. Not the look for you? Save brass for another room.
Brassy Art and Accessories
Another way to dip into the world of brass without making a major commitment is to tie in brass art and accent pieces. Whether it’s a small sculpture, a decorative bowl or functional bookends, these accessories are small ways to make a big impact. Art and décor items are meant to start conversations, so your little touches won’t go unnoticed.
An added perk of integrating brass this way is that it’s just as easy to swap it out as it was to swap it in. The non-permanence of the objects makes them easy to move into other rooms or to put into storage.
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Make Some Noise With Pots and Pans
If you’re a fan of function, listen up: brass cookware is as durable as it gets, heats up evenly, and is extremely practical to use. It will look equally fabulous in your kitchen—especially if you display your pieces on open shelving or by hanging them on hooks.
Brass pots and pans aren’t cheap, but they will last you a lifetime. If you prefer to invest in quality items, look into brass cookware.
Lighten Up
Brass light fixtures come in just about every shape, size and style you can think of. That means that whatever your personal décor scheme, there’s a brass lamp out there that will fit right in. From modern, minimalist fixtures to antique pieces to statement chandeliers, all it takes is a little hunting around.
Bathroom, Meet Brass
A bathroom is the perfect place to incorporate a new look: because the space is smaller, it requires fewer pieces to make a big impact. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate brass into your bathroom.
Start with the fixtures: knobs, handles, towel rails and faucets—but don’t stop there. A brass shower frame will tie the look together nicely, and brass accents like mirrors and light coverings will be the icing on the cake.
Brass works equally well with clean whites as it does with slate, stone, and other natural materials: play around with it until you find the right look for you.
Everything, Including the Kitchen Sink
If you’re absolutely head over heels in love with brass, why not go all the way with brass appliances? You won’t find these pieces at your local department store—yet—but early adapters can work with designers to apply copper cladding to their appliances. Bars, sinks, and another statement pieces are other options for declaring your love of brass.
