Not since the height of the 70’s have we seen brass so strongly embraced in interior design. Along with its other warm metallic counterparts (copper and bronze), brass is enjoying a huge revival. Beaten, folded or polished – designers are celebrating its luxurious, yet industrial appeal, making everything from chandeliers, pendant lights, tables, dressers, chairs, bath and kitchen fixtures and decorative accessories out of this ancient metal.

Brass Revival – Modern Interiors

During the digital revolution of the 90’s homeowners were looking for space age, minimal, high tech environments and there was a strong emphasis on cool metallics like chrome and aluminum; however, now as we move further into the 2000’s people are finding a new-found comfort in the past. Whether it be the handcrafted products or vintage pieces that we buy, we are enjoying products with a story, character, and a hand-wrought craftsmanship to them.

Actually, metal finishes are really on trend at present:  Real metals, but also metallic finishes for example, are also on wall coverings and tiles.

Brass is back, because it evokes that “Seventies” mood, which is back as well this year (think for example to the junglow trend, that has so much in common with the bohemian mood of those years).   It is also back because it has a warm hue, with a vintage retro look.

Brass also looks perfect matched with all the dark and desaturated hues which are popular today in furniture and décor, from petrol and dark blues, to kale and forest green, as well as going with materials such as marble and terrazzo.  It’s great also together with raw materials such as concrete.

This is a great comeback of a material that until recent times we did not take so much into consideration; it made us think of the grandparents’ houses.   It seems that this year brass will be also the trendiest material for bathrooms. 

      

DON’T OVERKILL

However, many designers think they went a little overboard with brass in 2016 and now feel that too much brass can feel a bit contrived and even look cheap when not the proper context.  Mixing metals provides a more eclectic and sophisticated palette.  It makes a home look less catalog and more unique. 

In general for high-traffic spaces, such as kitchens, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome fittings especially, the hardware has been timeless.  If you would like to go for brass accents, consider adding touches with your lighting or accessories, or simply opt to mix and match your finishes which can help to create a design that is more organic.  A brass faucet can look very chic when paired with oil-rubbed bonze knobs.  Pull-Metallics like stainless steel have stolen the show for a few years now, but the inclusion of brass, gold and copper is now making an appearance as well.  Metallics always stand out, and they can look rather stunning when they contrast a simple living space where they can not only look elegant and chic, but are also budget friendly.

Relatively affordable, brass is the perfect metal for adding an element of luxury, timelessness and artisanship into 21st century interiors. Our favorite design schemes combine a mix of natural materials, clean modern lines and monochromatic color schemes enhanced with small injections of warm brass.