The ever present Millennial grey has graced showrooms and houses for practically a decade now, washing over partitions, furnishings, and decor. Its versatility made it an ideal match for numerous aesthetics, with fashionable farmhouse rising as one of the vital widespread kinds.
Although the basic, cool-toned impartial is flexible and mass-appealing, it has fallen out of favor in 2025 in favor of hotter, extra full of life interiors. When Redfin surveyed practically 50 designers concerning the incoming 2025 inside design traits in addition to what we’re forsaking, the bulk known as for a resurgence of consolation, curves, and total playfulness on this yr’s aesthetics. With 2025’s give attention to heat, it solely is sensible for designers and owners to start out adorning with brass. Redfin talked to designers and renovators on their finest ideas for implementing brass, so have a look.
Sustainable, versatile design with brass
Dan Bochichio of Albany-based Bocain Designs, “Brass is a sustainable, recyclable material that adds warmth and sophistication to any space. Its durability and versatility make it a timeless choice for both modern and classic interior designs while supporting eco-friendly practices.”
This metallic appears to be like equally at residence on lighting fixtures, furnishings legs, and cupboard knobs, providing flexibility in the way you incorporate this metallic end, even if you wish to preserve a few of your different metallic fixtures. Plus, mixing metals is trending this yr, so don’t fear if you happen to’ve outfitted your home with different metals.
With the decline of grey metallics on every thing, Forest Rose, life-style blogger with Kingdom First Motherhood, speaks to the flexibility of brass, stating, “Mixing metals is totally fair game now, especially in the kitchen. Try pairing a matte black faucet with warm brass cabinet pulls. The contrast adds just enough interest without feeling cookie-cutter. It’s a simple swap that makes the whole space feel a little more lived-in and a lot more unique.”
Brass additionally proves a versatile end that coordinates with design kinds spanning a number of eras – from baroque to brutalism. Erica Shepard, NCIDQ, IIDA, proprietor and principal designer of Shepard Design Studio, provides, “Over time, brass develops a patina that can offer unique character to the fixture. We like that brass has a timeless appeal and complements many styles from modern to vintage.”
Brass: the metallic that blends previous and new
Since its early use within the Roman Empire to now, brass has discovered a spot in properties. Discover out some maybe stunning aesthetics that it fits to at the present time.
Conventional will get a refresh
In the event you’ve seen any interval items comparable to Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, you’ll see lavish brass accents within the set design. The metallic performs an essential half in historical past, reaching again so far as the height Roman Empire days, as they cast it into armor and numerous residence decor and equipment. Equally, in centuries forward, it was helpful for crafting armor and ships, furnishings, and finally communication units and devices.
Regardless of the way it’s used throughout eras, brass conveys decadence and heat to every thing it touches. This couldn’t be extra relevant than when it’s used within the residence. Sarah Seung-McFarland, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who focuses on vogue and design psychology, and founding father of Trulery, notes: “Brass has been valued for its durability and golden glow since the days of Roman society, a go-to for adding touches of old-world charm. It’s one of those materials that just screams luxury, and even though it’s gone in and out of trend, it’s no surprise that it’s back. In these uncertain times, people are looking for what’s timeless, and brass finishes offer that sense of comfort and tradition.”
Meri Brook of Westbrook Inn in Westbrook, CT, additionally weighs in: “As the owner of a vintage bed and breakfast, I find that brass decor adds a timeless warmth and authenticity to interiors. I use brass sconces and antique mirrors with modern wallpaper to create a warm, but fresh vibe to our spaces. Another great way to preserve that lived-in elegance is to let the patina tell a story, which our guests love. Pair brass accents with rich woods, velvets, and floral patterns for a layered, inviting atmosphere that whispers of the past.”
Artwork deco finds its metallic end
Proper earlier than World Struggle I, artwork deco swept in, bringing with it sharp geometric designs reflecting a brash, fashionable world. It wasn’t till the years following the Nice Melancholy that its designs took maintain, which is sensible provided that the model aimed to glorify modernity and machines. On this progressive aesthetic, clear strains and metallic finishes dominate, emulating the brand new applied sciences of the early 1900s. As seen above within the pictured NBC Constructing in New York Metropolis’s Rockefeller Plaza, this metallic attracts the attention into the ornate patterning that makes it a Manhattan icon.
Indoors, too, artwork deco imbues a luxe look to lights, chaise lounges, and ornately adorned armchairs. Although it grows more and more troublesome to search out unique artwork deco items, classic furnishings shops do promote vestiges of that period, or fashionable items made to honor them.
Mid-century fashionable’s pure companion
We heard from Hannah Boyce, director of The Boutique Deal with Co., an interior-design-focused {hardware} design agency. She states that brass naturally suits the classic aesthetic surrounding the well-loved midcentury fashionable look.
Her recommendations for adorning with brass? “Pair brushed brass or antique brass with deep colors of green, blue, or burnt orange – to create a gorgeous mid-century modern aesthetic. Try adding some brass knobs to a piece of dark wooden furniture to create a gorgeous contrast and timeless style. Incorporate some lighter finishes such as marble or linen to balance out the strong tone of brass. Mid-century modern interior design lets furniture and decor take the forefront, and using brass hardware is the perfect way to add some understated luxury to your interior.”
Suppose again to the hit TV present Mad Males. One look into among the surroundings will present that brass grew to become the reigning metallic end through the mid-century period.
Improve coziness by adorning with brass
“You may give even the smallest areas a heat and polished vibe with brass. We added a brass mirror framed by brass sconces to our basement stairwell touchdown, serving as an introduction to the comfortable basement residing space you’re about to enter.
Not too long ago, we ordered this flush mount sconce within the brass and glass end to completely full the area. The brass base ties into the present finishes, whereas the glass cover provides dimension and permits mild stream to hit the area in a heat and welcoming means,” says residence blogger Ashley Burk.
Brass touches so as to add to your renovations
Sure, adorning with brass is trending, however if you happen to just like the aesthetic sufficient to put in it in your house, why not add the end to your subsequent renovation mission? For instance, if you happen to’re revamping a toilet, brass tub legs would look beautiful towards a darkish wall/white tub combo. Within the kitchen, brass cupboard pulls and knobs distinction towards white surfaces, updating the now- outdated kitchen aesthetic.
Specialists appear to agree. Donna from Fashionable on Monticello, notes that “Brass is trendy again in new unlacquered, satin, and aged finishes, portraying a vintage vibe that beautifully mixes with existing metals in chrome, bronzes, and even nickel finishes.”
She concludes. “I have been crushing on all the brass wall mirrors, cabinet knobs, wire shelves, plumbing fixtures, wall sconces, and even animal figurines. Yesterday’s shiny brass furniture legs of the 1980s are a fading memory as today’s fresh brass accessories, furniture, hardware, and fixtures bring warmth and charming character to a space.”
Picture courtesy of Ashley Burk Design
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Distinctive locations to brighten with brass round the home
Although brass appears to be like lovely as a fixture in the home, you don’t need to completely connect it to your own home to profit from its swish look. It suits simply in addition to small accents all through the house.
In keeping with Rachel at The Antiqued Journey, adorning with brass tells a story as previous as time, but by no means feels outdated: “Brass decor is making such a resurgence due to the natural beauty it exudes. Brass items, whether it be candlesticks, light fixtures, or decorative objects, bring warmth to any space. It’s almost like brass decor, vintage or not, creates a cozy feeling and helps your home to tell a story.”
“For a simple table centerpiece or decorative vignette, try compiling various brass objects onto a tray or platter,” suggests Rachel. “To add visual interest, vary the heights of items used, such as tall candlesticks in the back, a lidded bowl or dish in the middle, and round it off with smaller brass figurines such as birds, bunnies, quails, or pheasants. Add a table runner or piece of scrap fabric to the display for softness, or try setting a faux stem of greenery amongst the vignette. This moveable vignette can be styled on a table, placed on a shelf, or used as an entryway display.”
