Homeowners considering kitchen renovations shoudl be aware of shifting design trends impacting fixture and hardware choices. While once a popular choice, polished brass and gold finishes are increasingly seen as dated by industry professionals. This shift reflects a broader move toward more subtle and textured palettes in interior design, prompting a reevaluation of materials and finishes for a more timeless and versatile look. Designers are now favoring alternatives that prioritize depth, character, and a sense of enduring style.
Homeowners looking to refresh their kitchens may want to consider a change in hardware and fixtures, as design professionals are identifying brass and gold finishes as increasingly outdated. The shift reflects a broader trend toward more subdued and versatile palettes in home design, impacting the market for renovation materials and interior design services.
According to several designers, the popularity of brass and gold finishes, once ubiquitous on social media platforms like Instagram, is waning as homeowners opt for kitchens with more color and personality. Replacing these elements, such as cabinet pulls or electrical outlets, is a relatively straightforward update.
Here’s what design experts are saying about kitchen finishes that can make a home appear dated, and the alternatives they recommend.
Designers Weigh In
Kelly Hoppen, Kelly Hoppen Interiors:
“Brass and gold finishes have brought a lot of warmth and glamour to interiors over the years, but I feel they’ve become a little overdone. For me, design should always be personal and timeless, not just a reflection of trends.”
Aleem Kassam, Kalu Interiors:
“There are a lot of shades of brass and gold available on the market, in products across areas like lighting, plumbing, or accessories. Because these finishes have saturated the design market, we’ve observed a clear trend toward alternatives.”
Mary Gordon, InSite Builders & Remodeling:
“The brass-gold trend has reached a saturation point in residential design. These finishes were once the perfect choice for adding warmth and contrast to minimalist gray and white interiors, but they are no longer as popular.”
Shannon Kadwell, Anthony Wilder Design-Build:
“Bright brass can make a kitchen or bathroom look dated compared to modern styles and finishes, such as brushed brass, matte black, or brushed nickel.”
What’s Replacing Brass?
Designer Tracy Morris confirms that brass isn’t disappearing entirely, but the highly polished finish is falling out of favor. “Recently, I’ve started to favor softer finishes with a more lived-in look, such as patinated brass, antique pewter, or matte black metal. These tones appear more refined and versatile, and pair beautifully with a wide range of materials and styles. I’m also seeing more combinations of metals within a single space, which adds depth and keeps everything fresh. It’s not about being trendy, but about creating a layered and timeless look.”
Kelly Hoppen also notes that people are drawn to “softer, layered metals like brushed nickel, antique bronze, or matte black, which bring a subtle and personal feel to a space.” Kassam uses dark bronze, black chrome, and black steel for his clients, explaining that they are “underrated, but rich in character.”
Mary Gordon finds that people now prefer more solid and architectural options: “Patinated iron, soft blacks, and oil-rubbed bronze are chosen for their ability to add depth and contrast without overwhelming the room. These tones work well with natural materials like wood and stone and help create a sense of balance.”
Black finishes and mixed metals will continue to grow in popularity. Distressed finishes for cabinetry and lighting, including pewter and antique nickel, are also gaining traction. They “subtly influence the tone of a room.” Rather than making a statement with bright brass, fixtures in darker metals bring a quieter, more subtle presence to a space, according to goodhousekeeping.com.
Julie Anne Burch recommends careful research to choose the right finish for each space: “It’s a wonderful creative opportunity. Each supplier offers a wide range of options, varying in tone, sheen, and color, giving designers the freedom to personalize the space with intention. Whether you choose a finish that seamlessly integrates into the décor or one that stands out through contrast, it should complement the overall story of the room.”
Mary Gordon adds: “The emphasis is clearly on materials that appear more thoughtful and responsible, perhaps influenced by discussions about sustainability. The focus has shifted from making a strong visual impact to creating substance, with texture and tone prevailing over shine.”
