How to Beautify Your Home with Brilliant Brass
Discover ample applications for this marvellous, multi-faceted metal
Warm-toned metals have been a favourite in recent years, and the appeal of luxe but unflashy brass keeps it firmly on the design radar. This age-old alloy of copper and zinc can vary in tone from almost-gold to a more muted hue, depending on the base metal proportions. Unlacquered pieces will develop a pleasing patina over time – the oxidative layer is protective, preventing further corrosion, while lacquered brass or even brass-effect finishes will add a different type of gleam. Well-chosen brassware can transform a plain bathroom, or remain as one component of a chic, multi-textured scheme. Whichever way you work it, bewitching brass is more than a passing trend. Here are some ways to weave this mighty metal into your home.
Embellish an island
This contemporary cookspace has brass touches throughout, but it’s the sheer volume of metal on three sides of the kitchen island that dominates the design. Rather than choosing polished cladding, the brass has been allowed to patinate – making the overall effect subdued, but still statement. If pursuing a similarly fabulous finish at home, aim to keep the rest of the kitchen relatively simple; think clean lines and neutral colours.
This contemporary cookspace has brass touches throughout, but it’s the sheer volume of metal on three sides of the kitchen island that dominates the design. Rather than choosing polished cladding, the brass has been allowed to patinate – making the overall effect subdued, but still statement. If pursuing a similarly fabulous finish at home, aim to keep the rest of the kitchen relatively simple; think clean lines and neutral colours.
Ditch the dull desk
Don’t pout if a separate office isn’t an option – instead make a feature out of your workspace so that it becomes a key component of a room’s overall aesthetic. This brass beauty has a sculptural shape and skinny proportions, meaning it doesn’t overwhelm the living room. A matching wall light dials up the brass décor another notch.
Don’t pout if a separate office isn’t an option – instead make a feature out of your workspace so that it becomes a key component of a room’s overall aesthetic. This brass beauty has a sculptural shape and skinny proportions, meaning it doesn’t overwhelm the living room. A matching wall light dials up the brass décor another notch.
Dabble in daring design
If you’re planning a big joinery project with real wow factor, you could use brass tones and metallic elements to lend shine. These statuesque wall-to-wall shelves have been given a tinted mirror backing, while brass bars break up the horizontal lines, creating the impression of separate sections. Cupboard doors and drawer fronts can also be decorated with a fine brass inlay for pronounced pattern and contrast.
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If you’re planning a big joinery project with real wow factor, you could use brass tones and metallic elements to lend shine. These statuesque wall-to-wall shelves have been given a tinted mirror backing, while brass bars break up the horizontal lines, creating the impression of separate sections. Cupboard doors and drawer fronts can also be decorated with a fine brass inlay for pronounced pattern and contrast.
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Up the impact of jewel tones
If rich colours dominate your décor, team them with sophisticated brass accessories for a killer combination. This teal-themed scheme is given a helping of metallic warmth via a brass-framed coffee table and lamps. Give brass a go in other plush pairings: try it alongside plummy purple, emerald green, ruby or sapphire.
If rich colours dominate your décor, team them with sophisticated brass accessories for a killer combination. This teal-themed scheme is given a helping of metallic warmth via a brass-framed coffee table and lamps. Give brass a go in other plush pairings: try it alongside plummy purple, emerald green, ruby or sapphire.
Find a new finish
Brass in the bathroom is nothing new (being the base metal beneath many plated finishes), but it is becoming easier to find the kind of streamlined styles that suit a contemporary washspace (as opposed to Victorian-inspired shapes). Brushed finishes mean less polishing and work well whether your scheme is minimalist, luxe, midcentury or industrial-inspired (this bathroom can tick ‘all of the above’).
See more brass used beautifully in this modern rustic bathroom tour
Brass in the bathroom is nothing new (being the base metal beneath many plated finishes), but it is becoming easier to find the kind of streamlined styles that suit a contemporary washspace (as opposed to Victorian-inspired shapes). Brushed finishes mean less polishing and work well whether your scheme is minimalist, luxe, midcentury or industrial-inspired (this bathroom can tick ‘all of the above’).
See more brass used beautifully in this modern rustic bathroom tour
Cater to your kitchen
Choose kitchen hardware carefully to obtain the desired effect. For example, if you see your space as classic or traditional, brass cup handles or simple round knobs will mesh with that style. Those looking for something that feels more modern could try sleek T-bar handles (such as these), which freshen up Shaker-style units.
Choose kitchen hardware carefully to obtain the desired effect. For example, if you see your space as classic or traditional, brass cup handles or simple round knobs will mesh with that style. Those looking for something that feels more modern could try sleek T-bar handles (such as these), which freshen up Shaker-style units.
Turn up the heat
Don’t leave your bedroom out of the metallic makeover – soft brass elements can turn up the temperature of a neutral palette. This sleep space has a subtle scheme of white, cream and eau de nil. Combining these colours with warm brass tones reveals a richly textured look that’s opulent, yet tranquil. Clear glass lamps are a smart idea when you want to avoid adding bulk to the bedside table.
Don’t leave your bedroom out of the metallic makeover – soft brass elements can turn up the temperature of a neutral palette. This sleep space has a subtle scheme of white, cream and eau de nil. Combining these colours with warm brass tones reveals a richly textured look that’s opulent, yet tranquil. Clear glass lamps are a smart idea when you want to avoid adding bulk to the bedside table.
Console yourself
Mimic the straight lines of a sophisticated buttoned sofa with the parallel placement of a slimline brass-look table. This barely-there design includes a cool concrete top for a hint of industrial ‘lite’ – a more muted choice than eye-catching marble. If your living room includes a chimney breast, go for symmetrical styling with a matching table in each alcove.
Mimic the straight lines of a sophisticated buttoned sofa with the parallel placement of a slimline brass-look table. This barely-there design includes a cool concrete top for a hint of industrial ‘lite’ – a more muted choice than eye-catching marble. If your living room includes a chimney breast, go for symmetrical styling with a matching table in each alcove.
Circle in on a new look
Tap into two trends at once by ringing the changes with a round mirror that features a brass frame. This suits-all item will work in multiple settings – from the mantelpiece to above a bathroom basin or to accessorise a slim sideboard, as here. Be sure to check the diameter when purchasing online, and use masking tape on the wall to mark out the size in situ.
Brass, copper or steel – which is your favourite metal finish? Let us know in the Comments below.
Tap into two trends at once by ringing the changes with a round mirror that features a brass frame. This suits-all item will work in multiple settings – from the mantelpiece to above a bathroom basin or to accessorise a slim sideboard, as here. Be sure to check the diameter when purchasing online, and use masking tape on the wall to mark out the size in situ.
Brass, copper or steel – which is your favourite metal finish? Let us know in the Comments below.
Pendant lights above a kitchen table or island are an easy way to introduce a helping of brass – or, if planning a complete overhaul, you could think about incorporating wall fixtures. The latter works well for illuminating worktops, adding accent lighting to architectural features or just as decoration. This simple cookspace combines white cabinets and worktops with black hardware and wood floors, meaning that the brass lights are the one shiny element in a room full of muted materials.