When it comes to finishes, brass has long reigned supreme. From kitchen cabinets outfitted with brass hardware to brass bathroom fixtures and lighting choices, it seems to be everywhere. While there’s no denying that the popular metal adds a dose of warmth and glam to a room, some interior designers say it’s time to give it a rest. That’s right: They believe brass finishes are out in 2025.
Designers weigh in
- “Brass and gold finishes have added a lot of warmth and glamour to interiors over the years, but I do feel they have become a little overdone. For me, design should always feel personal and timeless, not just a reflection of what’s trending.” — Kelly Hoppen of Kelly Hoppen Interiors
- “There are a lot of brass and gold tones out there that continue to grow with suppliers and manufacturers of various products within the industry such as in lighting, plumbing and hardware. As these have tended to saturate the design market, we’ve definitely seen a surge towards alternative finishes. ” — Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors
- “The brass and gold trend has reached a saturation point in residential design. While these finishes were once the go-to for adding warmth and contrast to the cool gray and white minimalist interiors that dominated for years, they are no longer as popular.” — Mary Gordon of InSite Builders & Remodeling
- “Bright polished brass can make a kitchen or bathroom look dated compared to the modern clean styles and finishes like satin brass, matte black or brushed nickel.” — Shannon Kadwell of Anthony Wilder Design-Build
What’s replacing brass?
Interior designer Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design confirms that brass isn’t going to disappear completely. There will just be less of the shiny finish. “Lately, I’ve been loving softer, more lived-in finishes like aged brass, antique pewter and even muted black metals,” Morris says. “These tones feel more refined and versatile, and they pair beautifully with a range of materials and styles. I’m also seeing a lot more mixed metals in one space, which adds depth and keeps things feeling fresh. It’s less about being trendy and more about creating a layered, timeless look.”
Hoppen has also noticed that people seem to be drawn to “softer, more layered metallics like brushed nickel, antique bronze and even matte black, which bring a subtler, more individual feel to a space.” While Kassam has been sourcing dark bronze, black chrome and black steel for his clients, explaining that they’re “understated but rich in character.”
And Gordon has found that people now favor choices that are more grounded and architectural: “Aged iron, soft black and oil-rubbed bronze are being chosen for their ability to add depth and contrast without overwhelming a room. These tones pair well with natural materials like wood and stone and help create a sense of balance.”
Weathered hardware and lighting finishes, including pewter and antique nickel, are gaining in popularity as well, Gordons says. They can “subtly influence the tone of a room.” Rather than making such a bold statement with shiny brass, “fixtures in darker metals bring a quieter and more understated presence to a space.”
Overall, conducting some research to pinpoint the right finish for a particular space can pay off, according to designer Julie Anne Burch. “It’s a wonderful creative opportunity. Every vendor offers a wide range of options, each varying in tone, sheen and color, giving designers the freedom to tailor a space with intention. Whether you choose a finish that blends seamlessly with its surroundings or one that stands out through contrast, it should always enhance the overall story of the room.”
“There’s a clear emphasis on materials that feel more thoughtful and responsible, perhaps influenced by broader conversations around sustainability,” Gordon says. “The focus has turned from making a statement to creating substance, with texture and tone taking precedence over shine.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
