Designers Say This Kitchen Finish Is Making Your Home Look Dated

As trends evolve, certain features that once felt fresh can start to feel less fashionable. Designers say there’s a certain kitchen finish that feels dated in today’s colorful, cozy kitchens: Brass and gold finishes. While these eye-catching features were all over Instagram a few years ago, designers say they’re now opting for something a little more low-key.

Bright brass and gold finishes were seen as a perfect way to add warmth to minimalist kitchens. But as more and more homeowners opt for colorful kitchens or ones with an earthy color palette, there’s less of a need for these finishes. Today, designers are seeing more people lean towards fixtures with a “softer, more-lived in finish,” as one expert explains.

Luckily, cabinet fixtures are among the easiest upgrades you can make. A screwdriver, new knobs or handles, and a little bit of time is all that’s needed to make your kitchen feel completely new. Sink fixtures can require a bit more time to install, but this can also be a DIY project that’s completed in a single afternoon.

Below, read about why designers say brass and gold fixtures feel dated, and what’s replacing them in modern homes. If you’re looking for more kitchen design inspiration, read up on why traditional kitchens are back in style.

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.”