Reader question:
Hi, Every time I see your kitchen I can’t get over how amazing it is. I found a decorating site that identified top trends for kitchens in the years ahead. You’ve hit on most of them…the tile, the two tone, the open shelving etc. One that I don’t see is BRASS. Now, maybe I’m just showing my age, but I cannot walk down the path of brass… I remember ripping it out of too many places to start putting it back in. No.
What is your opinion of the brass trend?
Thanks for your great design posts. — Nora
Thanks, Nora!
Here are my thoughts:
What do I think of brass as a trend?
To me, brass reads more like a classic accent than a short-lived trend. It has come back into popularity in recent years, but I’ve used brass pieces in my home long before it was fashionable—and I still do. That longevity matters to me when choosing finishes and accessories.
I’ve never loved the shiny, faux-brass hardware that was common in many new homes. I prefer the warmth and depth of genuine, aged brass or softer gold tones. Those finishes bring a sense of history, warmth, and a hint of old-world architecture that I find appealing and timeless.
In my kitchen the brass isn’t flashy or overwhelming, but it’s definitely present in subtle ways. I like mixing metals—iron, silver, copper and brass—to create an eclectic, layered look. You’ll notice brass on some wall sconces, a few cabinet knobs, and playful animal pulls on the island. I also use brass in small accessories—frames, trays, and candlesticks—placed on open shelves to add depth and warmth without dominating the room.
Brass appears in other rooms too: on dresser hardware and accessories in the family room, in a chandelier and sconces in my office, and in the entry chandelier. We have brass wall sconces in the TV room and even some pieces in my son’s bedroom. It’s woven through the house because I genuinely like how it looks and how it ages, not just because it’s on trend.
So, is my kitchen on-trend or classic?
Classic design elements often cycle back into broader popularity, but that doesn’t make them any less tasteful. I prefer to let my style evolve naturally by blending pieces I already own or love with a few new items. Relying solely on the latest trends can make a space feel dated quickly; grounding your look in timeless pieces keeps things fresh longer.
Open shelving, subway tile, and two-tone cabinetry are popular now, but they’ve also been staples in kitchens I’ve designed for years. My previous kitchen remodel, years ago, featured those same elements alongside brass accents. The look is one I return to because it works for my aesthetic, not because it’s fashionable at the moment.
Updating a few details—lighting, hardware, or finishes—can make a familiar style feel new without starting from scratch. That approach is budget-friendly and more sustainable, and it allows the character of a home to grow over time.
My simple design advice: embrace what you truly love, use everything in moderation, and mix elements thoughtfully. That combination creates a lasting style that adapts gracefully as trends change.