Hardware: Brass to What?

12 years ago

I think bright, shiny brass went out of style the month after we installed it all over our new home several years ago, in doorsets, light fixtures, etc. I have not been able to justify the expense of "updating" to new finishes just for style's sake. However, an upcoming small (I hope) remodeling project will require replacing 3 exterior doors and that means new doorsets, and a couple of new light fixtures. I'm trying to gain some insight into what the up and coming door hardware, light fixtures and trim hardware finishes may be, so that maybe I can get ahead of the curve. I would like to choose a combination of the finish I like best that also has the promise of being "in style" for awhile. Our house is best known as low country farmhouse style and decor is casual. Price is important but not the critical factor. I'm not a fan of the dark toned finishes. Suggestions please!???

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Comments (7)

User
12 years ago
Brushed nickel.
chibimimi
12 years ago
Most of the currently popular finishes (oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, brushed stainless) have been trendy for several years now -- which means they are about to be outdated soon (I have both ORB and brushed stainless in my house). I think the next trend will be the "living" metals -- especially unfinished brass, which will darken and change with time and use. I think chrome will make a come-back, too.

But honestly, if you wait long enough, bright brass will also probably be back in fashion!
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Thank you for these replies! palimpsest-I was also thinking tone wise that the burnished antique might be best as well. I'm in Portland so am fortunate to see actual fixtures at the store. My concern is there's something that looks a bit more... artificial? modern? to me sometimes in that finish? Was wondering if maybe it would look more authentic to age some unlacquered brass or just go for the ORB? warmfridge, I'm sure it's frustrating trying to find the perfect match and I can already see growing a little collection myself looking for "best!" Thank you for another vote for the burnished antique. I did wonder if ORB would just look black when placed in close proximity throughout the kitchen. judeny, I will check into the hardware options you mentioned, thank you! I'm esp. interested in the fact you still used satin stainless faucets. That might be a very good compromise. Perhaps have the ceiling fixtures and hardware on the kitchen cabinets and adjacent built in cabinetry in the aged brass and stick with stainless faucets to tie in the stainless appliances...? Would you have any photos to share? I was googling aging process of brass (apparently you can make it happen quick) and found some methods-e.g. enclose your (solid brass, unlacquered) item raised up in a sealed container with ammonia at the bottom and presto, instant aging. I'm not sure how you seal that afterward to keep it the tone you want. And won't work for me given the sheer quantity of hardware I need. But in case anyone else just has a piece or two that they're trying to age or "coordinate." Also found link for this product-no experience here obviously-but if it helps someone else. Here is a link that might be useful: Darkening solution for brass
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Suzanne: I didn't know that there existed brass restoration services! Thanks for the tip! I just Googled and found one in my city. How often do you find you have to do this? The local shop has a one year guarantee on their finish. If this has to happen annually or even every 5 years, that would be way too much for me to manage. My cabinet maker uses Richelieu for the hardware. It's included in the price of the cabinets. I'll do some research on their brass finish. That "ever brass" finish sounds mighty appealing... I might consider paying for the hardware myself and getting Baldwin pulls if it does indeed last forever! daisychain: You read my mind! That was going to be my next pondering. .. should I mix the metals or use the same? ;) Glad that it won't look so awful if I don't use brass for the faucet too. That piece would likely be very high maintenance. writersblock: Good point. Tarnishing doesn't happen evenly either. And, if I hire a service to restore the brass, then I don't have to worry about the hassle of stripping the lacquer. They'll do it for me! Lacquer is probably the way to go for me.
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Just placed an order for one of each of these (plus a couple more that looked good); will report back on what we decide to go with! Thanks very much for your help, Home Interiors with Ease! :)
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Thank you for your response, we had to get a new fridge so had to shorten the open cabinet above. It just needs to be put back in :) I completely agree with you, I’m just not loving the flooring that the interior designer we had come in picked out. It seems too dark and just doesn’t do anything for the cabinets. There has to be a better option out there, I like the looks of your picture. What kind of flooring is that?
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palimpsest
12 years ago
Brass.

The trade design magazines have quoted designers and have been showing project using brass and gold fixtures for a couple of years, and it will probably start to trickle down.

The first time I used ORB on a project was *15* years ago. I had to have some pieces that were unavailable at that time custom plated.

Polished brass has been around for a couple hundred years in America and really has not disappeared so you would really not be doing anything wrong in keeping it for the hardware. The Shape or Style of the brass light fixtures is a different story, perhaps.
User
12 years ago
Living brass is already making a comeback. If you can remove the lacquer from your bright brass, you'll be right in style. However, as was said, wait another couple of years and the bright brass will be right in style as well.

Satin stainless or chrome will never go out of style, and brushed nickel won't ever be "out", even if it's not "in". Copper or black iron has their place as well if it suits the architectural style of the home. The overly dark and non living finish "faux" ORB is already looking dated though.
annzgw
12 years ago
Quality brass and chrome never go out of style. I wouldn't replace them if I were you but if we're talking builder grade brass fixtures, then that's a different story! As pal mentioned, you may only need to update your style if you're happy with the quality of brass you currently have.
InteriorStylist
12 years ago
I also believe that "living brass" is current & future fab, but ORB is still too...but if you aren't a fan, then go for the "living brass" or install different finishes throughout in combinations of brass, "living brass" & bronze. I personally think that silver tone finishes are suited more to contemporary homes than ones in the Low-Country. Consider tastefully combining antique finishes throughout, perhaps even having various doorknobs in crystal & stone. This is in keeping with a relaxed farmhouse style in the Low-Country.

~Jeana (a proud former 8 yr resident of Charleston)
User
12 years ago
Martha Stewart (who loves brass anyway) has come out with a new line of brass fixtures. here they are in her kitchen. I like it.

Hardware: Brass to What?

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