The ubiquitous Millennial gray has graced showrooms and homes for nearly a decade now, washing over walls, furniture, and decor. Its versatility made it a perfect match for various aesthetics, with modern farmhouse emerging as one of the most popular styles.
Though the classic, cool-toned neutral is versatile and mass-appealing, it has fallen out of style in 2025 in favor of warmer, more lively interiors. When Redfin surveyed nearly 50 designers about the incoming 2025 interior design trends as well as what we’re leaving behind, the majority called for a resurgence of comfort, curves, and overall playfulness in this year’s aesthetics. With 2025’s focus on warmth, it only makes sense for designers and homeowners to start decorating with brass. Redfin talked to designers and renovators on their best tips for implementing brass, so take a look.
Sustainable, flexible design with brass
Dan Bochichio of Albany-based Bocain Designs, “Brass is a sustainable, recyclable material that adds warmth and sophistication to any space. Its durability and versatility make it a timeless choice for both modern and classic interior designs while supporting eco-friendly practices.”
This metal looks equally at home on light fixtures, furniture legs, and cabinet knobs, offering flexibility in how you incorporate this metallic finish, even if you want to keep some of your other metallic fixtures. Plus, mixing metals is trending this year, so don’t worry if you’ve outfitted your house with other metals.
With the decline of gray metallics on everything, Forest Rose, lifestyle blogger with Kingdom First Motherhood, speaks to the versatility of brass, stating, “Mixing metals is totally fair game now, especially in the kitchen. Try pairing a matte black faucet with warm brass cabinet pulls. The contrast adds just enough interest without feeling cookie-cutter. It’s a simple swap that makes the whole space feel a little more lived-in and a lot more unique.”
Brass also proves a flexible finish that coordinates with design styles spanning multiple eras – from baroque to brutalism. Erica Shepard, NCIDQ, IIDA, owner and principal designer of Shepard Design Studio, adds, “Over time, brass develops a patina that can offer unique character to the fixture. We like that brass has a timeless appeal and complements many styles from modern to vintage.”
Brass: the metal that blends old and new
Since its early use in the Roman Empire to now, brass has found a place in homes. Find out some perhaps surprising aesthetics that it suits to this day.
Traditional gets a refresh
If you’ve seen any period pieces such as Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, you’ll see lavish brass accents in the set design. The metal plays an important part in history, reaching back as far as the peak Roman Empire days, as they forged it into armor and various home decor and accessories. Similarly, in centuries ahead, it was useful for crafting armor and ships, furnishings, and eventually communication devices and instruments.
No matter how it’s used across eras, brass conveys decadence and warmth to everything it touches. This couldn’t be more applicable than when it’s used in the home. Sarah Seung-McFarland, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who specializes in fashion and design psychology, and founder of Trulery, notes: “Brass has been valued for its durability and golden glow since the days of Roman society, a go-to for adding touches of old-world charm. It’s one of those materials that just screams luxury, and even though it’s gone in and out of trend, it’s no surprise that it’s back. In these uncertain times, people are looking for what’s timeless, and brass finishes offer that sense of comfort and tradition.”
Meri Brook of Westbrook Inn in Westbrook, CT, also weighs in: “As the owner of a vintage bed and breakfast, I find that brass decor adds a timeless warmth and authenticity to interiors. I use brass sconces and antique mirrors with modern wallpaper to create a warm, but fresh vibe to our spaces. Another great way to preserve that lived-in elegance is to let the patina tell a story, which our guests love. Pair brass accents with rich woods, velvets, and floral patterns for a layered, inviting atmosphere that whispers of the past.”
Art deco finds its metal finish
Right before World War I, art deco swept in, bringing with it sharp geometric designs reflecting a brash, modern world. It wasn’t until the years following the Great Depression that its designs took hold, which makes sense given that the style aimed to glorify modernity and machines. In this progressive aesthetic, clean lines and metallic finishes dominate, emulating the new technologies of the early 1900s. As seen above in the pictured NBC Building in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza, this metal draws the eye into the ornate patterning that makes it a Manhattan icon.
Indoors, too, art deco imbues a luxe look to lighting fixtures, chaise lounges, and ornately decorated armchairs. Though it grows increasingly difficult to find original art deco pieces, vintage furniture stores do sell vestiges of that era, or modern pieces made to honor them.
Mid-century modern’s natural companion
We heard from Hannah Boyce, director of The Boutique Handle Co., an interior-design-focused hardware design firm. She states that brass naturally fits the vintage aesthetic surrounding the well-loved midcentury modern look.
Her suggestions for decorating with brass? “Pair brushed brass or antique brass with deep colors of green, blue, or burnt orange – to create a gorgeous mid-century modern aesthetic. Try adding some brass knobs to a piece of dark wooden furniture to create a gorgeous contrast and timeless style. Incorporate some lighter finishes such as marble or linen to balance out the strong tone of brass. Mid-century modern interior design lets furniture and decor take the forefront, and using brass hardware is the perfect way to add some understated luxury to your interior.”
Think back to the hit TV show Mad Men. One look into some of the scenery will show that brass became the reigning metallic finish during the mid-century era.
Increase coziness by decorating with brass
“You can give even the smallest spaces a warm and polished vibe with brass. We added a brass mirror framed by brass sconces to our basement stairwell landing, serving as an introduction to the cozy basement living area you’re about to enter.
Recently, we ordered this flush mount sconce in the brass and glass finish to fully complete the space. The brass base ties into the existing finishes, while the glass canopy adds dimension and allows light flow to hit the space in a warm and welcoming way,” says home blogger Ashley Burk.
Brass touches to add to your renovations
Yes, decorating with brass is trending, but if you like the aesthetic enough to install it in your home, why not add the finish to your next renovation project? For example, if you’re revamping a bathroom, brass tub legs would look stunning against a dark wall/white tub combo. In the kitchen, brass cabinet pulls and knobs contrast against white surfaces, updating the now- outdated kitchen aesthetic.
Experts seem to agree. Donna from Modern on Monticello, notes that “Brass is trendy again in new unlacquered, satin, and aged finishes, portraying a vintage vibe that beautifully mixes with existing metals in chrome, bronzes, and even nickel finishes.”
She concludes. “I have been crushing on all the brass wall mirrors, cabinet knobs, wire shelves, plumbing fixtures, wall sconces, and even animal figurines. Yesterday’s shiny brass furniture legs of the 1980s are a fading memory as today’s fresh brass accessories, furniture, hardware, and fixtures bring warmth and charming character to a space.”
Image courtesy of Ashley Burk Design
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Unique places to decorate with brass around the house
Though brass looks beautiful as a fixture in the house, you don’t have to permanently attach it to your home to benefit from its graceful look. It fits just as well as small accents throughout the home.
According to Rachel at The Antiqued Journey, decorating with brass tells a tale as old as time, yet never feels outdated: “Brass decor is making such a resurgence due to the natural beauty it exudes. Brass items, whether it be candlesticks, light fixtures, or decorative objects, bring warmth to any space. It’s almost like brass decor, vintage or not, creates a cozy feeling and helps your home to tell a story.”
“For a simple table centerpiece or decorative vignette, try compiling various brass objects onto a tray or platter,” suggests Rachel. “To add visual interest, vary the heights of items used, such as tall candlesticks in the back, a lidded bowl or dish in the middle, and round it off with smaller brass figurines such as birds, bunnies, quails, or pheasants. Add a table runner or piece of scrap fabric to the display for softness, or try setting a faux stem of greenery amongst the vignette. This moveable vignette can be styled on a table, placed on a shelf, or used as an entryway display.”
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.