Stev Antique Brass Kitchen Faucet | Photo Source: Homary.com
Brass elements are currently creeping their way into just about anything these days. From trendy electronics to various pieces of house decor, just about everything is adorned with a hint of brass. So what exactly is brass? Brass is actually a yellow alloy composed of both copper and zinc. Lacquered brass, the form of brass that you’re probably most used to from the 70s & 80s, was once all the rage, particularly because its lacquered finish prevented it from becoming dull and worn-looking. These days, however, the brass trend has taken a slightly different turn, with an eye towards the unlacquered version of the metal. Tracery Interiors explains, “Unlacquered brass lacks the slick top layer that keeps the brass finish of the 1980′s looking bright forever. Instead, unlacquered brass weathers over time and takes on a beautiful and warm patina.”
The contrast between the warm and inviting tones of brass and the cold silvery metals that characterize modern designs, is precisely what contributes to brass’s contemporary allure. Brass brightens and livens up a space in a way that stainless steel and other silver metals don’t. Manufacturers of bathroom fixtures are embracing this trend, offering more and more warm brass finishes. It’s also become a hot trend in kitchen design, and it can be found in more than just the hardware. Because brass is naturally antimicrobial and germicidal, you can find more and more brass used in pots and pans, sinks, and other kitchen elements.
Cameron Diaz Manhattan Apartment | Photo Source: Elle Decor
Even celebrities are jumping in on the trend, incorporating brass elements into their interior designs. The kitchen in Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan apartment features various brass elements. The most striking features of this kitchen are the stunning unlacquered brass backsplash, countertops, and sink. The custom cabinets are also trimmed with lacquered brass.