You’ve spent time choosing the perfect colors, materials, and layouts for your remodel, but have you thought about the metal accents? From cabinet hardware to faucets, the right metal finish can enhance your space or clash with your vision.
With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you go with the warmth of brass or the timeless appeal of stainless steel?
At Custom Built, we know that the little details make a big difference. We’ve helped many homeowners navigate these choices, ensuring their remodels not only look beautiful but also achieve a timeless design that remains functional and stylish for years to come.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of brass and stainless steel accents and explore where each works best in your home:
Brass Accents: A Warm and Inviting Choice
Brass has surged in popularity, replacing matte black as the go-to finish for fixtures and hardware. From champagne bronze to polished finishes, it brings warmth and sophistication to modern interiors and blends well with wood tones, rich colors, and vintage styles. While some homeowners still associate polished brass with the overly shiny look of the 1980s and ’90s, today’s brushed brass is making a strong comeback.
Earthy elements like this have always been timeless, even though they fell out of favor in the 2000s and 2010s.
At Custom Built, we focus on guiding homeowners toward designs that stand the test of time. One of the best ways to achieve this is by mixing metals instead of committing to just one finish.
Pros of Brass Accents
- Adds Warmth and Character: Perfect for creating a cozy, inviting aesthetic.
- Pairs well with Rich Wood Tones and Vintage Styles: Works beautifully in both traditional and modern homes.
- Creates a High-End Look: Gives a custom, designer feel to any space.
- Blends Well with Other Metals: Mixing brass with black, nickel, or bronze can create a layered, timeless design.
Cons of Brass Accents
- Requires Regular Maintenance: Can tarnish over time and may need polishing.
- Can Be More Expensive: Often pricier than stainless steel alternatives.
- Trendy but May Not Be Timeless on Its Own: Brass works best when thoughtfully combined with other finishes for lasting appeal.
By incorporating a mix of metals and natural textures, we help homeowners create a balanced, sophisticated look that won’t feel outdated in a decade.
Where to Use Brass in Your Remodel
Kitchen
- Cabinet Hardware: Brass knobs and pulls add a refined touch.
- Appliances: GE’s Café Line features brass handles for a stylish contrast.
- Lighting Fixtures: A brass chandelier or pendant lights create a cozier atmosphere.
- Furniture Accents: Barstools and stools with brass details offer an industrial flair.
- Accessories: Paper towel holders, trays, and other small brass details tie the look together.
Bathroom
PC: Urban Alliance
- Faucets and Showerheads: Brass plumbing fixtures add a luxurious, spa-like feel.
- Accessories: Towel bars, toilet levers, and toilet paper holders elevate the space.
- Lighting: Brass vanity lights complement warm-toned bathrooms.
Living Spaces
PC: Decoist
- Furniture Pieces: Coffee tables, end tables, and shelving with brass elements enhance the décor.
- Decorative Accessories: Candlestick holders, bowls, and metallic pillow covers bring warmth.
- Hardware Updates: Brass door handles, hinges, and window hardware create continuity.
Stainless Steel Accents: A Timeless Classic
While brass has gained popularity, stainless steel remains a popular choice for homeowners looking for a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance option. Its clean, modern aesthetic works with any style and is especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros of Stainless Steel Accents
- Timeless and Versatile: Matches any design style, from modern to traditional.
- Durable and Low-Maintenance: Resistant to scratches, stains, and rust.
- Easy to Clean: Smudges and fingerprints are visible but wipe away quickly.
Cons of Stainless Steel Accents
- Can Feel Too Industrial: Some homeowners find it lacks warmth.
- Shows Fingerprints and Smudges Easily: Requires frequent cleaning.
- Common Choice: While timeless, it’s not as unique or bold as brass.
Where to Use Stainless Steel in Your Remodel
Kitchen
- Appliances: Stainless steel is the go-to for refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
- Cabinet Hardware: A sleek, modern alternative to brass knobs and pulls.
Bathroom
PC: FaucetList.com
- Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures: Stainless steel maintains a clean, contemporary feel.
- Accessories: Towel racks, toilet paper holders, and shower rods match seamlessly.
Living Spaces
- Furniture Pieces: Incorporate stainless steel into your coffee table’s foundation for a contemporary aesthetic.
- Door Hardware: Polished nickel handles provide a softer alternative to full stainless steel.
- Lighting Fixtures: Floor and table lamps with stainless steel bases add a sleek touch.
- Hardware Details: Door locks, hinges, and window latches in stainless steel maintain consistency.
Which Metal Accent is Right for Your Remodel?
Selecting between brass and stainless steel isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how each metal complements the overall feel and function of your space. If you're working with a large enough area, we often recommend mixing metals for a more dynamic, layered look that won’t feel one-dimensional or overly trendy. However, in smaller spaces, committing to a single metal can create a more cohesive and intentional design.
The Heart Behind Metals: Why Choose Each Finish?
Pick Brass If You Want:
- A warm, vintage-inspired look that adds character and charm.
- A cozy, inviting feel that pairs well with wood tones and rich textures.
- A touch of elegance and sophistication, especially in traditional or eclectic spaces.
Go With Stainless Steel If You Need:
- A durable, timeless metal that stands up to daily wear and tear.
- A versatile finish that blends seamlessly with modern and classic designs.
- A sleek, polished aesthetic that complements contemporary spaces.
By thoughtfully selecting and even mixing metals, you can create a design that feels intentional, stylish, and built to last.
Mixing Metals for a Balanced Look
If you're not ready to commit to just one metal, you can achieve a sophisticated and dynamic look by mixing brass and stainless steel!
Combining these metals thoughtfully can create visual depth, contrast, and balance in your space. Here are a few ways to seamlessly integrate both into your home:
In the Kitchen
PC: Becki Owens
Combine brass cabinet hardware (like knobs and pulls) with stainless steel appliances to create a harmonious balance between vintage charm and sleek, modern functionality. The brass accents can highlight the warmth of the room while the stainless steel appliances provide a clean, polished backdrop.
In the Bathroom
Pair brass light fixtures with stainless steel faucets for a striking contrast that draws attention to both the fixtures and the finishes. The brass light fixtures will add a touch of elegance, while the stainless steel faucets keep things grounded with their durability and timeless appeal.
In Living Spaces
PC: Kathy Kuo Home
Integrate brass decorative accents (such as picture frames, vases, or lamps) with stainless steel door handles to subtly blend the two metals throughout your home. The brass accents provide a pop of warmth, while the stainless steel door handles maintain a modern, functional edge.
By thoughtfully pairing these two metals, you can create a space that feels polished, timeless, and personalized, with visual interest and contrast without overwhelming the design.
Next Steps to Incorporating Metal Accents into Your Remodel
Metal accents are more than just finishing touches—they shape the overall aesthetic and functionality of your space. Brass brings warmth and character, while stainless steel offers timeless durability.
By understanding the strengths of each option, you can confidently select the right metal accents to enhance your kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces.
At Custom Built, we specialize in guiding homeowners through every design decision, ensuring each detail contributes to a stunning and functional remodel.
Ready to explore metal accents for your remodel? Reach out to a Custom Built team member to start planning a home transformation tailored to your style and lifestyle.
Now that you know more about brass and stainless steel in remodeling, let’s explore our top timeless home design elements, a high-level comparison between hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring, and the difference between shiplap and tile backsplashes:
- 5 Timeless Home Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style - These design choices will elevate your home no matter which aesthetic your space delivers.
- Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Comparing Interior Upgrades - Discover the pros and cons of these popular flooring selections before updating your interior.
- Shiplap vs. Tile Backsplashes: Enhancing Your Kitchen’s Aesthetic - Learn more about two more exciting backsplash material options and which is right for your kitchen.
Topics:
