I hinted a few days ago that I would be posting about a new decorating look that I've discovered and now want all over our future house. I never really imagined I'd say this, but I've become totally enamored with brass--specifically unlacquered brass.
Most of the brass that I've encountered has been the lacquered kind, meaning that it has been polished up to a high, yellowish, glossy sheen. We have these kinds of polished knobs in our current kitchen and I really dislike them. They're dated and way too bright and shiny.
But unlacquered brass is a completely different story. It's warm and soft, rustic yet elegant. It's unusual and unexpected-- stainless steel or brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze are much more common--and I think it looks so sophisticated. I also appreciate that it can be either masculine and feminine (or both at once) depending on how it's used.
Unlacquered brass develops a patina over time, which might just be my favorite part. I love metals that change and age and grow old but retain their charm (sort of like silver, which I typically prefer tarnished as opposed to polished). And finally, unlacquered brass looks fantastic against white and ivory. Need I say more?
Here are some images I've collected that really inspire me. I can't wait for the day when I can incorporate this gorgeous metal into our home!
What do you think? Are you obsessed with this look as I am? I'd love to hear!
Love this look! I has so much charm and character. I especially love the look for a doorknob. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures....drool :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful! You're absolutely right. And I love that it ages.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like it too. It will be fun to actually use it in our house one day!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part! You can see so much variation just among these photos....sometimes it's warmer and other times it has a greyish, darker look to it. So unique.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! Suddenly I am feeling the urge for an unlacquered brass bath tub! ;) Have a wonderful weekend Kate!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. I love this look! We actually just did a major overhaul of our hardware. It was all over the place- shiny brass knobs to matted steel to everything in between. Now the entire house is oil rubbed bronze and it's just nice to have consistency. This look wouldn't work in our home with our colors, but I LOVE it and I am always looking ahead to the next house we'll decorate one day. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that would be so divine, wouldn't it? I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the oil-rubbed bronze look too. It's a close second :) And you're right, you do have to fit your hardware to the look of the home you're decorating. One day, we'll get our brass with a gorgeous patina!
ReplyDeleteI really like this look and how it can be a bit rustic, vintage, and modern, depending on what it is paired with. Little details are so fun!
ReplyDeletethe stand of my new (ahem, old; thank you, Craigslist) floor lamp is unlacquered brass! I didn't think it was really my thing but I'm loving it.
ReplyDeleteOh lovely! Old unlacquered brass is the best because it's already developed that patina. Lucky you!
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