Yesterday, I was having this very in depth conversation with one of my favorite people, Sherry of Sherry Hart Designs. (Side note: If you haven’t read her hilarious blog, Design Indulgence, you are truly missing out.) What was our in depth conversation about you ask? Politics? World Peace? No, fixture finishes. Yes, it may seem a bit trivial, but we were really into it. Does oil rubbed bronze have staying power? Will the “new” brass look really take off? Will anything ever beat polished chrome? It made me wonder what you all thought. What is your favorite finish? Are you brave enough to use different finishes?
Let’s take a look at some of the popular and not so popular finishes of the past and present.
Who doesn’t remember this one? I’m sure many of you still have this brass finish or at least know someone who does. This is the look that most of my clients are trying to change. Shiny brass has been around for a long time and it seems to have run it’s course. That was then…
…And this is now. With an antiqued look and much less sheen, this is the brass of today. Simply beautiful in a classic silhouette. Antique brass is not a new finish, however, it’s been used for many years in some of the most beautiful of homes. When I visited the Biltmore estate last year, I remember being fixated on the brass fixtures in the bathrooms.
The drawback with this updated brass is that it can be more expensive. This is is also a finish that we designers and you very savvy blog readers love, but I am still waiting to see what my clients will say. Right now, most of them still look at me with horror when I even mention brass!
Polished chrome or polished nickel are two of the most popular finishes. They look similar, but put them side by side and you will see that polished nickel is a bit warmer than chrome. They both can be used more easily to match existing hardware and are found in many different price points.
The biggest drawback are the watermarks and fingerprints. You will not find another finish, however, that will better stand the test of time. If you use polished chrome or polished nickel today, you will still be happy with it ten years from now. As Sherry said, “they are like pearls, simply classic.”
To battle the watermarks and finger prints, satin nickel was introduced and has been gaining in popularity since the 1990’s. It is a very durable surface and can be found in many different price points and silhouettes, just like the polished chrome and nickel finishes. Many of my clients, especially those with children love this finish. It gives their homes a clean look without the maintenance of the polished options.
Last, but certainly not least, is oil rubbed bronze. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this finish has always been my least favorite. But, I will have to say that I while researching this post, I came across several images that I really liked. I may have changed my opinion.
Again, like satin nickel this is a very durable finish and is available in many different price points. Oil rubbed bronze gives a space a very distinctive look. In the image above, for example, it creates a graphic look in this bathroom. It’s very striking, a nice mix of old world and modern.
So, what’s a homeowner to do with all of these great choices? How about mixing them? What do you think? Would you do it?
This image is tiny I know, but I love this kitchen. It is the perfect mix of modern and traditional style. That “clean traditional” look that I personally love so much. If you look very closely, you’ll see that this kitchen has antique brass lighting and hardware as well as chrome faucets. Again, a great mix of traditional and modern.
This may be one of my favorite bathrooms to date. There are so many things I love about this space. The door and window, the beautiful counters, the slope of the backsplash. But, take a close look at the fixtures and you will see oil rubbed bronze, polished nickel and satin nickel. And guess what, it works, really well. I would also point out that if this space had been designed with only one finish, it would not be nearly as beautiful. This is a simple space that has been layered with many finishes and they all work together beautifully.
So, what do you think? Favorite finish? Mixing? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Have a great day!
If you need help creating your own “clean traditional” look in your home, please contact me at Lori@LoriMayInteriors.com.
I live in a world of mixed finishes! Not planned! But it works and we are happy with it. Chrome came with the builder home, but has blended with the additional brass/antique brass we have introduced. What makes it so much easier….we have each drawer and cabinet a different knob/pull. That’s a whole story in it self! So bottom line …..mixing works!!! No rules, just enjoy!
Great post Lori! I LOVE mixing finishes and love the last example photo!
I love a good mix, but it has to be done just right. I am enjoying the look of the antique brass, but probably will not add it too my faucets anytime soon. My all time favorite is shiny nickel. I did do satin nickel in my master bath, but truth be told, wish I had done shiny nickel.
I do have shiny brass in my guest bathroom but it is all vintage so it speaks well in that room. If I am doing any new, it will be shiny nickel.
I am with you, never really liked the oil rubbed bronze for faucets or door knobs in my own personal home, but have recommended them for clients homes in the past, because of their wants and the rooms could handle it.
Great post. I am going to share this one on my FB page,
Kathysue
We are moving into a house with oil rubbed bronze door handles like in the pic above. I LOVE oil rubbed bronze, BUT I love satin nickel as much. I was afraid it would look bad if I mixed them, but that picture shows that it could really look nice. I am just buying the house, but I am looking at it from a sellers point of view. My question was, will oil rubbed bronze fade out like a trend or stand the test of time. I guess only time will tell. Thanks for the post.
I am redoing a 70s bathroom and have an issue that I would appreciate your opinion on. I’m painting the vanity a dark color and the granite vanity top is light with dark in it. I have a shower close by that has a chrome frame. The oil rubbed bronze would look so nice with the vanity top but with the chrome shower so close I’m hesitating on what to do. Would it look right to use the ORB faucet then put chrome knobs on the vanity to try and tie both together or better to use another finish on the faucet.
Do you know where to buy the brass kitchen faucet. It would be perfect for my kitchen. I can’t find anything like it ANYWHERE. Any info would be wonderful. Thanks!
I am redoing a kitchen and like the antique brass. I have a real antique brass chandelier from Italy and the brass has turned darker and I love that. Not sure yet but I am considering it for the kitchen.Would love to see more mixed metal pictures. Thank for this information.