Designers’ Favourite Ways to Use Brass in a Kitchen
Thinking of bringing in a little brass detailing? Let these designers show you ways to do it
Brass is a popular finish in kitchens, but it can be tricky to get it just right. Too much can be overwhelming; too little and the effect can be lost. Knowing how to bring out its warmth and character is a skill these designers all share. Find out how they’ve used it in these designs and save your favourites to an ideabook.
The traditional brass tap also adds a touch of Victorian style – something Natasha and the owner felt was important. But these brass details are set against more modern materials to create something that also feels fresh and of-the-moment. “[The owner] wanted it to feel modern, but also to look quite classic,” Natasha says.
Take a tour of this clever small kitchen redesign.
Take a tour of this clever small kitchen redesign.
2. To create drama
The bold use of brass in this kitchen was carefully thought out by designer James Horsfall of Bath Kitchen Company. Aged brass sheets were fitted to panels on the walls behind the worktop, but they deliberately stop short of the chimney breast, so as not to clash with the tiles and stainless-steel of the range.
The brass was chosen to provide “a nice contrast to the black-and-white. Along with the wood on the floor, the mix of materials means everything still feels very warm,” James says.
The bold use of brass in this kitchen was carefully thought out by designer James Horsfall of Bath Kitchen Company. Aged brass sheets were fitted to panels on the walls behind the worktop, but they deliberately stop short of the chimney breast, so as not to clash with the tiles and stainless-steel of the range.
The brass was chosen to provide “a nice contrast to the black-and-white. Along with the wood on the floor, the mix of materials means everything still feels very warm,” James says.
The aged brass hardware and pendant lampshades were chosen to tie in with the bold splashback.
This unusual choice of splashback material did come with some considerations, though. “We didn’t want to put [electrical] sockets into the brass,” James explains, so the discreet disc you can see in the left-hand corner of the worktop is a pop-up socket block.
See the rest of this period kitchen.
This unusual choice of splashback material did come with some considerations, though. “We didn’t want to put [electrical] sockets into the brass,” James explains, so the discreet disc you can see in the left-hand corner of the worktop is a pop-up socket block.
See the rest of this period kitchen.
3. To add a bespoke finishing touch
Brass cabinet handles are a popular way to bring some of this warm metal into a kitchen, but how to choose the right ones? Designer John Place of PlaceDesign Kitchens and Interiors saw the value of investing in beautiful handmade handles in this dark green kitchen.
“They weren’t cheap, but they really make the kitchen,” says John of the bespoke handles. “It’s things like that where you say to the client, ‘We could have cheap brass knobs, but it won’t have the impact.’ The owners recognised it was worth spending a bit more, because once you do it right, it will really stand out and pull the whole thing together.”
Brass cabinet handles are a popular way to bring some of this warm metal into a kitchen, but how to choose the right ones? Designer John Place of PlaceDesign Kitchens and Interiors saw the value of investing in beautiful handmade handles in this dark green kitchen.
“They weren’t cheap, but they really make the kitchen,” says John of the bespoke handles. “It’s things like that where you say to the client, ‘We could have cheap brass knobs, but it won’t have the impact.’ The owners recognised it was worth spending a bit more, because once you do it right, it will really stand out and pull the whole thing together.”
John also included brass details in other area of the kitchen, such as the Art Deco-style lights above the island and the shelf brackets and kitchen tap, shown here. These elements are given plenty of room to breathe thanks to the fresh white walls, worktops and splashback, which keep the room feeling light and contemporary.
Learn more about this kitchen extension.
Learn more about this kitchen extension.
4. To bring in a subtle ribbon of warmth
At first glance, you might miss the use of brass in this kitchen, but look a little closer and you’ll see a warm glimmer running underneath the worktops and through the cabinetry. It’s this attention to detail that elevates this kitchen by Alwa Interior Design Studio to something special.
“The couple were keen to have wooden worktops, so I suggested white cabinets to complement them,” designer Alicja Wawrzyniak says. But it’s the addition of the brass rims within the cabinets that really sets this scheme apart.
At first glance, you might miss the use of brass in this kitchen, but look a little closer and you’ll see a warm glimmer running underneath the worktops and through the cabinetry. It’s this attention to detail that elevates this kitchen by Alwa Interior Design Studio to something special.
“The couple were keen to have wooden worktops, so I suggested white cabinets to complement them,” designer Alicja Wawrzyniak says. But it’s the addition of the brass rims within the cabinets that really sets this scheme apart.
As you can see here, the ribbons of brass add subtle warmth to the white drawer fronts without being too flashy. This has been subtly paired with a luxurious brass tap and softly burnished pendants for a low-key luxe look.
Alicja used Houzz Pro Mood Boards and the Product Clipper tool to share ideas with the homeowners. “I can quickly upload to the shopping list in the app and clients can accept or decline,” she explains.
Take a full tour of this warm wood and white kitchen.
Alicja used Houzz Pro Mood Boards and the Product Clipper tool to share ideas with the homeowners. “I can quickly upload to the shopping list in the app and clients can accept or decline,” she explains.
Take a full tour of this warm wood and white kitchen.
5. To complement rich walnut
Walnut and brass are a classic combination that can work beautifully together in a kitchen. To complement the rich walnut of the units in this scheme by House by Mia, designer Mia Spencer dotted the kitchen with warm antique brass accents. These include discreet handles on the walnut drawers and long slim handles on the wall cabinets. “We like to do a limited number of materials, so it’s not overwhelming,” she says.
Again, the finish was important, and the long brass handles on the cupboards are from a small independent British maker. “Their finishes are the best,” Mia says.
Walnut and brass are a classic combination that can work beautifully together in a kitchen. To complement the rich walnut of the units in this scheme by House by Mia, designer Mia Spencer dotted the kitchen with warm antique brass accents. These include discreet handles on the walnut drawers and long slim handles on the wall cabinets. “We like to do a limited number of materials, so it’s not overwhelming,” she says.
Again, the finish was important, and the long brass handles on the cupboards are from a small independent British maker. “Their finishes are the best,” Mia says.
Here’s a detail of the drawer pulls. The subtle brass handles are quietly luxurious and bring a tactile warmth that helps to give the kitchen its unique character.
Learn more about the design of this beautiful kitchen.
Tell us…
Have you used brass accents in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Learn more about the design of this beautiful kitchen.
Tell us…
Have you used brass accents in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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This Victorian terrace kitchen was in need of a revamp, but the owner was keen to stick with white for the walls and worktop.
“She was quite nervous about using colour,” designer Natasha Burton of NB Interiors UK says, who suggested gently adding interest through the use of soft pink base units, subtle pattern on the floor, and a few key brass fittings and fixtures.
As well as bringing warmth to the small room, the brass details have also cleverly been used to tie the design into the era of the house. The brass door plates shown here, for example, are a nod to the home’s Victorian heritage, as well as a practical addition to the narrow swing doors.