Brass has been a cornerstone of British interiors for centuries, celebrated for its durability and warm, golden glow. From Victorian door handles to mid-century lighting, it has long been valued as a material that blends practicality with timeless style. Today, designers are increasingly favoring aged brass over polished gold, drawn to the way its subtle patina adds depth, character, and quiet refinement to a variety of homewares.
Aged brass continues to add character to the home, offering a finish that feels substantial and thoughtfully considered. Whether in lighting, taps, cabinet handles, or decorative accents, it introduces texture and visual interest that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional settings. Unlike high-shine metals, its evolving surface reflects the history and character of a space, giving each piece a sense of presence and authenticity.
Brass has long been intertwined with the history of British interiors. In Georgian and Regency homes, it appeared in chandeliers, candlesticks, and door furniture as a subtle mark of refinement. The Victorian era expanded its reach to lighting, fireplace fenders, stair balustrades, and cabinet handles, harmonizing beautifully with dark woods and patterned wallpapers. During the Arts and Crafts movement, designers celebrated handcrafted brass fittings for their artisanal quality, further cementing their reputation as a material of enduring elegance.
Its warm, golden tones evoke continuity, linking contemporary interiors with the craftsmanship and materials of the past. Unlike cooler metals, brass catches and reflects light softly, bathing rooms in a welcoming glow. There is also a nostalgic allure to its patina – each piece carrying whispers of previous generations – allowing it to sit effortlessly in homes that value heritage, tradition, and understated style.
‘Brass has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in interiors, but it’s not simply a passing trend,’ says Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens. ‘It’s a material with deep roots in British design history, celebrated for its craftsmanship and enduring appeal. What we’re seeing now is a deliberate move away from the impersonal, characterless interiors of recent years, towards spaces that feel considered and full of personality. Brass achieves this naturally, bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of story to a room.’
She continues, ‘Yet it is surprisingly versatile: its clean lines and muted tones allow it to sit just as comfortably in a pared-back, minimalist scheme as it does in a traditional or eclectic setting. Designers are increasingly drawn to it because it bridges heritage and contemporary living, proving that thoughtful materiality and detail can transform even the simplest interiors.’
One of the most compelling qualities of aged brass is its living patina. Unlike static finishes, brass responds beautifully to its environment, subtly changing with use, light, and time. This slow evolution creates a surface that feels personal and unique, shaped by the rhythms of daily life.
In kitchens and bathrooms, where touch is constant, the metal develops gentle tonal variations that add depth rather than detract from its beauty. The result is a finish that never feels fixed or manufactured, but instead grows richer and more nuanced, reinforcing the idea that well-chosen materials should evolve alongside the home itself.
If investing in a brand-new brass splashback or kitchen unit feels a little too ambitious, there are plenty of ways to introduce the look more accessibly. Here’s how I would bring the warmth and character of aged brass into your home without breaking the bank.
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Ultimately, the enduring appeal of aged brass lies in its rare ability to marry beauty with longevity. In a design landscape increasingly focused on permanence and meaning, materials that age gracefully feel particularly relevant. Aged brass grounds a space in something tactile and lasting, offering quiet luxury without ever feeling overtly decorative.
As tastes continue to shift away from fleeting finishes toward thoughtful, enduring design, brass shines as a material that rewards patience and care. Whether introduced as a single accent or layered throughout a scheme, its presence adds depth, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of character, elevating every interior it touches.
