Brass hardware is making a major comeback in kitchen design. After years of dominating the market, brushed nickel and stainless steel finishes are giving way to the warm, vintage-inspired look of brass. While there are many beautiful brass finish options out there, one of the most popular and versatile choices is unlacquered or “living” brass.
Unlacquered brass offers a fabulous way to modernize your kitchen’s aesthetic. As the brass oxidizes naturally over time, it develops a rich, unique patina that adds character and vintage charm. The great thing about unlacquered brass is that it complements both contemporary and traditional kitchen styles. Add it to a minimalist modern kitchen to inject warmth and texture. Or incorporate it into a farmhouse or traditional space to enhance the classic vibe. Whatever your kitchen’s style, unlacquered brass hardware is sure to give it a modern lift.
Brass Hardware Basics
Before discussing the benefits of unlacquered brass specifically, let’s do a quick overview of the different brass finish options out there:
- Polished brass has a shiny, mirror-like finish. It retains its luxe golden look over time.
- Satin brass has a soft glow without the high shine of polished brass. It resists fingerprints and scratches.
- Oil-rubbed brass has a deeper, darker color with subtle rubbing highlights. It provides a nice contrast.
- Antique brass has a darkened, aged patina applied to mimic a vintage look.
- Unlacquered/Living/Raw brass has no protective finish or coating. It oxidizes and darkens naturally over time.
So what makes raw brass so special compared to the other finishes? For starters, the way it ages over time gives it unparalleled depth and character. The patina that develops is unique to each piece. While polished brass maintains its uniform golden shine, unlacquered brass colors subtly darken and change. This lends kitchen hardware an organic, lived-in quality you just can’t reproduce.
Additionally, unlacquered brass is incredibly versatile when it comes to design styles. Its vintage vibe pairs equally well with traditional and modern kitchens. The natural patina adds warmth and texture to cool, sleek designs. It also complements the cherished imperfections of farmhouse and traditional spaces. Truly, unlacquered brass finish hardware can enhance any style of kitchen.
Unlacquered Brass Styles
Unlacquered brass kitchen hardware is available in a wide array of styles. Here are some of the most popular options:
Cabinet Hardware
Brass cabinet knobs and handles are extremely popular in kitchens today. For a contemporary vibe, choose sleek angular handles or minimalist knobs. Or go for vintage-inspired hardware with intricate details, keyholes, and ornamentation for traditional spaces. Match knobs and handles across cabinets for harmony. You can also mix unmatched knobs and handles for an eclectic look.
Drawer Pulls
Brass drawer pulls add a special touch to kitchens. Long bar pulls are streamlined choices for modern designs. Bold, oversized pulls make a statement. Or choose delicate brass pulls with ornate shapes for a traditional feel. Using the same pulls throughout the kitchen creates flow.
Hinges
Exposed hinges are on-trend, and unlacquered brass is a gorgeous option. Minimalist, clean-lined hinges complement contemporary styles. Elaborately scrolled hinges match traditional spaces. Raw brass hinges will age beautifully, adding character over time.
Faucets
Brass kitchen faucets create a bold, eye-catching focal point. Unlacquered brass faucets develop a rich, amber-brown patina. They work well with both traditional sinks and modern waterfall-edge counters. Brass faucets can be an alternative to typical stainless or matte black.
Accessories
Don’t overlook brass accessories like lighting, shelving, racks, and other fixtures. Matching your brass hardware with accessories creates cohesion. Some ideas include brass pendant lights, cup hooks, towel bars, and shelf brackets.
Design Styles for Unlacquered Brass
From modern chic to farmhouse charm, unlacquered brass hardware fits right in. Here are some of the most popular kitchen design styles to consider:
Modern Minimalist Kitchens
Clean lines, crisp white and cool gray hues define the modern minimalist kitchen. Unlacquered brass injects just the right amount of cozy warmth into this pared-down aesthetic. Raw brass pops beautifully against white cabinets and quartz counters.
Transitional Style Kitchens
Transitional design strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional elements. Unlacquered brass pairs elegantly with transitional kitchens. Its natural patina supplements the tailored look of Shaker cabinets and polished stone counters.
Traditional and Farmhouse Kitchens
Unlacquered brass is right at home in cottage, farmhouse, and traditional spaces. Its aging, organic finish complements weathered woods and antique accents. Handscraped floors and beaded cabinetry suit the raw brass look. Lean into the vintage style by pairing with ceramic knobs and pull handles.
Bold, Industrial Style
For seriously cool contrast, match raw brass hardware with matte black or oil-rubbed bronze. This bold combo adds an urban edge to industrial spaces. Unlacquered brass pops against rough woods, cement floors, or exposed ductwork. Go for an eclectic look by mixing metal finishes.
Color Pairings
One of the beauties of unlacquered brass is its ability to complement a wide range of cabinet colors. Here are some of the most stylish combinations:
Cool Tones
Raw brass stands out strikingly against cool gray, arctic white, navy, and even black cabinets. The warm brass finish contrasts elegantly with these chilly kitchen colors. Crisp white countertops also allow the brass to take center stage.
Warm Wood Tones
Unlacquered brass also suits warm wood cabinetry. The developing patina matches nicely with walnut, oak, cherry, and maple. For extra richness, pair with butcher block counters. Just avoid matching brass with very warm-toned woods like mahogany or rosewood.
Avoid Warm Metal Tones
One color scheme to steer clear of is pairing unlacquered brass with warm-toned metals and colors. The brass finish will clash with copper, bronze, gold, and yellow. Instead, choose cool metals like matte black, nickel, or chrome.
Where to Use Brass Hardware
Now let’s explore all the spots where unlacquered brass can make a stylish statement in your kitchen:
Cabinets and Drawers
An obvious place to incorporate brass is on kitchen cabinetry. Brass knobs, handles, and pulls update cabinet fronts with contemporary flair. For a cohesive look, include brass hardware on both wall and base cabinets.
Don’t forget drawer fronts too. Brass pulls not only beautify but also make drawers easier to open. Opt for long bar pulls on deep drawers for full access.
Open Shelving
Open shelves show off prized dishes, cookbooks, and decor. Brass shelf brackets and rods add support and a touch of luxe styling. Avoid lacquered brass here, as the shelves’ exposure to cooking splashes could damage the coating.
Mixing Metals
For extra modern edge, mix unlacquered brass hardware with matte black fixtures. The striking combination of cool black and warm brass creates visual impact. Contrast brass knobs with black pulls, hinges, and lighting.
Appliances and Fixtures
Don’t stop at just cabinet hardware. Warm up other kitchen elements like pendant lights, the range hood, and wine racks by opting for unlacquered brass finishes. Brass hardware on appliances like the fridge, dishwasher and stove unite the whole space.
Caring for Unlacquered Brass
One concern when choosing brass hardware is upkeep. Unlacquered brass requires a little extra care. Here’s what you need to know:
- Unlacquered brass will naturally oxidize and darken over time. Don’t fight this, as the patina adds character.
- To slow down the aging process, apply a metal protectant every few months. Opt for a clear finish to maintain the natural look.
- Clean brass hardware as needed with a gentle polishing compound or mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- For frequently handled pieces, consider a protective lacquer coating to minimize handling marks. Reapply the lacquer as needed.
- In high moisture areas like near the sink or dishwasher, the patina will develop more rapidly. Here, polished or satin brass holds up better.
With occasional polishing and sealing, unlacquered brass can retain its beauty for years while still developing a lovely patina.
Costs and Budgeting
What’s the cost for a brass hardware kitchen makeover? Here’s a rough estimate:
- Cabinet knobs average $2-$5 each.
- Basic cabinet pulls cost $5-$10 apiece.
- Elaborate or oversized hardware runs $20-$50 per piece.
- For a full kitchen with 20+ cabinets/drawers, expect to spend at least $400-$600 on cabinet hardware.
- Factor in additional costs for hinges, pulls, accessories. A complete brass overhaul could be $1000+.
For a full kitchen remodel with new cabinetry, countertops and appliances, brass hardware adds roughly 1-2% to the total cost. To keep your budget in check:
- Choose affordable cabinet hardware like simple knobs and pulls.
- Mix in a few splurge statement pieces like a dramatic range hood.
- Search websites like Etsy for unique discounted brass hardware.
- Start small by just adding brass handles to a few drawers or cabinets.
With its irresistible vintage vibe and natural patina, unlacquered brass hardware offers an easy path to a modernized kitchen. Raw brass adds a contemporary twist to traditional spaces as well. Thanks to its timeless beauty and matchability, unlacquered brass suits any setting or decor style.
Embrace brass’s return to the home design spotlight. Allow unlacquered brass finishes to develop their signature aged character and depth. Raw brass hardware’s distinctive patina will make your kitchen feel curated, collected and uniquely yours. For an of-the-moment kitchen refresh, let untreated brass finishes take your design to the next level.
