Why You Should Incorporate Brass Into Your Kitchen ASAP

Since the leaves have been changing color here on the East Coast, I?ve been craving warm and cozy, yet still bright spaces. Brass is a bold and elegant addition to any kitchen or bathroom, especially because of all the appliances necessary for these rooms. Brass has such a classic, versatile finish that you can incorporate it into all types of styles and looks. Bonus: studies have even shown that brass prevents bacteria from spreading more effectively than stainless steel, so even more reason to make the switch!
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9762689/Fit-brass-fixtures-to-cut-superbugs-say-scientists.html)

Without further ado, I?ve broken down how to successfully incorporate brass into your kitchen for a kitchen that?s perfect for mulling wine on a crisp day or entertaining during the holidays. If your kitchen is in major need of an update, take a cue from these inspirational spaces below and find out just how simple adding some pizazz with brass can be.

Step One: Choose a Contrasting Anchor Color

In some of the most beautiful kitchens I?ve seen, there?s a harmonious triad of colors: 1) brass 2) white, and 3) a contrasting color that anchors and brings the entire space together. So, decide on your contrasting color. You could paint just the island a preppy deep blue like Benjamin Moore?s Hale Navy above…

Choose a moody gray blue that?s reminiscent of the clear sky after a torrential downpour,

A sophisticated slate gray to establish a tranquil ?this-is-my-sanctuary? atmosphere,

Or, go a little funkier with a Moroccan-inspired green (similar to Teal Zeal 500D-5 by Behr.) Love the playful vibe this theme gives off.

If you have light colored wood or white cabinets, you can paint your own cabinets with little effort and cost. In the DIY space above, the owners decided to paint just the lower cabinets, which really grounds the room and adds a sense of drama. Don?t forget to inquire at your local hardware store about proper primers for the color you decide upon.

Step Two: Select Drawer Pulls

The below handy guide displays the wide variety of drawer pull options out there. Depending on the style of your cabinet, you may go for something more rustic like a apothecary-esque bin pull, or contemporary such as a sleek T-bar handle. The finish matters too; I find that matte brushed brass goes quite well with cool tones like ice blue and grey while more gilded varnishes go well with navy blues and green. Whatever you choose, ensure that the style is consistent – mixing and matching won?t go over well here.

Step Three: Tie the Room Together

Besides drawer pulls, it?s lovely to incorporate some other brass items into the room to tie the whole room together. The gold toned kitchen faucet above with a custom brass finish is chic and clean against the marble counters and backsplash.

If you?re freshening up a bathroom, consider thrifting for a brass framed mirror like the vintage one in this Catskills vacation home, or that to die for lion hand towel holder. Little touches like these make all the difference. P.S.: The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Hidden Sapphire.

Consider a brass trimmed lamp, especially pendant lighting which can look traditional and rustic at the same time.

Littlest but not least are these darling brass salt and pepper shakers that?ll look quirky yet classic displayed on your kitchen counter or island.

What other ways do you incorporate brass into your home? I?d love to hear your ideas!

(Photos via Houzz, The Kitchn, Martha Stewart, Pinterest, Danielle Oakey Interiors, Freshome, Design Sponge, House Beautiful, Oscar de la Renta)