HGTV's Brian And Mika Kleinschmidt Share The Clever Swap That Brightens Small Kitchens

The type of hardware that goes in your kitchen will contribute to the style of the entire space. Fixtures like sinks and lights contribute to the overall aesthetic, so you'll want to choose hardware that gives the kitchen a comfortable feeling where the family will want to gather. HGTV stars Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt are in favor of swapping out once-trendy black hardware for a modern update as dark metal features are now considered a thing of the past. Black absorbs the light, which makes dark fixtures feel off-putting and ultimately makes the kitchen feel smaller. The Kleinschmidts would rather invest in hardware that makes the kitchen look and feel brighter and instead of black hardware, they swapped in brass.

Brass finishings are also coming back in style because they offer a subtle combination of old-world and modern fashions. This adds a premium, elegant look without an expensive price point. Brass is a strong, long-lasting material that resists tarnishing and will not need to be updated frequently. It does not rust and can stand up to the moisture and heat that is common in active kitchens. Mika and Brian especially love using brass as oven knobs and cabinet handles to make a stylish statement that doesn't overpower the other features in the kitchen. They've often picked a brass light fixture to brighten up the room and make it feel more expansive. 

Switching out dated kitchen hardware trends with a reliable alternative like brass can transform the kitchen into a space that feels fuller and larger. Brass brings organic color to kitchen projects and adds an extra luxurious touch. This gives the space more opulence as brass offers shine and a high sheen. It is a fact that when a room has more light, the brightness will ultimately make it feel bigger and appear more open. Since brass will capture light and reflect it, the kitchen will be given more depth and will feel more abundant.

It's important to keep in mind that brass will start to look different the more it is used, but that is completely normal and expected. Unlacquered brass can naturally oxidize over time resulting in a change in color, called a patina. This can ultimately be a stylish perk as it incorporates a worn, naturalistic design in the kitchen and expands upon the yellow and green undertones of brass — adding more warmth to the space. If you're looking to update your kitchen, consider adding some brass touches that will make it look stylish, warm, and bright.