6 Ways HGTV's Nate Berkus Elevates A Home Space Using Elegant Brass Fixtures

Interior design expert and HGTV star Nate Berkus is renowned for his effortlessly elegant approach to home decor and timeless yet contemporary taste. With decades of experience and several awards under his belt, Berkus has perfected the art of striking the perfect balance between unique, eclectic designs that are still undeniably chic and approachable. Luckily, the interior designer is generous with his knowledge and expertise, and recently, he recommended that one foolproof and straightforward way to elevate any room of the house is with the addition of brass features. 

Via Instagram, Berkus shared that "brass fixtures are timeless and one of my favorite finishes to work with." He isn't the only interior designer who favors this aesthetic. HGTV star Jenny Todryk also loves these unique fixtures that give your home a touch of old-world charm. Brass fixtures have a timeless allure that can elegantly contrast sleeker, more minimal design styles for an eye-catching yet refined effect.

It's no secret that brass finishes are coming back in style. For centuries, brass has been used in home designs to symbolize wealth and sophistication, but now it is an affordable and simple upgrade that can take your interior designs to the next level with ease. Here are some of our favorite ways that HGTV star Nate Berkus has utilized brass fixtures in home designs for tasteful home decor that makes a statement. 

When you think of accent mirrors, the kitchen likely isn't the first room that comes to mind. But Nate Berkus has demonstrated through his intentional designs how you can use brassy mirrors and fixtures in unconventional places for an eclectic and intriguing aesthetic. In one design, Berkus mounted an antique-style mirror under a kitchen's hood range, alongside a matching bull statue and a white, marble floating shelf. The shelf's brass fixtures are as practical as they are striking, while the mirror serves as a statement piece that effortlessly contrasts the marble backsplash.

Nate Berkus is a fan of pairing brass fixtures with crisp, white marble, and this bathroom design reiterates that. Berkus has paired the dazzling bathtub fixtures against multiple neutral-colored elements, including a white and beige curtain. The brass creates a luminous pop of chrome that stands out against the creamy, off-white tiling and marble tub interior. Once again, this encourages a nice balance and creates depth and contrast in the room. The old-school tiles and antique fixtures elegantly blend historical charm with modern-day aesthetics. 

Brassy, gold-toned lighting fixtures can add warmth to otherwise neutral rooms, as demonstrated by Nate Berkus in this sunny breakfast nook design. Brass fixtures can be the perfect antidote to simple, minimalist interior designs and create balance without making the room look too fussy or busy. The luxe, eye-catching lighting fixtures can prevent rooms from looking too boring or sterile and cast a warm, inviting glow that welcomes you and your house guests into the space with comfort and ease. 

Brass fixtures can bring warmth and contrast to dark marble as well, giving moody countertops a touch of liveliness.  When designing a cohesive kitchen around black marble countertops, stunning brass features can help strike the perfect balance. They reflect light, have a polished, refined look, and can attract attention while simultaneously bringing the design together. Brass fixtures also pair well with dark wood, creating a similar effect. In this kitchen, Berkus paid extra attention to detail and matched the brass sink to the brass knobs on the oven.

You can also opt for brass finishes to highlight more unique features around the home. In one design, Nate Berkus draws attention to a faucet over a stove with a glimmering brass finish. Having an additional water source mounted directly over the stovetop is an eccentric luxury that deserves to be showcased, and the shiny brass does a great job of making the fixture stand out. He's paired it with a sleek marbled backsplash that is beautiful yet subtle enough to let the faucet take the spotlight.

While it's no secret that brass fixtures can complement neutral, minimalist walls nicely, they can also be used in rooms with elaborate wallpaper without overwhelming the space. In one bathroom design, Nate Berkus pairs a shiny brass sink and towel holder with white marble countertops, a warm wood vanity, and colorful, patterned wallpaper. The brass fixtures look sophisticated and sleek but don't feel too busy against the wallpaper. While brass does well as the center of attention in room design, it can also gracefully and effortlessly blend into the background in busier rooms.