The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the most popular sheens are usually satin and semi-gloss. Here's why: Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy.
Antique Brass: Brass continues to dominate due to its warmth and vintage appeal. In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors. Brushed Nickel: Known for its subtle shine, brushed nickel adds a neutral yet contemporary look.
Cool Metals
Bright and reflective, metals are sure to make a statement in your home. Moving away from gold and warm-toned metals, cool-toned metals like silver, chrome, steel, and aluminum are going to have their moment in 2024.
Both brushed nickel and chrome are considered timeless finishes. While trends may shift, these finishes have remained popular choices for their versatility and enduring appeal. Choosing either will ensure your space stays stylish for years to come.
Ceramic Knobs
“[Ceramic knobs] are pretty common in older homes, but because they were so popular decades ago, they'll make your home feel a bit stuck in the past,” Cole adds.
Brushed nickel is dominating the 2024 kitchen faucet trends so far as it is stylish, sophisticated, and can easily conceal blemishes. More niche and opulent finishes, such as copper or chrome-plated brass, are on the rise. These finishes create a patina as they age, which can add character to your kitchen.
In 2024, polished brass, brushed brass, and champagne gold have reigned as the most coveted metallic finishes, admired for their warm, luxurious appeal. While these warm metallics aren't going anywhere in 2025, their range is expanding.
Gloss Finish/High Gloss Finish: A lifesaver for smaller kitchens! Reflective surfaces make compact spaces feel larger while brightening up dim corners effortlessly. Matte Finish: Ideal for open, airy kitchens with ample natural light. It keeps the look understated and elegant without adding unnecessary shine.
Painters once encouraged using semi-gloss paint for a bathroom or kitchen ceiling (or a room with higher humidity) since semi-gloss paint has higher moisture resistance and sometimes holds up better, however, flat paint today works just as well, and tends to look better.
However, if gold tones aren't to your taste, opting for typically cool-toned metals in a warmer finish is a lovely compromise, and still feels timeless and classic. 'We consider polished nickel to be the most timeless finish.
Sleek, Simple Designs
Minimalism is on the rise in kitchen design, influencing hardware choices as well. Sleek, simple designs with clean lines are becoming the norm. Brass knobs and pulls in understated shapes can add a subtle touch of elegance without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
The 1/3 rule in cabinet hardware is a design guideline that helps achieve balanced proportions when selecting drawer pulls and cabinet handles. According to this rule, the length of the pull should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door.
Minimalism remains a favorite, with clean lines and sleek designs leading the way. Hardware that is unobtrusive and blends seamlessly with contemporary interiors is in high demand. Matte finishes, particularly in black, white, and brushed, are setting the trend for a modern and sophisticated look.
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
Choosing The Right Finish
For most projects, Bratton defers to satin nickel in modern and traditional style homes for its timeless and versatile finish. For homes that lean decidedly more rustic, or for folks that don't want shine in their finishes, brushed nickel is the better choice.
The Revival of Cup Cabinet Pulls in Modern Interior Design
These pulls are both stylish and functional, with their unique cup shape. Cup cabinet pulls blend well in all kinds of kitchen styles. They can have a farmhouse look or a modern feel. This makes them a great choice for anyone, no matter the kitchen's design.
Meanwhile, the old faithful, brushed nickel, retains its popularity. It's the sturdy grandpa of faucet finishes, reliable and versatile. It mightn't do TikTok dances, but it sure does stand the test of time. In the end, your bathroom fixtures should reflect your taste and style.
I personally think Nickel is the most timeless of the metals. Brass has really gained in popularity with interior designers, but is probably a trendier choice. I've seen a rise in the popularity of black hardware especially in this age of farmhouse- EVERYTHING (Thanks Chip and Joanna).
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
10: Cool toned metal finishes
But if brass just isn't your thing, you're in luck because finishes like satin nickel, pewter, and stainless steel are poised to make a comeback in 2024.
O'Brien suggests mixing brass and dark bronze, brass and chrome, or brass and nickel, but never mix nickel and chrome. Also, he cautions that there is a limit to how many metal finishes you can mix together in one room. “There should be a main finish choice and maybe one accent,” he says.