Photography: Sean Fennessy
Hardware finishes are more than just a detail in your home’s design – they help shape the entire mood of your space. “Knowing your different metallic finishes is crucial because each metal has its own unique ageing process, undertones and texture,” says Renee Enoka, product executive and interior designer at ABI Interiors. “If you’re not aware of how they evolve over time, you might end up with a different look than you envisioned.”
This understanding is key when mixing metals, too. The right balance can create a sophisticated look, while clashing hardware finishes might feel mismatched. Whether you want your tapware or hardware to make a bold statement or subtly blend in, Renee advises considering this early in the design process. “A sleek, minimalist finish can create a calming, understated feel, while a bold, textured finish can serve as a focal point.”
Layering in the newest hardware trends is a simple way to create a polished, well-curated look throughout your home. In this story, we’ll explore the hardware finishes gaining momentum – and how to confidently mix and apply them in your home for a cohesive, elevated result from room to room.
What hardware finishes are trending?
These three hardware finishes are popular in 2025.
Hardware finish trending: Aged bronze
Characterised by a rich, dark brown hue with subtle copper-toned highlights, aged bronze has a naturally weathered yet refined finish and offers glimmering depth. It brings a sense of heritage while feeling effortlessly modern. Unlike high-shine hardware finishes, aged bronze – along with copper and other similar metals – develops depth and character over time.
This versatility makes aged bronze an excellent choice for layering with other trending hardware finishes at home, allowing for a curated yet cohesive look. “You don’t have to use the same metallic finish everywhere in your house,” says Renee. “Many finishes complement each other beautifully, as long as their undertones are matched correctly.”
A perfect example of this is Copperstone, a luxury homestead and accommodation in Bangalow by The Range Estates. “Copperstone, by name, lent itself to the use of copper and copper-toned metals,” shares co-founder and creative director Emma Lane. “I’ve always been drawn to the warmth of copper and Corten steel, which we’ve used for benchtops and weathered elements.” The reflective warmth of these metal finishes enhances the home’s soft, earthy palette, adding a richness and contrast.
For those looking to achieve a similar effect, Emma suggests embracing the imperfections found in natural metals. “You have to be happy with visual interruptions – little marks of character that take time to blend into the patina.”
Team with…
Metals Aged bronze works beautifully with copper, brass and Corten steel for a warm, layered look. For contrast, pair it with matte black or brushed nickel to add depth and dimension.
Materials Pairs well with deep, organic materials and walnut, teak and mahogany timber, while its evolving patina enhances the raw beauty of stones such as basalt, soapstone and onyx.
Colours Ochre, rust and olive tones enhance the organic warmth of aged bronze finishes. For a dramatic touch, contrast it with charcoal, navy or deep burgundy.
Hardware finish trending: Aged brass
There’s a reason antique brass is having a moment – it’s timeless, full of character and gets better with age. Also known as aged brass, this unlacquered metallic finish embraces the beauty of natural wear and handling, developing a unique patina over time. “Antique brass ages through a process called patination,” explains Renee. “Frequent contact lightens some areas, while untouched sections darken, creating a rich, lived-in look.”
This evolving hardware finish pairs effortlessly with warm timbers like oak and walnut, while natural stones – marble, limestone and slate – enhance its depth. Earthy hues including deep greens, terracotta and rich browns bring out the metal’s warmth, while cream and crisp white offer a striking contrast.
“It’s a versatile choice that works beautifully in both heritage and contemporary spaces,” says Renee. From kitchen mixers to robe hooks, antique brass can add a touch of rustic charm, without feeling outdated. It’s an ever-changing finish, shaped by time and touch, making it uniquely yours.
Team with…
Metals Pair this finish with brushed gold or bronze for a collected-over-time feel, or contrast it with matte black or polished nickel for a fresh and modern look.
Materials Mix your aged or antique brass with warm timbers or dark, rich woods. The patina adds depth to natural stones such as limestone, marble and slate.
Colours Muted, earthy hues such as deep greens and bold browns complement the warmth of aged brass.
Hardware finish trending: Polished nickel
This is a timeless, sophisticated metal finish, which offers the elegance of silver with a warm undertone. Unlike chrome, nickel has a softer and richer depth, making it a versatile choice for any interior. “Nickel and stainless steel are undoubtedly two of the most timeless metallic finishes,” shares Renee. “They’re more affordable than other options, yet still provide the same sophisticated, elevated aesthetic.”
A recent project in Sydney by Duet design studio shows how mixing metals from the same tonal family as polished nickel can be executed with perfection. “The brushed nickel finish of the door handles and pewter tapware lends itself to the classic-style kitchen, honouring the heritage of this 1880s terrace,” explains Shannon Shlom, director at Duet. “These finishes will also hold up over time, due to their timeless quality, which is evident in the master ensuite where the joinery has a more contemporary profile.”
Beyond their longevity, these finishes enhance the warmth and tactility of natural materials. “We love the softness of the metal against the sandstone,” adds Dominique Brammah, director at Duet. “We were keen to encourage the glowing light that bounces around this home, and these metallic finishes play a key role.”
Team with…
Metals Mix nickel with stainless steel for a seamless, modern aesthetic or contrast with brushed brass or aged bronze for warmth and depth. Prefer drama? Try it with matte black.
Materials Nickel complements cool-toned woods like ash or grey-washed oak and it pairs beautifully with classic stones such as marble and quartzite for a timeless, refined look.
Colours Soft greys, crisp whites and deep blue tones enhance the elegant sheen of nickel, while charcoal and navy add contrast for a bold, polished feel.
The Edit: Shop the look
‘Elysian’ kitchen mixer in Tumbled Aged Brass, $324.90,
ABI Interiors
‘Milani’ robe hook in Tumbled Aged Brass, $49.90,
ABI Interiors
Prescot Chandelier in Antique Brass, $2507,
Urban Lighting
Uttermost “A Little Knotty’ mirror in Aged Bronze, $709,
Shine Mirrors
‘Moroccan Zellige’ tiles in Sage (10x10cm), $300/sqm,
Desino Tiles & Bathware
Julie Neill ‘Alberto’ chandelier in Plaster White, $4290/small,
The Montauk Lighting Co.
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