Material Focus: Brass

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Brass has a way of settling into a room with warmth and ease. Its surface shifts over time, picking up soft marks, darkened edges, and a muted glow that feels lived in rather than polished.

The appeal of brass isn’t in its shine. It’s in the way it changes. Patina gives it a sense of history, even when the piece is new to you. A candlestick, a cabinet pull, a vintage lamp base each take on their own tone as they age.

This natural variation is what makes brass feel timeless. It doesn’t stay fixed. It softens, deepens, and blends into a space more fully with each year. Even when the finish dulls, the warmth remains.

Brass pairs quietly with almost any material. Wood, stone, linen, plaster, glass. It adds a touch of depth without overpowering the palette. In small amounts, it can anchor a room; in larger moments, it creates an easy sense of richness.

Letting brass age in place is part of the charm. You don’t have to protect it from fingerprints or keep it looking new. Its character grows with use, and that evolution is what makes it feel lasting.

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