The Kitchen Hardware Trend on Its Way Out in 2025 (and the ’90s Finish That’s Taking Its Place!)
In recent years, interior designers have been all about brass hardware. After a long time spent leaning into black, so many people fell in love with brass’ warmth and finish options — especially unlacquered brass, which is known as a living material because of how oxidation changes it over time. But according to James Pearse Connelly, principal creative and CEO of JP Connelly design services company, that metal’s era is coming to a close and making room for something not exactly new.
Part of this is practical. “The problem with working with brass is that the tones vary based on different manufacturers, and the risk of it looking cheap or off-color is high,” Connelly says. He adds that because of this, there’s no way to resourcefully complete a whole renovation without spending a ton of money. Enter: chrome, a staple of the ’90s and mid-century modern style.
Why Chrome Is Making a Major Comeback in 2025
Unlike brass, with chrome, you get an impeccable match every time, no matter the brand. Plus, according to Connelly, “chrome is always guaranteed to match your appliance details and arguably stands to be relevant for longer than a shade of gold or brass.” Despite the predicted lifespan and vintage roots, the reflective silver sheen also has modern appeal.
Trend inspiration can come from anywhere, and Connelly insists that this one is coming from the older side of Gen Z on social media. “We’re seeing the ways this generation is utilizing chrome to decorate their first homes, and working with it in a way that’s smart,” he says. And this makes sense, according to his theory: When you pair an under-30 demographic with today’s inflation, a scrappy spirit isn’t a want, but a need. Instead of blowing their budgets on an established trend, they simply created a new one (or, rather, revived an old one, which they’ve been known to do).
How to Get the Chrome Look in Your Kitchen
Swapping brass or any other metal in your kitchen for chrome is easy, and not just because all it requires is a twist of some screws (which is renter-friendly, by the way). As Connelly mentioned, chrome is the same across all brands, which means you can splurge on a standout faucet and save big by thrifting your cabinet hardware. “The end result of this inexpensive sheen is iconic in an understated, gentlemanly way, and I am here for it,” Connelly adds.
When styling a chromed-out kitchen, it’s important to aim for contrast, which means reintroducing some of the warmth and softness you may be losing. Consider elements such as a shagreen catchall, a wood cutting board, upholstered counter stools, or a decorative rattan bowl to keep your kitchen feeling homey while creating a more dynamic, layered scene.
On the other hand, if you love your brass (or just can’t justify replacing it), mixing metals is also an option — and it never goes out of style. In this case, the eclectic approach involves keeping your hardware as-is and instead adding touches of chrome elsewhere, like in the frame of a vintage print, pendant lighting, or the legs of your counter stools.
How do you feel about chrome’s comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
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