Room of the Day: Brass Warms a Brownstone Bathroom

I don't love brass...in Mumbai it tarnished really fast, and if you lacquer it the scratches tarnish. The choice is not to have it...or let it tarnish. Brass taps are fine but you will find yourself polishing up the hot tap three times as often as the cold one!

Becky - Another great article! Having grown up in an older house, I really love the warm patina that brass achieves as it ages. I recently completed a 2-year construction project of my primary residence and the house is based on a Charleston "Single House". I spent months researching period-appropriate fixtures and finishes. I wanted to look like a well cared for 150 year old home - nothing trendy or dated, just traditional and classic. We went with unlacquered brass faucets and cabinet hardware in the kitchen and I couldn't be happier with the results. My friends at Brandino Brass dipped all of the hardware in a bath of selenium dioxide, which slightly darkened the brass and enhanced the "aged patina". I've been asked if I bought the hardware at a salvage store because of the aged appearance. In any event, I highly recommend it.

I love the use of brass in this urban kitchen design... Mandi @ Dura