HERE AND NOW: Copper is the New Brass

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Amerock. Amerock markets and distributes decorative hardware solutions for the kitchen, bathroom and throughout the home that inspire, coordinate and express personal style. Founded in 1929, Amerock , which is part of the Piedmont Hardware brands, has a renewed focus on product innovation based on design trends and consumer preferences. It is introducing new products and finishes that are both timeless and on-trend. The company is headquartered in Mooresville, NC. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.

Copper is the new brass.

Well, not quite. I don't think the trend returning to brass hardware (and away from nickel) in the kitchen and bath is over and done with, but I do think we shall soon be seeing copper hardware popping up everywhere.

I was invited last week to a gathering hosted by hardware company Amerock of seven bloggers to discuss design trends with acclaimed interior designer Eric Cohler at his design studio. Eric discussed the latest ideas coming out of the Paris trade shows, including Maison D'Objet (one show I don't plan on missing next January now that I will have the freedom that comes from the empty nest).

Eric was seeing copper everywhere in Europe. Copper is exciting as a hardware finish because it slowly develops a lovely patina with each touch. Eric called it "elemental" You know--that gorgeous green verdigris shade.

So how to use copper in your home? Eric offers a couple of tips. He says it pairs well with elements such as wood, leather and glass, adding that you can mix up different metallic finishes as long as you adhere to some type of consistently. For example, in the kitchen, you could use copper on the lower cabinets and something different on the uppers. His only caution is to stay away from primary colors such as red, because copper already has a red undertone that could clash.

Amerock offers several attractive styles of copper hardware.

As for other finishes, Eric feels they will stick around as long as they too are a "living" finish. In other words, they also develop a patina.

Take trendy brass for example. It should be unlacquered,so that bright golden "brassy" (ahem) color becomes warm and soft over time. I have been on that band wagon for at least 13 years. When I rebuilt my c. 1900 Victorian in 2003, I had to painstakingly explain to all of my lighting and hardware vendors to leave off the lacquer when it came to brass. I wanted my brass to age, and now it has a beautifully rich finish. Of course, if you want to bring back some shine, you can always polish it up.

Unlacquered brass hardware with various stages of patina. (The door back plate is at my house.)

Bronze is similar. As it is rubbed by your touch, a bit of the finish wears off, giving it a lived in look.

Amerock has many hardware options in all of these finishes plus additional ones. So much choice! It can be confounding.

To help consumers make the right choice for their home, Amerock has teamed up with Eric Cohler to curate hardware collections based on regional styles such as "Bicoastal", "CityBeat," "Northeast Home" and "Heartland" among others. Thesse curated collections provide an excellent starting point for consumers faced with an overwhelming amount of decisions during a renovation.

An example of a regional collection of Amerock hardware curated by Eric Cohler together with an inspiration image

Additionally, Eric offers reassuring advice to consumers when choosing hardware: "The simpler the style, the better. If you use a classic design you can’t go wrong and you won’t have to replace it often. Conversely, if you want to go in a more playful direction, it’s easy and economical to replace handles and knobs. ... All you need is a screwdriver!"

So go ahead. Try that copper hardware.

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Photo credits: Collection of copper hardware photo via Amerock. Copper patina collage from Hearts of Glass tumblr, verdigris tile from Two Hills Studio, doorknob. Brass collage: door knob from This Old House, star door knob, Lynn Byrne. Other photos by Lynn Byrne.