Copper is also on the rise, loved for its warm tone, evolving patina, and ability to enhance both modern and rustic styles.
With 2026 officially here, it’s time to look ahead at the design trends set to define the year. For a long time now, brass has been the golden child of the design world, loved for its warm glow and storied patina. But as the new year begins, the design world is clearly ready to expand its pool of favorite finishes.
Brass is by no means disappearing — it’s a timeless, classic finish that adds depth and character to a space and only gets better with age, says designer Justine Wolman — but it’s no longer the only finish shining in the spotlight. Enter a new wave of metals that bring softness and elegance to a space, underscoring the warmth that everyone seems to be craving in design these days.
“These finishes bring depth and warmth in a way that feels calming rather than contrast-driven,” explain designers Nicole Bechbache and Sydni Hoffman of Stafford House Studio. “There’s a growing appreciation for finishes that feel integrated and enduring, especially with metals that age beautifully.”
Below, learn which metal designers predict will reign supreme in 2026, along with a noteworthy runner-up.
Poised to become the next “it” finish, bronze is earthy and dynamic, making it suitable for historic and modern interiors alike. Though it can be considered a close cousin to brass, bronze is decidedly more understated, with a quiet depth that brings sophistication to everything it touches.
“While unlacquered brass is still very much present, I expect bronze to take center stage in 2026,” says designer Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors. “Bronze offers a richness that feels especially right for where interiors are headed; it has natural depth, patina, and softness that brass can’t always provide, making it feel warmer and more grounded.” She adds that as people continue to seek comfort and character in their homes, bronze delivers a sense of age and authenticity that feels timeless rather than trendy.
The resurgence of bronze works beautifully with other design trends coming to the forefront in 2026, including a rise in traditionalism and a penchant for robust, rich palettes. Know this, though: The key to incorporating bronze into your home in a stylish and timeless way lies in choosing a living finish that will patina over time.
“In high-end design, clients are craving finishes with more depth, more patina, and more soul,” says designer Erin Hackett Nordholt of Hackett House Studio. “Burnished bronze feels collected — almost like another piece in a well-curated antique assemblage. It ages gracefully, softens modern architecture, and brings out that quiet, old-world look people are gravitating toward as homes become more personal and intentional.”
Finishes like bronze carry a sense of permanence and craftsmanship, two features that are becoming increasingly important in a world faced with fast-fashion and shoddy flips. Another reason the finish works so well? It’s endlessly versatile. “There are warm white bronze finishes that lean slightly golden, cooler bronze tones with subtle silvery undertones, and darker bronzes that can replace flat black finishes while offering far more depth and character,” says Bean.
Bechbache and Hoffman are quick to point out that balance is key, noting that bronze plays particularly well with finishes or colors with the same depth and natural ethos. “The key is to use balance and restraint,” they add. “Bronze pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, plaster, and linen, and feels especially homey in warmer, layered palettes. Rather than repeating the finish everywhere, use it to anchor a few intentional moments and allow it to quietly elevate the space.”
While bronze was the most frequently mentioned metal, several designers also pointed to copper as a warm finish to watch. “Copper is going to be big in 2026,” says designer Jen Harkavy of J. Harkavy Interiors. “It brings a sense of warmth and richness unlike any other finish; I think of copper as the mohair of metals — a luxuriously inviting, chocolate-y colored finish.”
Designers are especially drawn to copper’s natural oxidation, which can develop into a distinctive green-blue patina over time. “Homeowners and designers are continuing to move away from overly polished finishes, as there’s a growing desire for materials that feel more soulful and lived-in,” says designer Madi Horn of California Revival Studio. She adds that aged copper works particularly well in coastal-inspired interiors, where texture and natural variation are key.
Like bronze, copper is highly adaptable, transitioning easily across styles and applications, from cabinet hardware to lighting. “This bold and confident material works wildly well across the design spectrum, from sleek contemporary environments to cozy rustic settings,” says designer Jennifer Worts of Jennifer Worts Design. “Unlacquered copper can also be polished, allowing you to bring it back to the shine of a new penny — or somewhere in between — making it both timeless and adaptable.”
