Surface Spotlight SS 2020: Brass
From door handles to kettles, brass has an affinity with the home.
Dreams of the home tend to be rooted in the past rather than the future. So, it’s understandable that SS 2020 brings a resurgence of surface and material finishes that reference bygone eras, and brass is a natural choice.
A touch of brass
The use of brass to accent the structure of a design evolves into 2020+ with a nod to controlled Art Deco styling. Joyce Wang Studio’s Flint collection pairs monochrome terrazzo with signature detailed metalwork in brushed brass, whilst brass matchstick placement within black metal by Leonardo Sonnoli for De Castelli is a refined play on geometry.
Brass inlay
Bethan Gray’s Shamsian collection celebrates 16th century marquetry techniques. Inspired by her own family heritage and her travels throughout the Middle East, intricate repeat patterns of fine brass inlay harmonise with hand-stained maple wood.
Hand-lathed
SS 2020 metals shift away from warmer rose and copper tones to yellower-hued finishes. Of note is the BAGATTO coffee table designed by Ilaria Bianchi; with a minimal aesthetic, the hand-lathed brass table legs in the shapes of four alchemical symbols are an exercise in balance.
Tarnished to perfection
Tarnished finishes evoke a sense of history and are set to trend well into 2020. De Castelli’s circular wall covering features oxidised, discoloured and salted brass finishes in a reassuringly heritage aesthetic. The Scribble collection designed by Alberto Parise also celebrates metal craftsmanship with a family of tables distinctively oxidised, brushed and tarnished to perfection.
Patinated brass
Refelcting this resurgence of patinated, discoloured, blackened and stained brass, Juliette Bigley’s experimental metal finishes are rich with patinated gilding bringing a timeless surface to her vessels.
This is an excerpt from our SS 2020 Colour, Material and Finish report and MIX Magazine issue 52.
Image credits from top:
Bethan Gray | Joyce Wang Studio | De Castelli | Bethan Gray | Ilaria Bianchi | De Castelli | Juliette Bigley photo by Sophie Mutevelian