Beyond Chrome: The Brassware Finishes Setting the Tone for 2026
For many years, chrome fixtures and fittings were a default choice for kitchens and bathrooms. But today, brassware finishes are no longer a background detail, they are a defining design choice.
Chrome now accounts for less than half of Perrin & Rowe’s brassware sales, as homeowners and designers increasingly explore finishes such as unlacquered brass and nickel that bring individuality, warmth and character to a home.
As we look ahead to 2026, experts from House of Rohl share their insights on the finishes and styles set to define kitchens and bathrooms in the year ahead.
Photography by Sarah GriggsNickel is the new neutral
For homeowners seeking a timeless finish that won’t date, nickel taps from Perrin & Rowe offer a warm golden glow for understated elegance without sacrificing character. According to Umesh Thakur, Principal Industrial Designer at House of Rohl, “Nickel is emerging as a top choice for both kitchens and bathrooms due to its soft sheen, low reflectivity and ability to pair with both warm and cool palettes.
Its design impact is seen as a bridge between traditional chrome and warmer brass finish tones, ideal for layered, tactile interiors.”
Photography by Sarah GriggsFusion kitchens on the rise
Kitchens in 2026 are moving away from rigid design rules. Instead, there’s a growing appetite for’ ‘fusion kitchens’ that blend classic and contemporary styles. This shift reflects a desire for greater personalisation rather than a generic template with designs incorporating heirlooms, vintage finds and meaningful objects. This trend was highlighted in the Pinterest Autumn trend’s report with searches for thrifted kitchen ideas and vintage kitchenware on the rise.
A fluted fireclay sink, such as the Shaws of Darwen Bowland or Ribchester design, paired with a Perrin & Rowe industrial-inspired, Armstrong mixer and instant hot water tap in unlacquered aged brass is a popular choice for transitional kitchens.
Photography by Sarah GriggsBathroom brassware finishes: more expressive than ever
Bathrooms are becoming more expressive, with designers confidently combining brassware finishes to create layered visual interest. Brushed brass finish taps paired with matte black or chrome introduces contrast, while avoiding a uniform, overly matched look.
Tactile details are also gaining prominence. Knurled handles as seen on Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong collection encourage touch and elevate everyday rituals. In premium bathrooms, these details transform brassware from a functional necessity into a design feature. For homeowners, mixed finishes offer a way to personalise the space, whether this is through subtle contrasts or bolder statements.
What taps to pair with your finish?
As brassware collections become more considered, designers are increasingly matching finishes to specific tap styles. “In kitchens, our industrial influenced Armstrong brassware is often specified in English Bronze, which enhances the textured details and adds depth to the design.
While in bathrooms, brushed Nickel is the choice of finish for our intricate and geometric Art Deco inspired brassware” says Umesh Thakur, Principal Industrial Designer - House of Rohl.
Discover Perrin & Rowe’s trending brassware finishes
Nickel - Offering a warm golden glow which can be described as a champagne colour, Nickel taps suit both traditional and contemporary designs.
English Bronze - Created using a special coating, which is ‘baked’ on to the surface of the brass, English Bronze is Perrin & Rowe’s darkest finish available with the distinctive bronze tones designed to bring out the intricate details of the brassware.
Unlacquered brass - With a deliberately un-lacquered surface, the brass finish taps we offer across our kitchen collection (aged, satin and polished) and bathroom collection (satin and polished) are ‘living’, which means they will develop a unique patina as they react with the environment and daily use.
Choosing brassware finishes for 2026 and beyond
As we move into 2026, brassware finishes are no longer about simply matching appliances or accessories. They’re about expressing personality, creating harmony between old and new, and choosing materials that age beautifully over time.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a designer specifying for a client, Perrin & Rowe’s brassware and its range of finishes offer the flexibility to create kitchens and bathrooms that feel considered, distinctive and enduring.
Design Laura Butler Madden & Photography Patrick Butler MaddenInspired by the way you live
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