For years, home design leaned heavily into perfect, uniform surfaces. Highly polished chrome and flawless synthetic coatings rule the market. But lately, we are noticing a beautiful shift in the industry.
Splash Galleries get a front-row seat to these design changes. We love helping clients find premium pieces that bring a space to life. Right now, nothing accomplishes that quite like natural finishes. Let’s explore why organic materials are taking over modern design, and look at the incredible brands leading the way.
Embracing Metals That Grow With You
While highly polished, synthetic coatings stay the same forever, they can sometimes feel cold. Organic Materials introduces a completely different philosophy: finishes that are designed to change, react, and grow more beautiful over time.
Unlacquered Brass
If you want a metal that feels truly alive, look no further than unlacquered brass. Unlike standard finishes that are sealed with a clear topcoat, unlacquered brass is left entirely bare. Over time, exposure to air, water, and the natural touch of your hands creates a unique patina.
We love recommending premium unlacquered fixtures from California Faucets and Sterlingham for gorgeous bathroom options. If you want to make a structural statement with your washstand, Palmer Industries designs magnificent architectural brass legs. For cabinetry, Waterstreet Brass Hardware and Lo & Co offer stunning pulls and handles, including options with marble accents.
Living Finishes and Premium Plumbing
Unlacquered brass is part of a larger, incredibly popular category known as living finishes. Industry pioneers like Graff and Perrin & Rowe have mastered this art. Their luxury plumbing fixtures develop subtle color variations based on how your family uses them.
Don’t fear the change! A living finish isn’t wearing out; it is breaking in. Just like a quality leather jacket or a pair of raw denim jeans, it gains its true beauty through everyday use.
Bringing Elements of Earth and Wood Indoors
Bringing organic elements into the home means looking beyond metals. Natural stone and raw wood are perfect for breaking up the hard, flat surfaces often found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Natural Stone Sinks
For a striking, artistic centerpiece, consider a natural stone sink from Stone Forest or Lacava. These brands carve basins directly from solid boulders and marble blocks, transforming raw earth into functional pieces of art.
Reclaimed Wood Vanities
Pairing a stone basin with a wood vanity brings an undeniable sense of calm and warmth to your daily routine. Native Trails excels in this space, creating vanities that celebrate the natural knots, variations, and history of the wood.
Adding Depth with Handmade Textures
Texture is a vital element of modern luxury. By incorporating hammered or brushed finishes, you immediately add visual interest and physical warmth to a room, catching the light in ways smooth surfaces simply cannot.
Textured Metals
Brands like Nantucket Sinks and Native Trails offer exceptional hammered metal sinks. The subtle indentations on the surface create a beautiful play of shadow and light, turning a functional kitchen or bar sink into a visual feature.
Handmade Details
If you want to carry this tactile experience over to your cabinetry, look at the Tanner’s Craft collection by Colonial Bronze. Their hardware features exquisite handmade details.
Visit Our Raleigh Showroom
Choosing the right living finish, stone texture, or wood grain is a very personal process. It helps to see these materials in person, feel their weight, and look at the finishes under natural light. We invite you to stop by the Splash Galleries showroom here in Raleigh. Our team is ready to sit down, explore these incredible brands with you, and help you find the perfect natural elements for your next project.
Be sure to check out our social media pages for daily tips, inspiration, and exciting new product features! If you have a specific vision in mind, you can also schedule a private consultation with our team so we can give your project full, dedicated attention.
