Timeless Elegance: Why Brushed Gold is Still a Top Choice in 2025

As we move into 2025, design trends continue to evolve, and one question many homeowners and interior designers are asking is whether brushed gold finishes will remain in style or if they are on their way out. Gold has been a luxurious, timeless material used in design for centuries, but the brushed gold finish—a subtle, muted version of gold—has taken center stage in recent years, especially in kitchen and bathroom fixtures, hardware, and home accessories. So, is brushed gold still relevant in 2025? Let’s explore this finish’s popularity, its enduring appeal, and its future in interior design.

The Rise of Brushed Gold

Brushed gold emerged as a sophisticated and modern alternative to the bright, shiny gold finishes of previous decades. Its popularity grew rapidly in the 2010s, largely due to its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of interior styles. Brushed gold is created by polishing the surface of metal with a fine abrasive, creating a soft, matte finish that is less reflective than traditional polished gold. The result is a finish that exudes elegance without the overt shininess, making it a more subtle choice in high-end design.

Unlike its shinier counterparts, brushed gold works well in a variety of settings, from modern minimalist kitchens to traditional, more ornate bathrooms. It adds warmth and luxury without overpowering the space. The appeal of brushed gold lies in its balanced look—it’s not too flashy, but it still offers the visual richness of gold without appearing dated or excessive.

Is Brushed Gold Still Popular in 2025?

The short answer: yes. Brushed gold is still very much in style in 2025, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. In fact, it continues to be favored in high-end residential and commercial design. One of the reasons brushed gold maintains its place is because of its ability to transcend trends and remain timeless. While interior design trends come and go, brushed gold is versatile enough to work in various design contexts. Whether it’s incorporated into a contemporary bathroom faucet, a kitchen sink, or lighting fixtures, it adds a touch of understated luxury that fits into a variety of aesthetics.

In 2025, brushed gold is being integrated into both traditional and modern homes, maintaining a sense of elegance and warmth while adapting to current design preferences. While sleek, industrial finishes like matte black and stainless steel have risen in prominence, brushed gold still holds its ground because of its ability to blend seamlessly with a range of color palettes, textures, and materials.

Why Brushed Gold Is Timeless

There are several key reasons why brushed gold continues to be a popular choice in design, even as tastes evolve.

1. Warmth and Luxury

One of the major advantages of brushed gold is its ability to infuse a space with warmth and luxury. Unlike cooler-toned finishes like chrome or stainless steel, brushed gold adds a sense of richness and depth to a room. Whether used for faucets, cabinet hardware, or light fixtures, it provides an instant upgrade and makes even a simple design element feel high-end.

2. Subtle Elegance

Brushed gold finishes are softer and less glitzy than polished gold, making them a perfect fit for modern sensibilities. It offers a quiet luxury, which is appealing in today’s design world, where there is a growing preference for minimalism and understated elegance. The brushed finish also gives a more tactile, inviting feel, which contributes to its enduring appeal in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where function and aesthetics must coexist.

3. Versatility

Brushed gold works well with a variety of color schemes and materials, making it a versatile choice for homeowners and designers. It pairs beautifully with everything from cool marble countertops to warm wood accents. The matte finish is particularly compatible with other matte elements like matte black, matte white, and soft pastels. Additionally, brushed gold complements a range of design styles—from classic to contemporary, transitional to industrial. Whether you’re designing a high-end kitchen or a luxurious spa-like bathroom, brushed gold can seamlessly integrate into the overall aesthetic.

4. Durability and Low Maintenance

Another benefit of brushed gold is its practical durability. The matte surface is less likely to show fingerprints or smudges than shiny finishes, which means it can maintain its appearance over time with less maintenance. This makes it a popular choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, because the finish is often applied to high-quality metals like brass, brushed gold fixtures are typically more durable and resistant to corrosion compared to other finishes.

Brushed Gold in 2025: What’s New?

As we look toward 2025, brushed gold continues to evolve, with some new twists emerging in how it’s being used in home design. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward combining brushed gold with other metals and materials for a more eclectic, layered look. The mix of brushed gold with matte black, for instance, creates a striking contrast that feels contemporary yet timeless.

Another trend is the shift toward incorporating brushed gold into larger design elements beyond fixtures and hardware. For example, entire vanities and kitchen islands are being designed with gold accents or brushed gold bases, giving the space a cohesive, elegant feel. This trend toward more integrated gold elements further solidifies brushed gold’s position as a key design element in 2025.

Additionally, brushed gold is being paired with new finishes that introduce subtle textures or color variations, such as satin or antique gold. These slight variations on the brushed gold look allow homeowners to customize their spaces and avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

The Future of Brushed Gold

While no design trend can ever be guaranteed to remain in style forever, brushed gold is likely to continue being relevant for many years to come. Its subtle elegance, versatility, and timeless appeal make it an enduring choice for those who appreciate sophisticated design. It will continue to be a favored option in bathrooms and kitchens, where the balance between aesthetics and practicality is especially important.

Moreover, the continued popularity of warm color palettes in interior design, including neutral tones, earthy hues, and jewel tones, makes brushed gold a natural complement. As long as homeowners seek ways to incorporate warmth and luxury into their spaces, brushed gold will likely remain a go-to finish for fixtures, hardware, and accessories.

In conclusion, brushed gold is far from out of style in 2025. Instead, it’s maintaining its status as a luxurious, versatile, and timeless finish that enhances the beauty of any space. Whether used in small details or as a bold statement piece, brushed gold will continue to be a mainstay in high-end home design for years to come.