Is Brushed Gold Finish Out of Style in 2025?

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, it can sometimes feel like trends change with the blink of an eye. One finish that has dominated home décor in recent years is brushed gold. Its warm, luxurious tone has been a staple in kitchens, bathrooms, and other home areas, gracing everything from faucets to light fixtures to cabinet hardware. However, as we approach 2025, many are beginning to question whether this bold and sophisticated finish is losing its allure. Is brushed gold out of style, or does it still have a place in contemporary design? Let’s take a closer look.

The Rise of Brushed Gold

Before diving into whether brushed gold will be in or out of style in 2025, it’s helpful to understand why it became so popular in the first place. Brushed gold is a matte, satin-like finish achieved by brushing the metal’s surface with abrasive pads, giving it a soft sheen rather than the high-gloss, reflective finish of polished gold. This finish is distinct from traditional gold, offering a more subtle, understated luxury.

Brushed gold became a trend in the mid-2010s, thanks to its warm undertones and modern elegance. It was the perfect middle ground between the cool, industrial feel of stainless steel and the traditional, high-maintenance shine of polished gold. Its ability to pair well with a variety of materials, such as marble, wood, and matte black, made it versatile for many different design aesthetics, from modern farmhouse to contemporary to mid-century modern.

2025 Design Trends

To predict the future of brushed gold, it’s crucial to consider current design trends heading into 2025. As we move further into the decade, certain preferences are shaping the direction of interior décor.

1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability continues to be a major focus in 2025, influencing everything from the materials used in construction to the finishes on appliances and fixtures. While brushed gold itself is a durable and long-lasting finish, there is an increasing desire for finishes made from recyclable or environmentally friendly metals. As a result, designers are seeing a rise in matte and brushed finishes made from materials like brass, bronze, and even recycled metals. These materials maintain the warmth and elegance of brushed gold but are often seen as more sustainable options.

2. Minimalism and Neutral Tones

Another dominant trend is minimalism. 2025’s design ethos leans toward clean lines, neutral tones, and natural textures. Matte black, white, chrome, and brushed nickel finishes are rising in popularity due to their ability to blend seamlessly with minimalist décor. While brushed gold offers a certain flair and opulence, its warmth can sometimes clash with minimalist designs that call for cooler, more neutral tones. Therefore, brushed gold may be taking a backseat in some minimalist-inspired homes, replaced by these more subdued alternatives.

3. Warm vs. Cool Tones

In 2025, there is a shift towards either completely neutral finishes or the use of deep, moody tones such as matte black, gunmetal, and charcoal. As part of this shift, brushed gold may be seen less frequently in some spaces. This is especially true in environments where designers are opting for cooler tones, which provide a more contemporary or industrial feel. That said, brushed gold is still appreciated for its warmth, and it’s unlikely to disappear entirely from the design landscape.

4. A Return to Classic and Timeless Design

In contrast to the minimalism trend, there’s a rising appreciation for more traditional, timeless design choices. Brushed gold, with its classic and elegant appearance, continues to be a staple in luxury spaces, including high-end bathrooms, kitchens, and even public spaces like hotels and restaurants. In these settings, brushed gold fixtures and finishes lend a sense of timeless sophistication that doesn’t necessarily align with transient trends but instead embodies enduring luxury.

Is Brushed Gold Out of Style in 2025?

The short answer? Not exactly. Brushed gold may not be as ubiquitous in 2025 as it has been in past years, but it certainly isn’t out of style. The key lies in how it’s used and the spaces in which it is incorporated. Here are some reasons why brushed gold will continue to have a place in homes for years to come:

1. Versatility in Luxury Spaces

Despite the increasing popularity of matte black and brushed nickel, brushed gold still holds a prominent position in luxury design. It can elevate a space with minimal effort, whether used for faucets, handles, light fixtures, or even decorative elements. Its ability to complement both warm and cool tones makes it suitable for a wide range of design aesthetics. For those looking to add a touch of opulence without overpowering the room, brushed gold is still a go-to choice.

2. Timeless Appeal

Trends may come and go, but gold has always been associated with wealth, luxury, and prestige. Brushed gold, in particular, adds a modern twist to these timeless qualities. Even as other finishes gain popularity, brushed gold’s understated elegance allows it to remain relevant in both contemporary and classic designs.

3. Customizable to Individual Style

While some trends move quickly out of fashion, brushed gold remains a versatile option that can adapt to various personal styles. Whether it’s mixed with black for a dramatic contrast, paired with white and marble for a sleek look, or incorporated into traditional designs, brushed gold allows for customization in a way that many other finishes don’t. For homeowners looking to infuse their personal taste into their space, brushed gold remains a stylish choice.

4. Perfect for Retro and Vintage Aesthetics

With vintage and retro-inspired designs gaining popularity in 2025, brushed gold fits perfectly into this trend. Whether it’s a mid-century modern revival or a nod to art deco design, brushed gold can bring a sense of glamour and nostalgia to these spaces without feeling outdated.

Conclusion

So, is brushed gold out of style in 2025? The answer is no—it’s evolving. While its presence in some areas may be less pervasive due to shifting preferences toward cooler finishes and minimalist designs, brushed gold’s timeless appeal and ability to add warmth and elegance to a space ensures it will remain relevant in the years to come. Whether used in high-end luxury spaces or paired with modern aesthetics, brushed gold is far from being out of style; it is simply evolving to fit new design sensibilities.

In short, brushed gold isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it is adapting to changing trends and remaining an essential finish for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and luxury to their homes in 2025 and beyond.