Matching brass accents to your exterior can be tricky. Make sure everything is in harmony, but do not overdo it. In other words, it's all about balance without being overly coordinated, and intentional without being too predictable. Brass is a great way to achieve that balance with its timeless charm and warm glow.
Here's how to make your home's exterior cosy with brass door numbers and other brass accents.
Brass Accents to Consider
When adding brass to your exterior, you want to create a consistent look that ties everything together without overwhelming the space. Here are the brass accents to consider:
Door Numbers: As a focal point these set the tone for your exterior design. Choose sleek, minimalist numbers for modern homes or ornate styles for traditional architecture.
Lighting Fixtures: Wall sconces or lanterns in brass can complement your door numbers and add warmth. Consider lantern-style sconces for rustic homes or geometric fixtures for contemporary designs.
Hardware: Door knockers, mailboxes, and house plaques offer opportunities to incorporate brass. Aim for complementary finishes that create a subtle contrast.
Additional Accents: Integrate brass into planters, railings, or minor decorative elements to carry the theme throughout your exterior. Consider an antique brass finish for your pewter door knocker for a subtle contrast.
Matching Brass Door Numbers with Brass Accents
Achieving a unified look with brass accents requires a thoughtful approach to balance and contrast. Here are some tips to help you achieve a well-balanced and harmonious look:
1. Establish a Central Point
Make your brass door numbers the main event. Sleek and polished brass numbers in a minimalist font might be nice if you have a modern home. Choose aged brass numbers with ornate detailing if you have a traditional home. Once you’ve established the doorway numbers as the centrepiece you can build the rest of your brass accents around them.
2. Pair with Complementary Fixtures
Next, identify other exterior elements where brass can be incorporated, such as light fixtures, door handles, or house plaques. Ensure that these items share a similar brass finish to your door numbers. Match your aged brass entrance numbers with vintage-style brass lanterns on either side of the door. This creates a unified look that ties the entryway together.
3. Mix in Contrasting Metals
To avoid a monotonous look, introduce contrasting metals that complement brass without overpowering it. Consider adding black or matte iron hardware to offset the warm tones of brass. This contrast will create visual interest while ensuring the brass accents remain prominent and cohesive.
4. Balance with Texture and Material
Incorporate materials like wood, stone, or woven elements to balance the metallic sheen of brass. For example, a wooden door or stone porch can serve as a neutral backdrop that enhances brass. Pairing brass door numbers with a wooden door frame can soften the overall look, adding warmth and texture to your exterior design.
5. Maintain a Consistent Finish
Working with brass requires consistency. Make sure all brass elements have the same finish - polished, satin, or aged. A uniform look prevents clashes in tone or texture, helping to create a coherent design. Keep different lustres separate, like shiny brass and matte brass, for a proportionate view.
6. Consider Proportions and Scale
Consider the proportions and scale of your door numbers when selecting additional brass accents. You may wish to consider subtler brass accents elsewhere if your brass door numbers are large and bold. However, if the door numbers are more understated, you can be more expressive with the other brass fixtures.
How Do You Polish Brass Door Numbers?
You need to be gentle when cleaning brass-plated items. Over scrubbing or using harsh chemicals can remove the plating.
- For lacquered brass: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
- For non-lacquered brass: Use a commercial brass polish or try these DIY methods:
- Ketchup method: Apply ketchup to a rag, rub over the surface, then wipe clean and buff dry.
- Vinegar and flour paste: Mix one teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup vinegar, and enough flour to create a paste. Apply for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff.
- Lemon and salt: Squeeze lemon onto a sponge, sprinkle with salt, rub over the brass, and rinse.
Bringing It All Together With Brass Bee
When selecting brass elements for your home's exterior, consider products that complement your overall design. For instance, Brass Bee offers a range of brass drawer knobs and other hardware that can beautifully accent your door numbers and other brass fixtures.
Play around with different brass accents, finishes, and complementary materials. Make your home unique, and don't be afraid to refine your choices along the way.
