Styling tips for a luxurious yet understated home

Somewhere between gilded grandeur and industrial rawness lies a sweet spot in design that whispers luxury instead of shouting it. Think gleam without glare. Gloss without gaudiness. Welcome to the world of warm metals, where brass is brushed, gold is matte, and copper is quietly commanding. The trend isn’t about turning your home into a Versailles tribute act. It’s about layering touches of glow in ways that feel lived-in, elegant, and delightfully understated.

“Subtle luxury is all about restraint,” said internationally acclaimed, award-winning designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard in an interview with Elle Décor. “It’s the confidence to show off quality materials and unique craftsmanship without going overboard.” In the UAE, where high-glam interiors often take centre stage, this new wave of quiet sparkle brings a much-needed breath of design fresh air.

Forget the ultra-polished golds of yesteryears. Today’s metals are warmer, softer, and more textural. Think satin brass cabinet handles, burnished gold-trimmed mirrors, and copper light pendants that age gracefully over time. “People are craving more tactile, soulful finishes,” said designer Kelly Wearstler in Architectural Digest. “There’s something inherently human and grounded about the way patina evolves.”

It’s a far cry from the cold chromes that once dominated modern interiors. Warm metals bring an inviting glow that works beautifully with both minimalist and maximalist spaces, especially when layered with plush fabrics, wood tones, or even concrete for contrast.

Brushed brass has emerged as the MVP of the subtle-luxe trend. “It has the same elegance as gold, but with a slightly retro undertone that makes it feel timeless,” claimed British interior designer Jake Arnold in House Beautiful. “And it looks incredible in kitchens and bathrooms.”

Indeed, one of the easiest ways to bring brushed brass into your home is through hardware swaps, faucets, drawer pulls, and door handles. Even something as simple as a soap dispenser or towel rail in brushed brass can elevate a bathroom from basic to boutique-hotel beautiful.

In the UAE, where light-filled spaces and neutral palettes reign, brushed brass fits effortlessly into the aesthetic. Whether it’s a statement lamp, a golden-framed mirror, or subtle detailing on furniture, warm metal accents are readily available across the design spectrum, from luxe investment pieces to more budget-friendly finds. The versatility of the finish makes it a natural choice for adding character and quiet glamour without overwhelming a room.

Gold, when used with intention, still holds a firm place in design. “The secret is to choose muted tones and avoid shiny finishes unless it’s a statement piece,” said American potter and interior decorator Jonathan Adler in Domino. “I always say: gold should glow, not glare.”

This philosophy is showing up in small accents, rimmed glassware, side table inlays, mirror frames, and decorative trays. Luxury homeware brand Tom Dixon’s Form collection, with its hand-spun brass tea sets and candle holders, embodies this aesthetic. As Dixon once said in an interview with Wallpaper, “A single golden object in a room can feel like a piece of jewellery.”

And that’s the trick, treating metallics like accessories rather than the main act.

If brushed brass is the classic, copper is the cool-girl cousin — unexpected, warm, and with a raw edge that brings serious design cred. “Copper has this ability to bridge industrial and artisanal,” said British interior and furniture designer Ilse Crawford in Dezeen. “It feels both hand-crafted and high design.”

It pairs beautifully with natural elements like jute, linen, and wood. A hammered copper bowl or kitchen backsplash adds instant texture. And for UAE homes with plenty of sunlight, the way copper reflects warm natural light is a design bonus in itself. Try a copper pendant lamp over your breakfast bar or a set of low-sheen copper tumblers in your entertaining kit. Even better, brands like Zara Home and Pottery Barn UAE now carry copper-accented collections that offer both style and accessibility.

Gone are the days of rigid metal-matching rules. “Mixing metals adds depth and makes a space feel more collected,” said American interior designer and author Nate Berkus in Vogue Living. “But you need one dominant finish, then layer in the others sparingly.”

His go-to? A base of matte black or brushed brass with hints of antique gold or copper. The key is to keep the tones in the same temperature family, warm with warm, cool with cool. It creates harmony without being matchy-matchy.

In open-concept spaces, Berkus suggested using metals to delineate zones: “You could do brass in the kitchen, then shift to aged bronze in the living space to signal a different mood.”

If you’re wondering where to begin, start small. Decorative accents are your best bet:

Lighting: A sculptural gold floor lamp or a pair of brass wall sconces can completely shift a room’s mood. “Lighting is jewellery for the home,” said British interior designer, author, and proprietor of Kelly Hoppen Interiors, Kelly Hoppen in an interview with LivingEtc.

Mirrors: A circular mirror with a brushed gold frame adds light and elegance, especially in an entryway or above a console.

Furniture details: Look for furniture with subtle metal trims or legs. A velvet bench with copper-finish feet or a side table with a brass inlay can hit that gleam-and-glow note without stealing the spotlight.

Tabletop accents: Think chargers with golden rims, cutlery in matte brass, or coasters with metallic edges for your next dinner party.

To keep metallics from feeling too ostentatious, pair them with earthy or plush textures. “Velvet and brushed gold are a match made in heaven,” claimed designer Emily Henderson in Red Magazine. “Same with walnut wood and antique brass. The softness of one highlights the strength of the other.”

Other material combos to try:

Brass + travertine

Copper + charcoal linen

Gold + smoked glass

Bronze + oak

This creates tension, and tension in design, when done right, is where magic lives.

The goal here is subtle luxury. That means steering clear of high-gloss everything. “Too much shine and you start veering into gaudy territory,” warned American interior designer and television personality, Bobby Berk in Elle Decor.

Avoid pairing too many ornate metallic elements together, especially in small spaces, or you risk the dreaded over-decorated effect.

Another no-no? Metallic overload on walls. Unless you’re doing a very specific feature wall with a hand-painted metallic mural (and working with a pro), skip the full-foil wallpaper and opt for sheen through objects instead.