Home bathroom or kitchen trends these days gravitate towards the rustic theme. Rustic themes are classified as “homey”, giving a lived-in and welcoming feel. The essentials to capturing this design focus on the natural beauty of each furniture detail.
The modern take on rustic design tends to use matte blacks. However, living finishes have been the go-to for this style of decor.
What are living finishes?
According to Signature Living Hardware, “A living finish is a natural patina on a metal or other material. Examples include unsealed copper, nickel and bronze, teak and bamboo. These items are subject to the effects of weather, water and air, and their appearance can be expected to change over time.”
Living finishes change over time due to oxidation and exposure to oils. The most common materials used are iron, copper, and bronze. The color and characteristics of the finish evolve as the home evolves meaning the fixture itself isn’t intended to look brand new forever!
How to Speed Up Patina
You “speed patina” a fixture if you want the aged look. A designer advised to let a fixture (such as a faucet) sit on top of a few blocks in an airtight container with a finger or two of apple cider vinegar in the bottom. The vinegar in combination with the air will tarnish it over the course of a few hours or overnight. Just remove it when you like the color.
If you DO want the brand new look, it’s as simple as using a bit of polish and elbow grease to bring the fixture to its newly tinted state!











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