Why I Chose an Unlacquered Brass Faucet for Our Kitchen
There are certain details in a home that feel small on paper but end up carrying so much weight once they’re in place. Lighting. Hardware. Faucets. These are the finishing touches that quietly set the tone for an entire space.
As we continue working toward the kitchen of my dreams at Four Gables, one of those seemingly small—but actually very important—decisions was choosing a faucet.
I knew I wanted something that felt:
- Timeless
- Warm
- Classic
- Full of character
And once again, I found myself choosing between the practical option and the one that felt most true to the heart of our home.
Today I want to share why I ultimately chose an unlacquered brass kitchen faucet, the pros and cons of unlacquered brass, and why it felt like the perfect companion to our marble countertops and Four Gables.
The Role a Faucet Plays in a Kitchen
A kitchen faucet isn’t just functional—it’s one of the most used and most seen elements in the entire space.
It sits right at the center of daily life:
- Morning coffee
- Washing vegetables from the garden
- Filling pots
- Cleaning up after family meals
I wanted our faucet to feel intentional. Not trendy. Not shiny and new in a way that would feel dated five years from now. But something that looked like it had always belonged here.
That’s when I started looking seriously at unlacquered brass.
What Is Unlacquered Brass?
Unlacquered brass is exactly what it sounds like—solid brass without a protective clear coating. Unlike polished or lacquered brass, this finish is designed to change over time.
As it’s exposed to air, water, and touch, it naturally develops a patina. The finish softens, darkens, and becomes more complex with age.
And that’s either what makes you love it… or what makes you nervous.
Pros of an Unlacquered Brass Kitchen Faucet
Let’s start with why people are drawn to unlacquered brass in the first place.
1. It Ages Beautifully
This is probably the biggest reason people choose it. Unlacquered brass doesn’t try to stay perfect. It tells a story.
Over time, it develops:
- Warm depth
- Soft variation
- A lived-in look that feels authentic
For a home like Four Gables, that kind of evolution feels right.
2. It Feels Timeless, Not Trendy
Unlacquered brass has been used for generations. It doesn’t belong to one specific decade or design trend.
Paired with marble countertops, it creates a combination that feels classic and enduring rather than “of the moment.”
3. It Adds Warmth to Marble
Marble can sometimes feel cool or formal on its own. The warmth of brass balances that beautifully.
Together, marble and unlacquered brass create a kitchen that feels elegant and inviting.
4. Every Faucet Becomes Unique
No two unlacquered brass faucets age the same way. How it patinas depends on how it’s used, the water, and even the way your hands touch it.
That individuality is something I really love.
Cons of Unlacquered Brass
Unlacquered brass isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. Here are the honest downsides.
1. It Will Change
If you want your faucet to look exactly the same forever, this isn’t the finish for you.
Spots, darkening, and uneven patina are part of the deal.
2. It Can Look “Messy” to Some
Water spots and fingerprints are more visible at certain stages of patina. It won’t always look pristine—and that requires a mindset shift.
3. It Requires Grace
You can’t expect perfection from unlacquered brass. You have to let it be what it is.
For me, those “cons” actually felt like part of the charm.
Why Unlacquered Brass Was Right for Four Gables
Four Gables is not meant to feel new or overly polished. It’s meant to feel layered, collected, and lived in.
Unlacquered brass fits that vision perfectly.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Our marble countertops
- Classic cabinetry
- The soul and story of this home
Instead of fighting age, it welcomes it.
Finding the Faucet (Thanks to a Trusted Friend!)
I found our faucet on Etsy after a recommendation from my dear friend Marian from Miss Mustard Seed—and that alone immediately gave me confidence.
I first met Marian at a blog conference called Blissdom in 2011. This was the first conference that “home bloggers” started to meet up at (even though the conference was for all types of bloggers.) It was so fun meeting in real life the people we had known only online. Blogging was EXTREMELY new at this time, so there wasn’t very many of us in the “home” niche.
At that conference, some of us talked about how we wish we had a conference JUST for home bloggers…and that was how Haven was created. Seven of us, including Marian, decided to make it happen, and we had our first successful Haven Confernce in 2012.
Marian was only on the team that first year, but I remained on the team for 7 years. By that time, there were only four of us on the planning team. Haven was a very successful conference and gave me some of the best memories of my blogging career!
Okay, back to the faucet!…
The Etsy shop, Moroccan Sahara, specializes in classic, old-world–inspired plumbing fixtures, and everything they offer feels thoughtfully designed and beautifully made. They’re products are also more affordable. Many unlaquerred brass faucets can cost two to three times as much as the ones listed in this shop.
Marian actually used this same unlacquered brass faucet in her own kitchen remodel (above,) and seeing it installed and lived with made all the difference for me. She even sent me some videos of her faucet to see up close the patina. There’s something powerful about seeing a product not just styled for a photo, but truly used in a real home—especially one created by someone whose eye I trust so deeply.
Marian also shared the pros and cons of purchasing an unbranded faucet off of Etsy, and I appreciated her honesty. It definitely helped with my decision.
A Note on Maintenance
Unlacquered brass doesn’t require complicated care.
Here’s what I plan to do:
- Wipe it down as part of normal cleaning
- Let the patina develop naturally
- Avoid harsh cleaners
You can polish it back if you ever want to—but I plan to let it age exactly as it wants to.
Final Thoughts❤️
If you’re considering an unlacquered brass faucet for your kitchen, my advice is simple:
- Choose it if you love character.
- Choose it if you’re okay with change.
- Choose it if you want a kitchen that grows more beautiful with time.
For Four Gables—and for me—unlacquered brass was the clear winner.
Well now you have Marians stove, faucet and cabinets.
We have the same range and faucet. I didn’t even know we had the same range until I was looking for a faucet. 😂. It doesn’t surprise me though because we have always had similar styles and taste in our home decor over the years.
But our cabinets are nothing alike. Hers are full overlay cabinets and painted green. Mine are inset cabinets and a beige color for my base cabinets and cherry for my one upper cabinet.
She also chose quartz for her countertop and mine are marble.👍🏼
Well they are both beautiful! Can’t wait to see the finished product
I have been looking at these faucets over on Etsy, so I am super excited about this post! Your faucet is gorgeous and exactly the look I love and plan to use on my kitchen remodel next year. Question regarding installation, is installation straight forward with US plumbing standards? Is there anything specific that I should be on the lookout? Is installation DIY friendly or do you suggest a licensed plumber to install? Thank you!