Metal finishes play a huge role in shaping the overall aesthetic of a space, no matter the decor style. Since my goal is to help you nail the Organic Modern look, I’m going to focus on the finishes that truly belong to this aesthetic.

You’ll find metal finishes everywhere! Lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, plumbing, decor accents like picture frames and trays, you name it. And in an Organic Modern space, certain finishes tend to show up again and again in designer homes. Choosing those (and mixing them thoughtfully) is one of the easiest ways to create the same designer-style, curated look in your own home.

Before we get into the specific metal finishes that define Organic Modern, let’s set the foundation.

Organic Modern is all about warmth, natural tones, and a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor elements. It’s a mix of clean lines, earthy textures, and simplicity. It’s like a modern design softened with natural materials and organic shapes. Understanding this makes it easy to see why certain metal finishes tend to work best over others for achieving this decor style.

Alright, now let’s talk about the metal finishes that bring this look to life!

1. Unlacquered Brass

I’ll start with every organic modern decor enthusiast’s favorite metal finish, unlacquered brass.

Brass, in general, has a warm, natural tone that instantly adds a touch of understated glamour. But what makes unlacquered brass special is how it ages over time. Without a protective coating, it develops a patina. Patina is a natural oxidation process that deepens the color, giving it that perfectly worn-in, lived-in look.

metal finish for organic modern — Studio McGee

A lot of designers and homeowners who love a space with soul appreciate the way unpolished brass evolves. It’s not a static, shiny finish but one that changes and gains character as you use it. It’s perfect for bringing in that organic warmth without feeling too polished or new.

If you love this naturally aged look, unlacquered brass is a great choice for cabinet hardware, faucets, and lighting. It adds depth and a timeless feel to kitchens and bathrooms, and the patina develops beautifully over time. Sconces and pendants in unlacquered brass feel rich but still organic!

2. Lacquered Brass

If you’re not a big fan of patina and prefer a finish that looks new and polished all the time, lacquered brass is the way to go. This type of brass has a protective coating that prevents it from oxidizing, so it stays bright and golden without developing that aged look over time.

Lacquered polished brass has a similar appearance to polished gold, but if you want something with more warmth and a rich, timeless appeal, lacquered brass is the perfect choice. It brings in that organic warmth while maintaining a refined and elegant feel, making it great for lighting, hardware, and decorative accents that you want to keep looking fresh.

3. Polished Nickel

If you’re after a cool undertone, nickel is your best friend. Polished nickel has that bit of glam and shine, and while it doesn’t really bring warmth, pair it with some brass, and suddenly your space feels perfectly balanced. It’s that mix of warm and cool tones that makes everything feel intentional instead of flat.

You’ll often see polished nickel in faucets and cabinet hardware, and honestly, it’s a solid choice, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. It has this sleek, reflective finish that just makes everything look a little more elevated. The only thing to keep in mind is that it does show smudges and water spots a little more than other finishes, so if you like to “pretend” things aren’t dirty (no judgment), this might not be your favorite. But the good news is, it’s super easy to clean! Just a quick wipe, and it’s back to looking crisp and polished.

4. Brushed Nickel & Satin Nickel

Nickel, when it’s not polished, comes in a variety of finishes, with brushed and satin being the most popular.

Let’s start with brushed nickel. If you’re after a more natural, slightly rustic look, this is the way to go. It has a lot of texture and variation, and because of its matte finish, it almost feels like a muted version of polished nickel. It’s a great choice if you want something that still has that cool undertone but without the high-shine effect.

Satin nickel, on the other hand, also has a matte finish but with a much smoother surface and less texture. If you love a soft, velvety look in a cool tone, satin nickel is your best friend. It doesn’t have the same visual depth as brushed nickel, but it gives a clean, understated feel that works beautifully in modern and transitional spaces.

5. Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Since the organic modern aesthetic is all about earthy textures and tones, this metal finish is a no-brainer. A deep brown-black finish with subtle warmth and texture, oil-rubbed bronze brings the perfect earthy appeal that this style demands. It has that rich, slightly aged look that feels organic yet refined.

It’s a great way to introduce depth and contrast. If you want to add warmth to your space without going the gold or brass way, oil-rubbed bronze is a solid choice. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, making it a perfect choice for an organic modern home!

6. Matte Black

Possibly the most versatile finish of all, matte black is a designer favorite no matter the decor style. Its rich, dense appeal is truly unbeatable! While you’ll see it used everywhere in modern and transitional homes, in an organic modern space, it’s more of a supporting player rather than the star.

You’ll most often find matte black in window panes, door hardware, and light fixtures rather than on every piece of hardware or decor. The reason being organic modern leans heavily on warm, earthy, and muted tones, and too much matte black can overpower that softness. Instead, it’s used to add contrast, depth, and balance to all the natural elements in the space.

If you're going for an organic modern look, don’t go overboard with this finish. A few well-placed touches like a statement light fixture, sleek door handles, or window frames are all you need to ground the space while keeping things overall warm and natural.

7. Brushed Gold

If brass, whether brushed or polished, feels a little too warm for your space, but you still want something with a bit of luxe and glam without it feeling over the top, brushed gold is the way to go.

It’s that perfect in-between finish, sitting right between warm and cool tones, so it never feels too overpowering in an organic modern space. It blends in just enough to complement the natural textures and earthy tones while still adding a little bit of richness.

You’ll often see designers using brushed gold for cabinet hardware, statement lighting, and smaller decor accents. It’s a great way to bring in warmth without going all-in on brass, making the space feel effortless and refined without losing that organic, natural vibe.

That’s a wrap for this post! We went over the top seven metal finishes designers love to use in custom homes to bring the organic modern aesthetic to life. This style has been on the rise for years, and with its timeless appeal, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

If you’re drawn to the organic modern look and want to make your home feel designer-style, elegant and classic, start by choosing the right metal finishes. It’s one of those details that quietly builds up as you layer your space, and before you know it, it completely transforms the way your home feels!

Top 7 Metal Finishes to Achieve the Organic Modern Aesthetic