2023 Hardware Color Trend

By Shannon McKinney - DT Glass, Inc.

The International Builder’s Show (IBS) and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) took place in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.  One of the things I watch for is trends in hardware finishes.  This year, one new color did stand out. 

What is it called?  Well, it depends on who you ask.  Here are the names selected by some of the top manufacturers:

Brizo – Brilliance Black Onyx
Kohler – Vibrant Titanium
Moen – Black Stainless Steel
Grohe – Hard Graphite
Delta – Black Stainless

One thing I appreciate about this finish is that even though no one can agree on a name, the finish itself is much more consistent than gold has ever been.  It’s also a relief to recognize this color as good match to our own CR Laurence shower hardware color – Gunmetal.  We’re ready to meet the demand!

Speaking of demand, as this new color rolls out we’ll be watching to see how well it is embraced by designers and homeowners.  Just because the manufacturers decide it’s a winner doesn’t mean the customers will agree.  Manufacturers understand this, yet they have huge up-front investments, so they do a lot of research and consumer testing.  The fact that so many manufacturers have created their own version of this color, and that it was so prominently displayed at the largest builder conference of the year means they must be confident in their bets.

This color points to another trend I’ve been seeing, which is a more masculine look in home finishes.  You see it in the industrial look of our barn door sliders, the desire for exposed hardware, and the increased popularity of large, chunky hardware over small, understated options.  Now we see a black metal trend.  All items that I would place in the category of “masculine” for lack of a better description.

Are manufacturers on the right track, or will this color be a flop?  We’ll all find out together, but I do know that no matter the color, we can help you create a great shower to go with it.