Totally agree on brass accents—they're a lifesaver. Had a similar issue with deep greens and dark wood in my place. A few brass fixtures and mirrors made a huge difference, bouncing just enough light around to keep things inviting. Lighting really is trial and error though... sometimes you just gotta trust your gut and tweak as you go. Sounds like you're on the right track already, honestly.
Brass definitely has its charm, but I found that matte black fixtures can also do wonders, especially if you're working with deep greens and dark woods. In my last build, brass felt a bit too reflective and flashy for the cozy vibe I was aiming for. Matte black fixtures added contrast without overpowering the warmth of the wood tones. But you're right about lighting—it's always a bit of a guessing game until you see it in action...
Interesting point about matte black, hadn't really considered it. But honestly, I think brass can still work even in cozier setups if you go for aged or antique brass instead of the shiny polished stuff. I used aged brass fixtures with deep green walls and walnut furniture in my study, and it surprisingly didn't feel flashy at all—just warm and inviting. Maybe it's more about the finish than the color itself? Lighting definitely plays a role too, though...
Good call on the aged brass—I think finish is definitely key. I tried polished brass once in a small powder room, and it felt like stepping into a jewelry box, lol. Switched to brushed brass and softer lighting, and suddenly it was cozy instead of flashy. Details matter a ton.
Interesting take on the brushed brass—definitely agree that finish can shift the whole vibe. But honestly, polished brass can still work if balanced right. I did a small guest bath recently with polished brass fixtures, but paired them with matte black accents and deep navy walls. The darker tones and matte textures toned down the shine, making it feel sophisticated rather than flashy. Lighting matters too, like you said—went with warmer bulbs and indirect lighting to soften reflections. Sometimes it's less about the finish itself and more about what you pair it with.
