The Right Hardware: Jewelry for Your Home
Elevate Your Design With the Perfect Pulls, Hinges and Handles
Killy Scheer
June 27, 2011
Widely seen as jewelry for the home, architectural hardware puts the finishing touch on a design. Great hardware has the ability to elevate the outcome of a space with its character, whether you're striving for exuberance or subtlety.
Some fine hardware is very expensive (with good reason, especially when handmade to order). But there are also affordable options that are perfect, especially for for small DIY projects like breathing new life into old furniture or sprucing up a room with new door hardware.
Some fine hardware is very expensive (with good reason, especially when handmade to order). But there are also affordable options that are perfect, especially for for small DIY projects like breathing new life into old furniture or sprucing up a room with new door hardware.
These chunky pulls are a great play on the traditional look.
Squared off and clean, this sleek cabinet hardware is the epitome of modern, and goes well with all kinds of decor. There are versions of this style for those with a higher-end and those looking for a more affordable option.
Unique antique hardware, such as the pieces on the two yellow cabinets, are tough with which to coordinate, since they are real show-stoppers and you don't want to overpower or overshadow them with additional hardware. Rick Hoge did a great job of introducing drawer pulls that compliment the cabinets without trying to match them, and certainly let the cabinet pulls shine!
I'm a sucker for vintage glass knobs. When they're clear glass, they blend in beautifully with most decor, but using colored knobs is a great opportunity to brighten a space and add contrast.
The fat wood pulls on the drawers in this ultra-paired down kitchen are a warm touch that speak to the plywood wall doubling as an accent and backsplash.
The stainless steel lever and rectangular backplate reinforce the simplicity of this monolithic yet warm modern door.
Many of you are aware of my affinity for barn doors, but making the room number the actual pull just knocked my socks off.
Working with warm wood and don't want to cool it off with stainless steel, nickel or chrome? Try an oil-runned bronze or blackened steel. For bathrooms, kitchens and other potentially "damp" rooms, consider having a matte lacquer applied to the hardware, so it won't rust or change color over time due to exposure to humidity or wet hands.
Houses are full of squares, rectangles and other right-angled forms, so I love the idea of bringing in a round hard surface to break up the monotony.
Ah, pocket doors, you slay me! I could go on for days about pocket door hardware, but one of my favorite resources is Rejuvenation; I could get lost in their gorgeous hardware (and all the finish options) for days. I like that the door hardware doesn't match the cabinet hardware in this bathroom, creating interest and a more collected look, despite the overall warm, modern tones.
Of course, matching finishes isn't a bad thing. The dark hardware on these pocket doors is a beautiful complement to the steel framed windows and dark curtain hardware beyond.
I know I just wrote about liking the idea of breaking up right angles, reinforcing them can make quite an impact, too. These simple squares are a great touch.
And these delectable little friends are a favorite of mine. I also love them in circular form ...
... like so. Very Hollywood glam!
There's a whole lot to love about this sleek, nautical bathroom: the ceiling treatment, the light fixtures, the tile and the nifty storage solutions. But would you look at those amazing rope cabinet pulls? They are a whimsical contrast to the more traditional lever handle on the door.
Oil-rubbed bronze knobs on stark white doors are okay in my book any day of the week.
Find an old door with gobs of character? Don't bother changing the hardware! I love the contrast between old an new in this bathroom.
Mix it up! This amazing AGA stove/oven has a vintage feel (although not a vintage pricetag).
These little chrome balls are the perfect hardware choice for the high-quality millwork, Calacutta marble countertop and decorative light fixtures.
More: Browse hardware products
Metal Mixology
More: Browse hardware products
Metal Mixology
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P.S: For those who posted sources, THANK YOU!