Hardware is often overlooked in the design process, and yet, it is instrumental in creating and refining your home’s ambience. Picture this scenario: You’ve moved into your dream apartment. The walls are painted in gorgeous neutrals, your laminate floor suits your tastes perfectly, your high-gloss MDF kitchen cabinets gleam brightly … then you get to the door handles. Somehow, they just don’t go with the overall look and feel of your home.
They look outdated and worn out, and have ended up deflating the entire look. Well, it is exactly for this reason we’ve come up with this handy guide that pairs interior design ideas with the most popular hardware finishes out there.
Summary
A guide to choosing the best hardware finish for your home.
Hardware is often overlooked in the design process, and yet, it is instrumental in creating and refining your home’s ambience. Picture this scenario: You’ve moved into your dream apartment. The walls are painted in gorgeous neutrals, your laminate floor suits your tastes perfectly, your high-gloss MDF kitchen cabinets gleam brightly … then you get to…
What hardware finish is trending right now?
Let’s begin with the “in” hardware finish of 2022/23 – Matte Black. Achieved by double-coating hardware with black powder, Matte Black is a sleek and uber-contemporary hardware finish that adds a modern touch to your doors and furniture. An incredibly versatile finish, it pairs well with all sorts of interior design styles. But it is especially suited to contemporary, modern, and industrial décor.
For example, a contemporary interior design style is characterised by the use of monochromatic colours – neutrals, black, and shades of white. So black hardware blends right in. Meanwhile, industrial interior design makes use of exposed pipes and ducts, exposed brick, and the simultaneous use of metal and wood. Here, black hardware works in juxtaposition with these otherwise raw elements to finesse the deliberately rugged look and feel of the space.
Of course, if you’re looking to use Matte Black finishes in more traditional design situations, then Black Wrought Iron is the way to go. Melding a contemporary matte black finish with an exquisitely textured iron composition, Black Wrought Iron hardware blends old with new, and looks great in rustic and country homes, or even hotels in the Mara or the Coast.
Antique charm
Speaking of old-style décor, Antique Brass hardware is a spectacular way to infuse your space with some old-world charm. Characterised by deep golden-brown and khaki tones, Antique Brass hardware adds glimmers of warmth wherever it is placed. We see it especially accentuating vintage doors, kitchens, and wardrobes. Think distressed wood cabinets or white doors. However, for a chic, high-contrast look, it can be paired with black fittings too.
Another finish in the antique series, Antique Copper can be viewed as the hardware version of rose-gold. A gorgeous brushed texture and a delightful rose-gold colour characterise this finish. We see this pairing beautifully with the more graceful interior design styles – from French Country to Bohemian to Cottage.
All that glitters … is gold
Now that we’ve covered the “rose-gold” of hardware, what about gold, you may wonder. This is where a forever favourite, Polished Brass, comes in. Renowned for its lustrous golden shine, Polished Brass is a timeless finish that goes especially well with classic design. We can see it adding a touch of luxury to your doors in an Art Deco sitting room, or upping the elegance quotient on your white melamine board cabinetry.
The hardware finish that spells timeless elegance
An equally luxurious set of hardware finishes are Satin Steel, Satin Nickel, and Satin Chrome. While they may sound similar, these three finishes vary greatly in terms of hue. Satin Nickel has coppery undertones that lend this finish a warm look. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Satin Chrome, whose blue undertones give this finish a cool, sophisticated look. In the middle comes Satin Steel which retains the look of stainless steel, but with a slightly more textured finish. In spite of their differences, all three styles brim with elegance.
Mix them up…
Now that we’ve gone through all the popular hardware finishes and their characteristics, here’s a pro tip: Mix them up! Don’t be afraid to experiment by combining finishes. Think Matte Black and Copper finishes in a black, monochrome kitchen, or Satin Nickel and Gold for a high-end look and feel. And if you’re looking to create a vintage interior, think Antique Brass and Antique Copper with a touch of Black Wrought Iron.
There are truly no rules when it comes to choosing your finishes. However, remember not to overdo it. Two or a maximum of three finishes are enough to create a cohesive look.
Pray, do tell…
Have a favourite finish? Enjoyed this blog? Let us know! We hope it helped you discover the world of hardware finishes. Now, go forth! Spruce up your interiors, and don’t forget to share this post with friends.