Affordable yet impactful home design element that enhances perceived luxury according to designers
Amp up your living space's luxe factor without breaking the bank by focusing on the small, yet mighty, details that make a big impact - hardware!
I recently asked some top designers what one thing they thought always made a room look more expensive, sleek, and put-together, and the answer was unanimous - hardware. From door knobs and cabinet handles to draw pulls, this seemingly insignificant feature can make or break a home.
Although minimal, hardware is a powerful accessory that doesn't just cater to kitchen cabinet hardware ideas. With the right touches, it can exude plenty of charm when done right. Whether you're giving a newly built home some character or adding a unique flair to a period property, hardware can make a room feel bespoke, refined, and eternally classy.
Interior designer and co-founder of Pierce & Ward, Emily Ward, shared her thoughts: "Hardware can really make a space. We always use it to add character to shelves with beautiful brackets and charm to new kitchens and antique furniture."
Transforming thrifted second-hand finds is a breeze with the right hardware. By updating the handles on a simple dresser, for instance, you can give it new life and create a point of interest. For a quick and budget-friendly switch, fluted shell handles added the perfect dose of charm to a plain wooden dresser.
The impact that hardware can have on your home is significant, particularly in the kitchen. If you're looking to raise your current kitchen's perceived value, replacing hardware can yield the biggest effect on a small budget. Plus, it's a practical way to inject personality and bring some pizazz to the hardworking space that is the kitchen.
DeVOL Kitchens' Creative Director, Helen Parker, emphasized, "I would always look at the knobs and handles in your kitchen to elevate the space. Really beautiful hardware makes an enormous difference to the finished look of a kitchen; quality costs more but also makes an average kitchen suddenly feel much more bespoke."
To achieve a unique look for your kitchen cabinets, consider scouring eBay and Etsy for vintage and antique varieties.
Doorknobs are often overlooked in home design, but they have the potential to make just as much impact as repainting a door or styling a shelf. These thoughtful details suggest you've paid attention to every inch of your home, ensuring it feels collected and thoughtfully designed.
As Nina Lichtenstein, an acclaimed interior designer, explained, "Whether it's a brushed brass pull softening a high-contrast kitchen or a hand-forged iron knob lending gravitas to an otherwise understated hallway door, these small details, often touched more than any other surface, carry tactile significance. They invite interaction, making the experience of opening a cabinet or stepping into a room feel intentional."
So, while you can opt for cohesive accents scattered throughout your home, it's worth embracing the occasional divergence in hardware styles for a subtle yet striking contrast. Think about a hand-painted knob in the bathroom or a grand brass hexagonal knob for a kitchen or living room entrance. These subtle accents tell a unique story, enticing you into a room and showcasing your style as a designer in an sophisticated yet understated way.
According to Bo Knoblauch, Vice President of Product Development at Rejuvenation, refreshing your home with custom cabinet hardware adds a subtle touch of sophistication that transforms any space. He shared, "There's a clear interest in hardware with intricate and subtle decorative touches - details that add character and texture without overwhelming a space. Reeded detailing, for example, adds dimension to your cabinetry. On the other hand, sleek silhouettes and clean lines bring a high-quality, contemporary look to your kitchen, bath, or laundry room."
So, when it comes to upgrading your home on a budget, don't overlook the power of hardware. From reviving second-hand finds to elevating the appearance of your kitchen, the right hardware can take a room from ho-hum to show-stopping in a flash! By focusing on heft and quality, coordinating finishes, employing luxurious materials, exploring statement pieces, and cleverly incorporating lighting, you can achieve a luxurious space that feels truly unique.
- By investing in high-quality hardware for interior-design elements like kitchen cabinetry, one can instantly enhance the luxurious feel of a room without significantly increasing costs, as suggested by Emily Ward, co-founder of Pierce & Ward.
- Hardware can play a pivotal role in both kitchen and home-and-garden improvement projects, as demonstrated by the transformative impact of updating door knobs on second-hand finds, or replacing hardware to boost a room's perceived value, as emphasized by Helen Parker, Creative Director of DeVOL Kitchens.
