Hardware: The Jewelry of Your Home

Whether we are talking about kitchen cabinets, mudroom built ins or simply knobs on a dresser… hardware, no doubt, makes a statement! In fact, selecting the hardware for a kitchen or bath renovation a lot of times ends up being my favorite part! It’s the time when we are able to add some personality and get creative - or possibly punctuate the classic look of a space. Either way, hardware adds that finishing touch and (in my opinion) is the jewelry of any space. But there are a few things to consider when selecting the right hardware…

Custom media cabinet designed by Sarah Catherine Design

For example, in order to make these cabinets in this rather small, cottage kitchen pop we went with not only brass cabinet pulls but also incorporated a brass bridge style faucet and flush mount light fixture to tie it all together. But, let me be clear, gone are the days when the finishes in a home or a room all need to match. I am constantly mixing metal finishes between lighting, sink or bath hardware and cabinet hardware. I’ve even been known to do an iron drapery rod with a brass light fixture together in the room. The key is to have the right balance of finishes and I wouldn’t recommend using more than 2 in a room.

Image via The CEH (here)

Another way that I love to use hardware to make a statement is to… well….. use statement hardware! Just like how a statement necklace or earrings can add a pop to an outfit, fun hardware can do this for furniture and built ins! Like, for example, on the navy blue media cabinet that I custom made for a beach house client last year… we used a combination of large lucite + brass pulls for the drawers and then square brass drop pulls for the cabinets to really make the oversized media cabinet something special in the room.

I am also crazy about these tassel pulls that The CEH uses for a lot of their custom pieces. I am dying to use one of these in a project soon (or for myself - ha!). I think every home should use statement hardware in some form or fashion… however, don’t overdo it! I wouldn’t recommend using really “out there” loud hardware for your kitchen, but maybe on a chest in your dining room? Small use of statement hardware can make a BIG impact. Be thoughtful about where you make a statement (just like in your attire) and your home will be booming with personality before you know it.