How to Choose Beautiful & Cohesive Hardware for Your Home

Did you know that your hardware choices can make or break a room? It’s true. Hardware seems like such a small detail, but it’s one that is important to get right. It helps bring your whole design together and create interest in your space.

However, like choosing a backsplash, once you start exploring the options, you may find the endless number of choices overwhelming. How do you pick just one or two out of a hundred? Or a thousand?

Today, I’m rounding up the most common questions we get asked about hardware finishes and sharing some sound advice for making the right choice for your home. But before we get started, let me clarify what hardware in the home actually is... 

What is considered hardware?

Hardware includes the metal finishes of your home, from door knobs and handles, cabinet knobs and pulls, plumbing, kitchen fixtures, and lighting. A “finish” is the type of material and style of these metals, such as nickel, brass, and bronze, matte or brushed.

Do I have to use the same finish throughout the house?

Matching hardware isn’t necessary. In fact, I wouldn’t argue against it — a home with all the same hardware finishes will look basic and maybe even boring. However, it is essential to have a plan that ensures commonality throughout the house.

I would recommend using the same hardware on all interior doors, but it’s okay to have hardware and plumbing fixtures that are different. When you have different finishes and fixtures throughout the house, it creates a unique and custom feel. 

For example, the following sets of hardware are in our Waterfront Home in spaces that sit directly across from each other, the kitchen (left) and the beverage center (right).

These photos illustrate the same style of hardware but in different finishes — nickel (left) vs. antique bronze (right). Mixing finishes is an excellent way to add interest but maintain harmony in adjoining areas.

Do my light fixture finishes have to match the cabinet or door hardware?

The quick answer is no, they don’t, but they should complement each other and blend with the rest of the house. For instance, brushed nickel hardware in a kitchen with chrome lights doesn’t work because the finishes look too similar, and they are different styles (traditional vs. contemporary). 

Instead, I would use a bronze or black finish lighting with the brushed nickel. These work well because they are different and complement each other (not compete), creating a collected look in the room. 

What else do you need to know about selecting cabinet hardware?

Cabinets are like that versatile little black dress you have... you can dress it up with a fancy pair of heels or dress it down with sandals and a sweater. It’s all in the accessories. If you have white Shaker-style cabinets, they can have a contemporary vibe with a modern style knob or a farmhouse feel with a different style knob. 

Here are two kitchens white similar cabinet styles but very different overall look and feel — hardware plays a role!

How do we help you select the best hardware for your space?

Last but not least, choosing the right hardware is all about determining what feels good in your own home and defines your style. This is where we can help...

Often, I have my clients find hardware styles they like from photos of finished kitchens. Looking at pictures helps them decide their favorite styles and overall looks. As fun as some of the more trendy looks are, know that the kitchen’s hardware is used every day and must be durable and easy on your hands. 

I use these three visuals to help our clients to think about their style and match their look: 

These 3 styles are very different, so when we know which one you gravitate toward most, it gives us a sound direction to tailor your choices even further. We also study photos online with you to see what mix you like or look at the cabinet showroom displays when selecting cabinets.

I also like to keep a bag of hardware favorites on hand for you to play with during our consult. This hands-on experience helps you determine the finish, style, and size you like most. Cabinet hardware is something that you will touch daily in your home, so it’s important to find ones you like.

After we have narrowed down your preferences and made our selections, we bring the space to life for you… like this:

This beverage center from our clients’ 1970s home reno is an excellent example of mixing hardware. We chose this bronze pendant to warm up the cool tones of the marble tile. For the cabinets, we chose these dark antique bronze finishes to help bring out the dark veining in the tile. Together, this design sings!

If you’re looking for a designer that can help you select the best hardware for your project, give us a call. We are here and happy to help.

Not ready just yet? No problem. Download our 9 Essential Steps to Preparing for Your Kitchen Renovation below for more great advice.

Yours,
Sarah