Decorative Hardware Puts the “Bling” in Interior Decor

Knowing how to “accessorize” is the way many modern women describe their penchant for flaunting jewelry, and DIY interior designers have the same outlook on household hardware. If you consider for a moment the vast number of knobs, pulls, hinges, handles and even heating registers that permeate the home, you realize that hardware makes up a major component.

Classy cabinet knobs and pretty pulls can make an old piece of furniture look decades newer and help focus the overall design of a room. A traditional rule of thumb when selecting hardware has been to match materials to the existing decor. For example, choosing granite knobs to match the countertops, or purchasing pulls with the same metal and finish, i.e. stainless steel with stainless steel, and copper with copper. However, that idea took hold when there was less of an assortment of decorative options for the consumer. With such a wide array available today, those old rules are taking a backseat to a more laissez-fare and intuitive approach in which anything goes,as long as it looks good.

Modern options not only include crystal, ceramic and wood,but a wide range of metal finishes such as brushed nickel, antique brass, zinc plate and many more. The options are too many to list. Hardware stores and home centers offer a variety of choices for up-close inspection, but for the widest selection as well as the best cost-savings for major whole-house purchases,online retailers offer the best deals. Check out the enormous selection at suppliers like www.leevalley.com and www.woodworkershardware.com.

During a recent remodeling project, our staff replaced all the gaudy gold-tinted brass door hardware with brushed nickel knobs and hinges.