Updating Your Home’s Hardware: Small Details with Big Impact
Home hardware is transformational in remodels, small and full-scale. Doing nothing more to a kitchen than changing all of the hardware can drastically alter its appearance. Hardware is also the design glue of a complete remodel.
It’s also a great area of focus when you want to shift the style of a room without larger alterations. From classic to contemporary, farmhouse to vintage modern, hardware helps make it happen. Today, we’re sharing the most important types of hardware to update, with ideas for how to select what’s next.
Is it okay to mix metal hardware?
Not only is mixing metals acceptable, but it’s also encouraged. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find exact color and finish matches for every single type of hardware you have. In many cases, we have to choose three different color/finish combos per room.
Learn more about finishes, tones, and how to mix metals like a pro.
The main event: Cabinet hardware
These pieces are what we think of first when updating our hardware, and for good reason. Hardware alone can make our cabinets look old and unkempt, or stylish and put together.
Adorn contemporary styles with slender, minimalist bar pulls. Or use simple knobs and cup-shaped pulls for a charming farmhouse aesthetic. Read more about choosing cabinet hardware to match our desired aesthetic.
Door handles and knobs
Right after cabinet hardware comes the doors. These shapes have much more influence over cohesive style than we realize. Smaller, round knobs are classic and traditional, pairing well with cottage, vintage-inspired, or historic homes.
If you want to upgrade to modern hardware, we’re back to the sleek lines of a bar. You could also opt for a curved or scrolled bar lever for certain traditional, rustic, or European-inspired design schemes.
Don’t forget the hinges
Did you know hinges are only supposed to last a decade or two? Yet unless they’re visually higher profile, they’re a second thought when updating door and cabinet hardware.
Truthfully, replacing all of your door hinges can be a pain. Rehanging doors–even on some cabinets–isn’t as easy as it seems. However, it’s key for the security, stability, and longevity of your doors. So, don’t be afraid to call a pro for this one.
Fixing up faucets
Upgrading to touchless faucets in the bathroom and pull-down faucets in the kitchen improves function as well as appearance. New faucets can also help conserve more water.
Faucets are also a prime place to add a metal that stands out from your cabinet hardware. Try a high-shine chrome faucet with matte black cabinet hardware, or mix and match brushed and polished brasses.
Updated lighting
Lighting fixtures are often regarded as a separate category or concept in room design. But they’re as much a part of a room’s hardware as anything else. Incorporate sconces and pendants into your hardware scheme.
If you’re a big fan of your current light fixtures, simply factor them in as you replace the remainder of your hardware. They can be a good starting point for selecting colors and finishes for the rest of the room.
A better shower head
Like faucets, shower heads help improve function and even quality of life, not just aesthetics. Add an adjustable head, handheld sprayers, or more water-efficient models. From massage settings to low-flow capabilities that support your shower routine, there’s a lot to gain from tossing out old, wasteful heads with mineral buildup.
Curtain rods and towel bars
Updating these oft-overlooked hardware pieces can help you achieve a curated, personalized style that makes any space look a bit more special.
Double up on curtain rods in unique finishes to layer sheers and drapes. Add visual interest to spa-like bathrooms with a burnished or oxidized industrial-style metal towel bar.
Outlet covers and switch plates
We’re usually left with fewer choices in this utilitarian area. But dingy old light switch plates and outlet covers will stand out in a bad way if you update everything but them.
Brushed nickel is a highly versatile finish that’ll quietly complement the other hardware you’ve chosen.
You may also coordinate these with other small, function-driven pieces of hardware in the room, like shelf brackets and door hinges.
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The Designery specializes in the finishing touches you’re looking for, but cannot find anywhere else. Get inspired and book your free consultation with a designer.
