beyond the hardware
One of my favourite parts of a project is when we get to select the finishing details.
By that point, the millwork has been designed, the countertops have been chosen, and the overall vision is starting to come to life. Then we get to the hardware, and I can't help but smile because I know just how much this small detail is going to influence the finished space.
People are often surprised when I spend as much time talking about cabinet hardware as I do. After all, it's just the handles...right?
Not quite.
Hardware is something you'll reach for countless times every single day. It's one of the first things your hand touches when you walk into your kitchen in the morning and one of the last things you use before turning out the lights at night. It deserves more thought than simply choosing a finish that looks nice.
finishing touches
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What finish should I choose?"
While I love the warmth of antique brass, unlacquered brass, and aged bronze, I don't think there is one finish that's right for every home.
Instead, I encourage clients to think about the feeling they're trying to create.
Sometimes that means introducing warm brass to soften painted cabinetry. Other times, polished nickel is exactly what the space needs. I also love mixing metals throughout a home. It creates a much more layered and collected look than trying to make every fixture match perfectly.
Lately, I've also found myself drawn to hardware with softer lines and a handmade quality. Pieces with gentle curves, subtle texture, or finishes that will naturally patina over time add a sense of warmth and character. They don't shout for attention, but they quietly make a space feel richer and more personal.
Candace Plotz Design
made well
Beyond the finish and shape, the quality of the hardware itself is something I always encourage clients to consider.
Hardware is used countless times throughout the day, which means the way it feels in your hand and the way it functions truly matters. There is a noticeable difference between a piece that feels substantial and well-made and one that simply looks beautiful in a photograph.
Quality hardware has a presence. The weight, craftsmanship, and durability all contribute to the overall experience of the space.
Function matters just as much as appearance and your hardware should feel comfortable to use, be appropriate for the size of the cabinetry, and support the way you live in the space. For example, larger drawers often benefit from two knobs or pulls to create balance and make everyday use easier.
Candace Plotz Design
lasting impressions
The homes that leave the greatest impression are rarely defined by one single feature. More often, it's the combination of thoughtful details that creates a feeling.
Hardware may be one of the smallest elements, but it has the ability to completely change the character of a space.
It's the warmth of a beautiful brass finish, the feel of a handcrafted pull, or the simple pleasure of opening a drawer that feels perfectly considered.
At Candace Plotz Design, we believe the details are what bring a home to life. They are what create spaces that feel personal, collected, and thoughtfully tailored to the people who live there.
Candace Plotz Design
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