Selecting the right hardware is about more than just utility – it’s about creating a space that feels refined, personal and tactile. From door levers to kitchen cabinet pulls and knobs, luxurious architectural hardware is at the heart of great design, where the difference between an everyday space and an outstanding one, is the detail.
Paul Clifford, Managing Director at Croft, shares his expert advice on why choosing the perfect hardware helps to enhance and elevate any project, no matter the size.
Cohesion is key
“Whether you’re designing a modern minimalist kitchen or restoring a period property, consider first what is going to look best with your style. Every home is unique and so your hardware should be too. Just like all the other details, hardware should be a seamless extension of your interior design. Ensure you are considering the shape and finish of every handle, pull or knob so it echos and complements other elements in the room.”
“Unlike other areas of the home, hardware is frequently touched and tested throughout the day, so
Always choose quality
it’s vital to choose products that provide beyond just aesthetic. The movement, weight, finish and feel of a lever, knob, pull or handle should reflect its quality so choose premium, well-made hardware for longevity and daily satisfaction. Cheaper alternatives can be felt immediately and tend to age faster, meaning additional time and budget to replace them so investing in superior pieces is key.”
Look at the finish
“A continuation of finish is vital to achieve a level of cohesion in the home. Matching your hardware with other metal accents in a room like lighting or furniture is an effective way to tie a space together for example. When choosing what finish works best, consider the style of the space and your personal preference. Finishes like Satin Brass or Dark Bronze introduce warmth to a space and pair beautifully with dark colour schemes and rich woods, while those with more contemporary spaces may prefer cooler finishes like Zero Black or Polished Nickel. However, don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes to create a more eclectic look – there are a huge array of styles to choose from.”
Think function and feel
“Consider how the hardware is used and the size of a product needed before confirming the style. For example, elegant knobs look fantastic, but they aren’t the correct scale for wider drawers and won’t give you the right support when opening and closing – especially if the drawer is housing heavier items. Instead, opt for larger handles for drawers and appliances like fridges or dishwashers in a kitchen to ensure better grip and leverage. Knobs and smaller handles are a great choice for pieces of furniture like bathroom cabinets, bedside tables or wardrobes. Thoughtfully choosing hardware that suits both the style and function of each space will result in a more comfortable home.”
“It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact. Coordinating your door levers and cabinet pulls with other touch points such as door stops, hooks, hinges, escutcheons and window latches creates a truly polished, cohesive feel. Whether you’re upgrading an existing kitchen with new knobs or curating a hallway scheme with matching handles and hinges, hardware plays a key role in pulling everything together.”
As a proud British, family-run company, Croft has been a leading name in architectural hardware in the UK since 1868, designing and handcrafting a diverse portfolio in over 25 different finishes and patinas. Every piece is hand-finished and carefully quality-checked, offering a level of durability and heritage value that’s hard to replicate.
https://croft.co.uk/
PRICING
- @maddalenaminerva, photography by Boz Gagovski
- Avenue Bathroom Turn & Release on Covered Rose in Antique Nickel starts from £187.27 per set
- Icon Cabinet Knob in Antique Brass £86.38
- Fusion Cabinet Handle in Light Antique Brass starts from £107.97
- @holly_oak_house
- @dhowelldesigns
- Diamond Silhouette Cabinet Handle & Backplate in Antique Brass starts from £131.73
- Rutland Lever on Double Step Round Rose in Oil Rubbed Bronze £409.30
- Elegance Cabinet Handle in Zero Black starts from £89.71
- Brooklands Door Handle on Arc Rose in Light Antique Brass £366.34
Brooklands Cabinet Knob in Light Antique Brass £81.94,
Brooklands Cabinet Handle in Light Antique Brass starts from £154.25
- Reeded Ball Centre Door Knob in Autumn Bronze £347.54
- Fusion T-Bar Mortice Knob in Smoked Brass starts from £73.42
- Legacy Door Handle on Arc Rose in Imitation Bronze Unlacquered £327.77
- Avenue Cabinet Handle & Backplate in Antique Brass starts from £131.74
- Art Deco Casement Stay in Imitation Bronze Unlacquered £137.26
- Lockable Window Espagnolette Handle, Reeded, in Aged Brass starts from £135.58
- Large Straight Arm Sash Fastener with Black Knob in Satin Brass starts from £83.458
