Balancing Beauty and Function: The Joys of Choosing Interior Door Hardware
As a self-proclaimed design enthusiast, I’ve learned that the devil truly is in the details when it comes to creating a cohesive and visually appealing home. And one of those devilishly delightful details? Interior door hardware.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – door hardware? Really? Isn’t that just a boring, practical necessity? Well, my friend, let me tell you, when done right, door hardware can be a stunning accent that ties an entire space together. It’s like the perfect pair of earrings that elevates a simple outfit from blah to “ooh, la la!”
I experienced this firsthand when my husband and I embarked on our journey to build our dream home in Philadelphia. As we meticulously pored over every design decision, from the placement of our custom window treatments to the color of our kitchen backsplash, the topic of interior door hardware kept coming up. And let me tell you, it was no easy feat to nail down the perfect style, finish, and functionality.
Determining the Essentials
The first step in our door hardware odyssey was to take stock of our needs. Using our home plans, we made a comprehensive list of all the interior doors and the different types of hardware each one would require. This included:
- Passage hardware for doors that don’t need to lock, like those leading to closets or hallways
- Privacy hardware for doors that need to lock, such as bathrooms and bedrooms
- Flush pulls for our pocket doors
- Dummy hardware, or one-sided fake hardware, for the fixed side of a set of double doors
With this practical foundation in place, we could then turn our attention to the fun part – selecting a style that would complement the overall design aesthetic of our home.
Finding the Perfect Fit
My personal design aesthetic tends to lean towards a timeless, classic vibe. I wanted the “bones” of our home to feel enduring, with subtle nods to tradition sprinkled throughout. So, when it came to our interior door hardware, I knew I wanted to steer clear of anything too trendy or modern.
As I learned on That Homebirdlife, our simple 2-panel shaker style doors had the potential to feel a bit too minimalist when paired with super sleek, contemporary hardware. Instead, I was drawn to more decorative, traditional options that would lend a sense of depth and character to the space.
After much deliberation, I settled on a classic rectangular rosette with simple Providence knobs. This combination hit the perfect balance between modern and timeless, helping to create a truly transitional look that would stand the test of time.
Navigating the Finish Line
Of course, choosing the hardware style was only half the battle. Deciding on the perfect finish proved to be an even greater challenge, as I found myself constantly second-guessing my decisions.
Initially, I was enamored with the idea of unlacquered brass or polished nickel – the quintessential “it” finishes of the moment. But as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I knew I’d spend way too much time fretting over those pesky fingerprints. So, I quickly pivoted to a matte option, which helped narrow down the field considerably.
Ultimately, I landed on Marvin’s Oil Rubbed Bronze finish – a rich, blackish-brown hue with an aged, almost velvety appearance. This choice was a bit of a curveball, as brass and matte black had been dominating the hardware scene. But when I stepped back and considered how it would complement the other design elements in our home, I knew it was the perfect match.
The Oil Rubbed Bronze provided the high-contrast look I was going for, while also imparting a sense of timelessness and softness that the more modern finishes lacked. It served as a beautiful neutral anchor, seamlessly tying together the various accent metals we’d be incorporating elsewhere, like brass and nickel.
A Cohesive Masterpiece
As our home neared completion, I couldn’t wait to see the final result of our door hardware odyssey. And let me tell you, it was worth every agonizing decision. The Oil Rubbed Bronze hardware looks absolutely stunning, blending seamlessly with the other design elements and creating a cohesive, visually appealing flow throughout the space.
Just as the experts at Hackett House Studio advise, I decided to stick to a single metal finish for all the interior hardware, allowing the accents in our lighting, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures to provide the pops of variety. And you know what? It works like a charm, elevating the overall aesthetic and making our new home feel truly, well, ours.
So, if you’re in the midst of a design project, whether it’s building a new home or refreshing an existing space, don’t overlook the power of interior door hardware. It may seem like a small detail, but when chosen with intention and care, it can be the cherry on top of your design sundae – the finishing touch that truly makes a space shine.
