Hardworking Hardware RESIDENTIAL HARDWARE DESIGN TRENDS REFLECT THE PREFERENCES OF HOMEOWNERS FOR STYLE, FUNCTIONALITY AND DURABILITY

Staff Reports

In the past, there seemed to be a lock on a hardware design, often using the same style and finish throughout an entire home. Today’s choices are vast and limited only by what a designer or consumer likes and wants. There is a trend towards hidden hardware for a sleek look on cabinets and doors, and a move away from using smaller handles to featuring larger, statement pieces.

While the color of the finishes can vary greatly, the focus instead leans to functionality, with many designs featuring fingerprint- or microbial-resistant surfaces. And hardware goes far beyond handles and hinges — many companies are expanding their offerings to include other practical and stylish options.

Some of the popular color trends for kitchens, baths and interior doors are:

• Satin finish has a subtle gloss that resists fingerprints and smudges, making it low maintenance and suitable for contemporary interiors.

• Matte black gives a luxurious and bold feel to modern interiors, especially when paired with natural wood or white elements. Matte black hardware can also create a contrast with other metallic finishes such as chrome or brass.

• Chrome polish offers a neutral tone that matches many other furniture and furnishings, making it easy to coordinate and timeless. Chrome polish can be either reflective or smooth, depending on the desired effect.

• Dual-tone or two-tone hardware involves mixing two different finishes or colors of hardware, such as black and gold, chrome and brass, or white and wood. This can create a dynamic and customized look that reflects the personality of the homeowner.

• Antique brass or aged brass adds a vintage and rustic charm to any interior, especially when used with wooden doors or cabinets. Antique brass or aged brass hardware can also complement warm colors and textures in the décor.

• Nickel finishes are similar to chrome but has a warmer tone that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Nickel finishes can also work well with both traditional and modern styles, depending on the shape and design of the hardware.

• Wood or china finishes are ideal for adding some natural or organic elements to the interior, as well as some color and texture. Wood or china hardware can also create a contrast with metal or glass surfaces, adding visual interest and variety.

TOP RIGHT: SUGATSUNE INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST, 5-SPEED ADJUSTABLE SOFT-CLOSING CONCEALED CABINET HINGE.

CENTER RIGHT: GRASS AMERICA ZBOX DRAWER SYSTEM.

BOTTOM RIGHT: CONTEMPORARY PULL FROM RICHELIEU. THE UNIQUE STYLE OF THIS CYLINDRICAL HANDLE FEATURING A CENTRAL GRIP WILL SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE INTO YOUR URBAN DESIGN SCHEME.

Here are just a few of the latest residential hardware products available in the industry:

Salice

Conecta is the totally innovative Salice hinge that is completely hidden inside the cabinet door and side. Its technical features allow any wood or aluminum doors, even tall and heavy ones, to open and close smoothly. The Conecta hinge, with its 94° opening, is fully adjustable in three directions by cam adjusters and is also available with an integrated soft close mechanism for decelerated closing. It is available in nickel-plated or titanium finishes and can come with customizable cover caps for both the cabinet door and side. www.salice.com

Sugatsune

Over three decades ago, the world’s first soft-closing toilet seat was developed with Sugatsune’s legendary Lapcon rotary damper. Since then, Sugatsune engineers have continuously evolved this technology and today, introduces the world’s first, five-speed adjustable soft-closing concealed cabinet hinge. Along with an innovative snap-on system to easily mount the doors and three-way adjustability to ensure proper alignment and function, this 200,000-cycle tested hinge gives users total control over their cabinet doors. www.sugatsune.com

GRASS America

The ZBox drawer system from GRASS America combines the well-known GRASS Zargen drawer sides with zinc-coated steel ball bearings. The result is a strong, durable, and reliable drawer system offering smooth, full extension, stay-close drawers, and an easy method for disconnecting and removing the drawer box. www.grassusa.com

Richelieu

Designed by Giuseppe Bavuso, an architect/designer renowned worldwide for his innovative minimalist creations, the Contemporary Pull is the fruit of an intensive creative process resulting in ingenious design, aesthetic elegance, and functionality. The unique style of this cylindrical handle featuring a central grip will seamlessly integrate into your urban design scheme. Combine it with other handles to create a distinctive and personalized look. It can also serve as a practical hook. Whether you are looking to accentuate a piece of furniture, introduce a decorative element or display your individual style, this masterpiece will elevate your design project and add elegance and distinction to your decor. www.richelieu.com

LEFT: BLUM’S SILK WHITE FOR LEGRABOX ADDS A MODERN TWIST TO THE CLASSIC WHITE DRAWER.

BELOW: BERENSON IS ADDING MODERN BRUSHED GOLD AND VINTAGE NICKEL TO THE HOOKS OF THEIR PRELUDE COLLECTION.

BOTTOM: THIS CORNER CABINET SOLUTION FROM VAUTH-SAGEL HAS NO CENTRAL, SPACECONSUMING STANDPIPE.

FGV America

The OMNIA L from FGV recently won the prestigious German Design Gold Award in the functional hardware category. OMNIA L is a new hinge for cabinetry that features SlowMotion System technology that is miniaturized and integrated to offer a higher design flexibility to cabinet makers. The OMNIA L series includes the AnyClickSystem which greatly simplifies the door installation, especially in cases with more than two hinges per door as the hinge clips from any direction. www.fgvamerica.com

Hettich

Once again, an innovative product from Hettich wins the prestigious "interzum award": The "FurnSpin" hardware system won over the jury of experts in a demanding field of contenders and received the top "Best of the Best" honor with its "deliberate and innovative design." web.hettich.com

Blum

Blum’s silk white for LEGRABOX adds a modern twist to the classic white drawer with its durable and easy-to-clean sides. What’s more, the versatile matte finish can pair well with lighter cabinetry or provide a stark contrast to darker fronts, making it a smart design choice for a variety of cabinet styles. www.blum.com

Genesis

The new line of hardware, made in Italy by Baldacci, adds sleek European style to RV cabinets and accessories. The exclusive partnership between Genesis Products and Baldacci elevates RV interiors to a new level of quality, functionality, and design. The collection is highlighted by thoughtfully engineered locking features that are essential to RV customers, providing a secure and functional solution. Baldacci also features backlit offerings to accentuate the hardware. Various mix-and-match accessories in a variety of metallics, leather and matte colors include stylish and space-saving options for every room. Baldacci’s innovative magnetic bar system enables the quick fastening of the accessories on the bar and ensures maximum stability while the unit is in motion. All the accessories can be customized in size and shape for optimal flexibility and are tailored for kitchen and bathroom spaces. www.genesisproductsinc.com

Wurth Baer Supply

If you are tired of a cluttered vanity and unsightly cords everywhere, then Rev-A-Shelf's electric grooming pullout is the solution you have been searching for. This ideal bathroom cabinetry organizer allows you to store and power curling irons, blow dryers and so much more. Door mountable it is easy to access, and additional shelves provide storage for other beauty products. www.baersupply.com

Vauth-Sagel

When it comes to kitchen corners, the more accessible storage space, the better. That's why this corner cabinet solution has no central, spaceconsuming standpipe, which gives you up to 20 percent more storage area — ideal for bulky kitchenware. The bases are held stable by a traverse running crosswise through the cabinet. This functionality can also be used for under-sink cabinets, and the hidden mechanism also supports the aesthetic impression. In addition, the VS COR Wheel Pro offers the highest load capacity — each tray holds up to 60 pounds. www.vauth-sagel.com

Federal Brace

The Braila was designed to be the answer for all floating countertop needs, while also having the additional benefit of being ADA approved for commercial or residential use. Once installed, it boasts an astounding 375pound carry capacity. This bracket features the option to create a shelving unit by adding a piece of wood to the smaller leg of the bracket to allow the option to have built in shelving in your vanity. www.federalbrace.com

Berenson Hardware

Berenson, a leading provider of decorative hardware, is adding Modern Brushed Gold and Vintage Nickel to the hooks of their Prelude collection. The other finishes of Prelude include Matte Black, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Weathered Nickel, Verona Bronze and Polished Chrome. www.berensonhardware.com

Selby Hardware

The Storage Bed Mechanism from Selby Hardware allows a platform bed to be produced or converted into a storage bed using our mechanism. This is rated and ordered by the weight of the mattress. www.selbybed.com s p