As custom homebuilders, we understand all the decisions that need to be made for your home. When heading down the path to your new custom home, it’s easy to imagine relaxing in your spa-like bath or dreaming of how your open kitchen will quickly become the center of attention. But remember, many decisions need to be made, including hardware selections.
When it comes to the finishing touches—including door knobs, handles, cabinet knobs and cabinet pulls—it can all become a bit overwhelming. However, have no fear; we have shared a few hardware trends below to help ease the decision-making process.
Selecting the ideal hardware for your custom home is critical to its overall appearance. It’s details like these that can define the overall aesthetic and feel of a space. Just like the right accessory for an outfit, hardware can tie together the interior design or even serve as a focal point.
The journey to the perfect hardware starts with a clear vision of your home's desired look and atmosphere. This decision influences not just the style, but also the comfort and usability of the living spaces.
When selected wisely, hardware acts as an interface to your home's personality while enhancing the design and flow between rooms. Below are some considerations when choosing hardware:
Kitchen hardware trends change often, so it’s important to stay current with the latest information from the world of home design. Let’s take a closer look at some current trends.
Slim and sleek pulls are still the most popular cabinet hardware style. Modern bar pulls — whether tubular or square — are top sellers. They look great on most cabinets, come in many finishes, are a flexible design choice, and mix and match with various cabinet colors.
Heading into 2024, black is still the trendiest color option for your hardware. Whether you love knobs, pulls, or a blend, satin and matte black finishes are the most common choices. If you plan on mixing finishes in your home, black is the perfect complementary color. It blends well with gold, bronze, nickel and chrome.
One common question we get asked is, “Does the hardware need to match?” This isn’t always the case. One great way to create style throughout your home is to mix and match the hardware. The majority of our designers strongly urge against matching all hardware in the home. Mixing finishes and styles is a great way to add interest and variation to your custom design.
Exploring bathroom hardware trends reveals the impact of detail on design. Below, we examine emerging styles and finishes defining today's bathroom aesthetics.
The trend for personalization in bathroom hardware is steering away from conventional chrome and nickel and incorporating bold selections. Homeowners are embracing hardware as an avenue for personal expression with a surge in custom-designed pieces that feature unexpected colors and shapes.
Vibrant hues and organic forms are focal points against neutral tiles and fixtures, thus reflecting individual style and elevating the bathroom from a purely functional space to one that is full of character.
The demand for personalized bathrooms is driving the popularity of custom hardware solutions. Designers are creating hardware that best represents the homeowner. From pet-shaped hardware to hand-painted knobs and pulls, hardware adds the perfect touch of personalization to any bathroom.
The visual impact of colored and unconventionally shaped hardware can be transformative. A sleek drawer pull or an ornate handle in a contrasting color can define the entire room's style, making the hardware not just an addition but an important part of the bathroom design.
Embracing diversity in hardware finishes can inject personality and modern flair into any bathroom design. Mixing metals is accepted and encouraged to create a compelling and welcoming environment.
Homeowners and designers are blending textures and finishes — such as matte black with polished nickel and brushed gold with chrome — breaking the old rule of uniformity in favor of layered styles.
The role of texture and finish in bathroom hardware is significant. A textured handle against a sleek faucet provides visual contrast. The finish can either accentuate or soften the overall feel of the bathroom, depending on whether a polished or matte finish is selected.
With the broadening spectrum of choices, bathroom hardware has become a defining element in the creation of a space that welcomes the homeowner. The evolution of these trends shows a move toward spaces designed not just for living but for expressing a unique style.
When choosing hardware, first consider how it’ll complement the paint, tile, and flooring in the space. Paint can dramatically enhance the impact of hardware, for example. Sleek black hardware on white or light gray cabinets creates a bold, modern contrast, while softer hues set a more subtle stage for copper or brass finishes.
When it comes to tile, polished chrome or nickel hardware works well with high-gloss tiles for a clean, contemporary look. Textured tiles provide a perfect backdrop for matte and satin finishes.
As for flooring, darker floor tones set off stainless steel or chrome for an appealing contrast, whereas light designs pair well with dark, matte hardware for a balanced look.
Hardware can complement the architectural style of a home. Here's how different hardware choices coordinate with different home styles.
Contemporary homes benefit from hardware with a minimalist design, emphasizing sleek and simple shapes. The finishes are often polished or brushed, resulting in a clean and uncluttered look that's synonymous with modern living.
Craftsman-style homes call for hardware that reflects their handcrafted, detailed woodwork and warmth. Hardware in this setting often features hammered finishes or oil-rubbed metals that echo the artisanal quality of the home.
Modern farmhouse designs embrace hardware that strikes a balance between rustic charm and contemporary chic. Satin and brushed finishes on simple yet sturdy hardware shapes provide a casual, welcoming vibe. Black or bronze tones are the most common.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 26 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.