How to choose?

With so many choices available within the hardware world, how do you choose? 

To make the most educated decision, you really have to ask yourself one very important question:

a.    What value bracket is my home?

There are design expectations of a home above $400,000.00.  However, this does not limit the ability of carrying those design elements into a home of lesser value.  In fact, it is what dictates the importance of that.  There are many hardware products available for the tight budget.  

With so many options available, it is important for everyone to realize that finish design and color are really not affected by cost.  The most economical hardware lines have something available in all popular finishes: currently Venetian Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Antique Copper, Chrome, Satin Nickel and the increasingly popular Black. 

The goal of utilizing correct hardware finishes in a home is to create a sense of continuity throughout.  What is the architectural style of the home?  What is the color palette used throughout? 

For example:  If you use Tuscan colors in your home, you would not want to install Nickel or Chrome finishes.  (Not that folks don’t do it – they just shouldn’t) 

The value of your home, as well as the levels of wear will help you determine the quality of function for your hardware.

The color of the walls, doors and cabinets will help you decide what hardware finish to choose.  

The style of your furniture and décor, should help you choose your design style of hardware. 

The question of popular finish and design styles really can be answered best with what is not popular:  brass.  Put a piece of bright shiny brass on any finish, wood or painted and all you see is the brass. 

If hardware is the jewelry of the home, it should compliment not overpower.

Echo Garrett

Triad Distributing NW, Inc.

Premiere Supplier to the Treasure Valley Building Materials Industry

http://www.triad-dist.com