Upleveling your design with door hardware

First impressions count!

Research shows that during real estate showings, potential buyers decide within 8 seconds whether they like a property or not. I would argue that the same goes with any designed space. A combination of obvious features and small details form an overall impression.

Hardware is undeniably one of the features that define the quality of construction and finishes. A handle set on an entry door is one of the first things you will see upon entering a home.   As your eye scans the rooms, door hardware always makes a strong impression. Outdated and worn handles instantly age a property, while stylish ones add a welcome layer of style.

I compare this to the pocket kerchief on a well-tailored suit – it either elevates or breaks the ensemble…

Don’t compromise on design

Door hardware is actually one of the easiest ways to upgrade and update the look of a home. Its selection should never be an afterthought. The style should be chosen in keeping with the overall style of the home: is the design style traditional, art deco, craftsman, modern? Keep the door hardware finish consistent with other selections in the home for a cohesive look, or intentionally make a design statement with hardware that stands out.

Well-considered finish and style choices will reinforce the overall design. A flat, round knob in matte black is a great complement to a casual farmhouse style. A stylish polished nickel lever may reflect other horizontal lines in a modern penthouse. A shapely glass knob accented with brushed brass would be very much in keeping with a cozy century home. Whatever you choose, bring a touch of personality and make it an intentional design choice.

Sadly, so many homeowners leave this seemingly trivial decision to the end, going along with a contractor’s basic selection. Decision fatigue is real, so make hardware selection a priority early in the design or construction process.

Assess your needs

Beyond style and finish, functionality and ergonomics play a key role in selecting the right door hardware.

As designers and homeowners embrace the concepts of universal design and aging in place, lever handles have become popular, as they are easy to grip and depress. A contrast in finish or colour between door and hardware may also be desirable for those with eyesight challenges. Always consider current and future users of the space.

Door locks present another layer of design and functionality. A simple locking function will be desirable in bathrooms and bedrooms, where privacy is important. We are currently loving the low-profile, clean look of Schlage’s Custom Collection, where the lock is extremely subtle, and doesn’t detract from its streamlined design. A bonus is that the handing direction and lock functions are activated at the installation stage, so the units can be purchased in bulk and functions allocated on doors as needed (goodbye, ordering mistakes!). 

For exterior doors, a number of deadbolt options are available. Digital locks are the new norm, and they can integrate beautifully into high-end installations. Temporary or permanent personalized entry codes can be assigned, so you know exactly who is coming and going. Many digital locks use WiFi to coordinate with digital platforms you already have installed, making them a seamless addition to your digital world.

Invest in quality

Door hardware is one of the subtle practicalities that uplevels a homeowner’s experience. It is definitely a worthwhile investment in quality and style for your space.  We assess the quality of hardware using 3 key benchmarks:

Finish and construction – smooth finish to the touch, clean seams and soldering

Function – feels solid, operates smoothly, and closes softly

Longevity – over time, quality hardware should wear well and keep serving beautifully

Many thanks to Schlage and Allegion for providing products we’ve had the opportunity to assess in real renovation projects. We look forward to featuring more Schlage handle sets, levers and deadbolts in our upcoming completed #RiverHouse project, due later this year.

To hear more about our partnership with Schlage tune into the Mimi Pineau Design x Schlage featurette

We would love to assist you with the design and renovation of your city or vacation home. Mimi Pineau Design creates high-end residential interiors with a chic, modern edge and imbued with comfort, quality and beauty. Contact us to schedule a Discovery Call!