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Product Trend Report By Elizabeth Richards Decorative hardware trends favor smaller-scale, subtle designs and eye-catching custom pieces, while functional hardware focuses on products that incorporate easier access, LED lighting, soft-close and touch-toopen features. A lthough hardware is often one of the more subtle design elements in a kitchen, it nevertheless plays a key role in the overall design and functionality of the space. Whether promoting greater accessibility and maximizing storage, adding a whimsical touch or tying the entire look of the kitchen together, the right hardware can make or break a kitchen design. Hardware is also a great way to personalize the kitchen. "Consumers are looking to create a home that functions and looks like an extension of their personality," says Amy Tagle, senior product manager at Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corp., based in Winston-Salem, NC. "Functional hardware is the invisible tool that makes your kitchen feel like a gourmet space, while decorative hardware adds a polished look that shows you pay attention to the details. Both elements are important in creating the kitchen of your clients' dreams." "The heart of design is in the details," says Susan Jefery, marketing specialist at Emtek Products in City of Industry, CA. "While decorative hardware may not be the main infuencer of a home, it adds a refned detail to any space." Warren Ramsland, president of Hillsborough, NJ-based Top Knobs agrees. "Everything in a kitchen counts – but we do think that the hardware is the fnishing touch," he says. "It ties it all together. Like a piece of jewelry, tie or scarf – it's the element that just 'makes it,' and makes it special." Louis Brun, marketing director, industrial for Richlieu, based in Montreal, Canada, concurs: "It's really about that little touch that can tie the whole design together." On the functional side, hardware that brings convenience and ease to drawers and doors tops consumers' wish lists. Top Knobs has added three new pattern suites to its Chareau Collection of decorative hardware, and expanded its range of fnishes. The original Tuscan designs have been expanded to include fve fnishes – Black Iron, Tuscan Bronze, Brushed Satin Nickel, Polished Nickel and Polished Chrome. The three new suites include: Reeded, with two knobs, fve pulls and one appliance pull; Chalet, with one knob, fve pulls and one appliance pull, and Shrewsbury, with two round knobs, a T-knob and three pulls. Circle No. 175 on Product Card Designed by William Harvey, Botero from Du Verre Hardware features sensuous curves and proportioned shapes. The environmentallyfriendly hardware pieces are crafted entirely from recycled aluminum. The collection includes a small and large knob as well as 4", 9" and 17" pulls. Finishes include Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel and White. Circle No. 176 on Product Card 36 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2013 The 'All That Glitters' Crystal Collection from Topex Design features distinctively cut Swarovski crystal knobs and pulls. Each piece captures and releases colors diferently. The collection includes 21 knobs and pulls along with a full line of crystal bath accessories. Circle No. 177 on Product Card Soft-close features are becoming standard, as are full-extension drawers that maximize space. Hardware that includes LED lighting is also growing in popularity for its ability to light up dark corners, and other advances in technology are also impacting kitchen cabinet hardware. Today's consumers are more educated and knowledgeable than ever before, says Jan Fitzpatrick, customer and market relations manager for Grass America, in Kernersville, NC. This impacts how hardware is chosen, since consumers have choices in functionality, not just in the way it looks. "You can make choices in how your drawers and doors move. Now, one can determine how their cabinetry looks and feels," she says. DECORATIVE DEMANDS Decorative hardware styles and trends vary widely, though transitional and contemporary styles seem to be gaining interest, according to many manufacturers. However, because of the personalization of these accent pieces, there isn't one clear style trend. "Design aesthetic is a very personal thing, and trends this year are on the extremes," says Tagle. She notes that while sleek European modern designs are in high demand, elaborate traditional styles are also coming into their own. Susan Istwan, director of architectural sales for "Creations" by Alno Inc. in Sylmar, CA, agrees that there's a dichotomy when it comes to decorative styles. She cites interest in classic, simple looks, yet adds that sometimes the pendulum swings the other way, and things get very ornate. Crystal is becoming big in decorative hardware, and is moving from the bathroom into the kitchen, she notes. Jefery says the popularity of transitional design arises from the personalized nature of the style. "There are no wrong choic- Aventos lift systems from Blum Inc. allow access to everything in a wall cabinet. The systems can be used with aluminum frames or wooden doors, on panel or face-frame cabinets. A soft-close mechanism allows for quiet door close. Circle No. 178 on Product Card The DP211 Straight Edge Pulls from Doug Mockett & Co. are a new spin on a classic tab drawer pull design. Featuring ultra thin construction, the extremely lightweight pulls sit nearly fush with the surface. Smooth curves on the downward sloping front edge create a comfortable grip. The pulls are available in Satin Aluminum fnish in three sizes. Circle No. 179 on Product Card Inspired by Renaissance art, the Augustine Collection of decorative hardware from Liberty Hardware combines a modern silhouette with ornate detailing. Augustine features the 4" cup pull shown here, as well as a classically sculpted knob and an architectural knob with back plate. The collection is available in an Heirloom Silver fnish (shown), as well as a rustic Silver Hammered fnish or Bronze with Gold highlights. Circle No. 180 on Product Card