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es when it comes to the style. Design is focused on composition, color and texture versus keeping all elements in tune with one particular theme. This allows transitional style to truly refect the individual's personality and tastes." She also cites a growing interest in the Rustic Modern look, which creates a combination of warmth and comfort with chic style. "It incorporates rustic elements like sand cast bronze with contemporary geometrical shapes. This marriage of rough texture with sleek style has been a popular trend," she adds. Ramsland sees the demand for decorative hardware following more contemporary lines, without a minimalist feel. As such, his company has focused on classic shapes and robust patterns – "nothing that feels 'elaborate'" – but the attention to detail is there. "It's just more contemporary or modern in feel," he explains. "Consumers and designers want to express themselves individually. So [we ofer] patterns that are bold enough to make a statement – and fresh enough to feel unique." Greg Sheets, product marketing manager for decorative products at Hafele Americas, based in Archdale, NC, says his frm gets more requests for a soft, cleaner, more organic look rather than the sharp, hard, straight lines of a European contemporary look. "It's a little bit softer, cleaner and slimmer," he says. He notes that those using a high-end fnish often want hardware to blend seamlessly into the design, while those using simple doors or drawers may favor contrasting hardware that acts as a more visible accent. Brun says that whatever the look, consumers want higherend, higher-value products in their decorative hardware, which become a complement to the overall design. Billy Peele, sales associate for Torrance, CA-based Doug Mockett & Co. adds that while trends for decorative hardware come and go, a classic design will never go out of style. "Simplicity is the key element in achieving a timeless look," he says. "Elaborate features can be quite complementary, but the trick is to keep it subtle and not to overpower the cabinetry itself. After all, the hardware is simply an accessory to enhance the overall design." SIZE TRENDS With a move toward simplicity, decorative hardware is often on the smaller side, blending into the overall design. However, there is still some call for larger pieces, as well as customized hardware. "Subtlety has a resounding impact, and blending into the design or ofering simple complementary features can go a long way," says Peele. "Larger hardware in most applications may be overly obtrusive or serve only as a distraction to the overall aesthetic." Jefery doesn't necessarily agree: "It depends on the application but, in general, as styles evolve, people are on the lookout for new sizes of hardware." She says that appliance pulls have been scaled to ft custom built-in appliance cabinetry, but she's also seen larger, wardrobe-sized cabinet hardware as a growing trend. "But on the opposite spectrum, contemporary cabinets might be completely devoid of hardware or feature some type of minimal pull, and the same can go for contemporary doors," she adds. Istwan says that Alno is seeing longer, but not bulky, pulls being used, and not just on big appliances. At the same time, she says, they are getting requests for smaller ring pulls. Tagle sees larger, statement-piece hardware in demand this year. "Appliance pulls continue to increase in popularity, but even on cabinetry, designers and clients are looking for oversized, From North River Mint's Japanese collection of decorative hardware comes two enhanced knob designs. The pieces include 11th Century Japanese shopkeeper's signs signifying wrapping services for Samurai swords of that era. The knobs are handmade in the U.S. of jewelers' metal. Circle No. 183 on Product Card The Art Tech Series' Aero Collection from R. Christensen features decorative pulls that are 64mm to center. The pulls are ofered in Brushed Nickel and Polished Chrome. The shape of the cabinet pulls allows them to be installed in diferent angles to achieve a distinctive fnal look. Circle No. 181 on Product Card The new Full Access Quadro from Hettich is designed for face-frame applications and meets ANSI/BHMA 156.9 grade 1 requirements up to 75 lb. dynamic load for a 21" slide. The slide can be used for drawers designed with a 5/8", 1/2" or 3/4" drawer side thickness and is available with or without Silent System soft-closing function as well as in a version for frameless applications. With carcase holes being identical, FR slides, Full Access Quadro and fullextension undermount slides are interchangeable. Circle No. 182 on Product Card Amerock is introducing its Venetian Bronze fnish, a rich dark brown hue with a hint of burgundy and subtle copper undertones. The new fnish is now available across fve collections, including all styles in Candler, Mulholland, Revitalized and select styles in Inspirations and Allison Value. Circle No. 186 on Product Card The Riverside collection of decorative hardware from Keeler Brass takes its cue from the Arts and Crafts movement. The pieces, which feature stepped edges and rustic sand-cast textures, are available in White and Red Bronze fnishes. Circle No. 184 on Product Card Cabinet knobs and pulls from Barz Decorative Hardware are conceived and created by artist Pete Barszcz from lead-free pewter. Each can be fnished in a variety of Pewter, Nickel, Brass, Bronze or Copper fnishes. Any piece is available in any of these 22 fnishes. Circle No. 185 on Product Card December 2013 The Quadra Collection from Siro Designs represents a modern take on classic railing pulls. These contemporary pulls add a sleek and modern look to cabinets and are available in a variety of lengths. Circle No. 187 on Product Card Notting Hill Decorative Hardware's Fruit of the Vine back plate enhances a variety of designs ofered by the company. Shown are the Best Cellar, Grapevines and Fruit Bouquet knobs. Circle No. 188 on Product Card ForResidentialPros.com | 37