Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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42 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2014 Today's functional hardware focuses on enhanced accessibility, push-to- open and soft-close functionality and clever use of hidden space, while clean lines and lower-profle designs are hot trends in the decorative hardware arena. H ardware has two separate but equally important roles in design. On the functional side, hardware allows for efcient and accessible use of cabinet doors, draw- ers and storage solutions. On the decorative side, the perfect pulls and knobs can be the embellishments that pull a design together or make it pop. "Functional means easy access. Newly designed hardware has infuenced design and improved functionality," says John Hossli, v.p./marketing, U.S. for Richelieu, based in Montreal, Canada. "Creative application with easy-to-use, reliable hard- ware has allowed designers to move large doors in ways never before considered," he adds, citing sliding doors that change planes, allowing one door to open in front of the other, and large doors that can be used to cover the working area of a kitchen as examples. "Overall, people are looking for 'trend proof' designs that will incorporate well within an open foor plan," says Shari McPeek, marketing manager at Rev-A-Shelf, LLC in Jefersontown, KY. Functional hardware can be used to hide items such as waste bins, knife blocks and storage containers, she adds. Items that pull, pivot or slide are very important to the overall design, she continues, making the space more functional, accessible and attractive while also turning unused space into additional storage options. When it comes to decorative hardware, manufacturers say these pieces are often what bring the design together. "Hard- ware often helps solve a problem, update a tired look or add a bit of pizzazz to a monochromatic design," says Matt Vecchiolla, national sales manager for Top Knobs in Hillsborough, NJ. Hardware is the fnishing touch that can set an extraordi- nary design apart, adds Billy Peele, marketing/PR representative for Doug Mockett & Co. Inc. in Torrance, CA. Though the main objective is for decorative hardware to serve as an accent with- out taking away from the overall design, that doesn't mean these elements can be overlooked, he says. "Complementary hardware creates consistency in design by not only enhancing the overall look, but also by tying it all together," Peele explains. "In fact, hardware has so much infuence on the overall design that adding new hardware alone can change the entire look and feel of the room all by itself, essentially serving as a cost- efective remodel solution without updating any of the actual furniture or cabinetry." Though trends vary depending on the role of the hardware, there is a demand for clean and simple lines, sleek aesthetics, ef- fciency and functionality across the board. That's according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News. INCREASED OPTIONS There's been a surge in the number of options designers have when considering hardware needs, from visual choices to how hardware is being used. "While decorative and functional hardware pieces are still vital details in the design, we see much more variety in how they are employed," says Jake Van Wyk, marketing manager at Hafele America Co., based in Archdale, NC. This includes advancements in push-to-open technologies and, as a result, an evolution in the functional requirements of knobs and handles, he says. "With the advent of all of these soft-open or automatic- open cabinets and drawers, the selection of handles and pulls is increasingly being made in conjunction with the selection of hinges, drawer slides and other functional hardware that in the past was scarcely considered." Jan Fitzpatrick , customer & market relations manager for Grass America Inc., based in Kernersville, NC adds, "It's a given By Elizabeth Richards Product Trend Report Atlas Homewares presents the IT Collection of pulls, which features simple geometric lines. The pulls are available in a range of lengths running 4.25" to 11.75". In addition to the company's new Vintage Brass fnish for hardware, shown, the IT Collection is also available in Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Modern Brass, Polished Nickel and High Gloss White fnishes. Circle No. 166 on Product Card Among the newest looks from Amerock is its brushed copper fnish for hardware. Shown here on the Allison collection, the brushed copper fnish is also available in the Candler and Mulholland decorative hardware collections. Circle No. 161 on Product Card The Legacy Acanthus collection of hardware from Keeler Brass draws upon Medieval art, Romanesque architecture and the Renaissance classic decorative arts. The traditional-styled pull features stippled textures and tiny ribs. Circle No. 163 on Product Card Du Verre Hardware's Argyle decorative hardware is based on the Scottish Argyle pattern. Designed by company co-founder Gina Lubin, the collection plays on the graphic pattern of small diamond shapes. Made from recycled aluminum, the collection is ofered in three fnishes and four sizes of knobs and pulls. Circle No. 160 on Product Card Refned, subtle lines characterize the Meadow Collection of decorative hardware from Berenson Hardware. The collection, which places a strong emphasis on larger pull sizes, consists of one knob and fve pulls. Brushed Nickel and Verona Bronze are the two fnishes ofered. Circle No. 164 on Product Card Hardware Adds Purpose & Pizzazz Hafele America Co. has introduced four new collections to its collection of decorative hardware. The new collections include Antimicrobial, Paragon, Mulberry and Breakers. The Breakers collection (shown) consists of a handle and knob in oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel or polished chrome fnish. Circle No. 165 on Product Card Porcelain Insert Knobs from Stanley Hardware sport a sleek, classic style. The knobs measure 1-1/4" in diameter and showcase a polished chrome fnish. Circle No. 162 on Product Card