Hardware Trends

Hardware provides essential accents

Today's decorative hardware trends favor larger-scale pulls, seamless elegant design and ease of access with soft-close and touch-to-open functionality increasingly in demand

Though decorative and functional hardware may not top consumers' lists of design considerations when remodeling kitchens and baths, it is a crucial element in the end product. That's because hardware provides both critical functionality and a touch of style that can dramatically enhance the look and feel of the space. In fact hardware is often the one design element that pulls the entire look together.

Generally, hardware decisions are secondary to cabinets, surfaces and other elements in a design. However, when a great deal of effort is put into designing the kitchen, choosing the right hardware is critical to pulling the look together. The right hardware has the power to change not only the look of the kitchen but the value perception of the space as well with the quality hardware enhancing the sense of elegance that consumers desire.

Although hardware trends have evolved from elaborate "jewelry" effects to quieter accent pieces, this doesn't change the importance or impact. Today hardware complements the look and design that is going on, as opposed to being the star of the show. But while the trend is towards understated hardware, this accent role still has a significant impact on the room's design by tying the look together. The main role of hardware is to accent the overall design. Subtlety is key-encroaching on the design is not the idea.

FLEXIBLE DESIGN

Design preferences vary widely and while the hottest trends generally lean toward simple, clean lines, there's still some demand for decorative detail. Complex designs make for an interesting landscape, but the idea is to keep it clean. A clean, sophisticated look will always rank more favorably as a timeless classic. Even with the demand for extravagant designs on the rise, it's important to maintain some level of simplicity.

Transitional designs are the big thing now, a switch from classical intricate details, because end users are more conscious about their budget and shop for long life products. The Art Deco influence of the 20's and 30's is a trend that will be more present in the next two years, accompanied by silver colors.  Forms will become more simple and clean, but at the same time subtle textures and patterns are being used to create interest and balance. Another style: integrated handles that don't take away from the look of the cabinets.

There are multiple trends we are seeing on the design front happening simultaneously, from a rise in simple clean design to a desire for crafted or artisan looks. Flexibility is key consideration. It's also important to the design for hardware to be concealed, such as undermount drawer slides that showcase the beauty of the drawerbox or concealed hinges that give a clean finish to cabinet doors. Clean lines, small gaps and tight reveals between doors and drawers are the job of functional hardware. Design demand for functional hardware is all about quality products in the kitchen.

FINISH LINE

When it comes to hardware finishes, the standards remain the same- nickel, stainless and polished chrome lead the way. At the same time, manufacturers see demand for antique finishes and bronzes as well as some more modern finishes. Nickel still sells best, but every variation on the silver color is increasing in demand. There's also been some call for bold, bright colors, such as red, yellow, orange and ruby as well as a revival of antique finishes applied on large contemporary handles. Polished finishes are making the big push in kitchen and bath hardware. A polished chrome or polished stainless steel fixture can really enhance the surroundings design, especially white, black or bold primary colors. Satin stainless steel never seems to experience any waning in popularity mainly due to its versatility, low maintenance and durability.

SIZING UP

When it comes to size, oversized or decorative hardware seems to be trending upwards. At the same time, there's still demand for hardware that is small and unobtrusive and even some desire for no hardware at all on the fronts of cabinets and doors.
Customers appreciate choices in terms of the length of the pulls. IF they have tall pantry doors or large drawers, they want a larger-scale pull.There is also a trend toward large hardware due to the prevalence of large doors and drawers in kitchens. Over-sized cabinet hardware is predominantly being used in larger kitchens, but over-sized knobs are also being chosen for furniture restoration projects.

MOVEMENT MATTERS

Functional hardware is all about ensuring that products work the way a customer needs them to. On doors and drawers, that means movement-whether sliding, swinging open or lifting up and out of the way. In design, movement is key to the role of functional hardware. One wants to feel the drawers glide in and out with a slight push/pull, or they want to ath as their cabinet doors close smoothly and softly without slamming.

Using lift mechanisms for upper cabinets is a trend coming out of Europe. Bi-fold, parallel and standard flap lifters are all being utilized more in the kitchen environment, opening up all types of design opportunities. Another trend that has to do with movement is the rise of sliding doors. Sliding doors have come and gone and are now coming back, They aren't used everywhere in the kitchen, but in a couple of key places where they can help access keep the work flow going without doors or drawers out in the work space.