Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_947528207

How to choose hardware in home?

last month

We’re in the process of building a new home and I’m overwhelmed with the idea of all the hardware and plumbing selections. Interior door handles, exterior door handles, cabinet hardware, faucets, multiple bathrooms, kitchen — ah!

Is there a rule of thumb you use when selecting? Like how do I make sure everything works together but it’s not too matchy matchy? Does it all need to be the same finish? Should the finish styles vary? Thanks in advance!

Comments (6)

  • last month

    You can make it as complex or simple as you want - could you get designer to help? It would be a worthwhile investment if you are not sure about your choices


    FWIW we just went through this, I think it’ best to try to chunk out the decisions - and try to keep perspective that a lot of it is changeable down the road (i really worked to avoid hang wringing, tried to just decide and move on)


    I prefer chrome in baths bc it’s been around forever and seems less trendy - also feels clean to me with the sparkle - but totally personal choice


    In the kitchen i did soft brass cab hardware (Top Knobs Honey Bronze) to jibe with lighting in the space - sink and faucet I went with stainless bc it feels like a neutral to me - but no right or wrong approach, I was doing a lake cottage and wanted it simple/serene


    do you have a Fergusons plumbing supply within driving distance? i wanted to see everything in person and our rep was super knowledgeable - we selected all kitchen and bath fixtures there


    hang in there, it is a LOT but it’s a priviledge to build so try to keep it fun if you can :)

  • PRO
    last month

    IMO matchy is the ideal and also keeps your brain from going crazy. All the same is also how to keep costs down . Fads in hardware come and go , avoid them just like any other fad in design. What colors are you drawn to in paint, your clothing etc that IMO helps you choose hardware. Stainless is IMO timeless and still the best choice for appliances and sinks in kitchens. Chrome in bathrooms pretty timeless. Door hardware hinges , handles all the same either soft brass or stainless , black if all are black can work but a very intense choice with white . If most colors you like are more earth toned then maybe a soft brass is the choice .

  • last month

    Find the best plumbing showrooms in your area. In my area there are two that are independently owned and carry a lot more things than Ferguson. One even has a room with all types of door/cabinet hardware, so you can see and touch all the samples.

    What style is the house?

    Do you want to be true to that style or do more of a modern version of it?

    Do you have any photos you can use as inspiration? Lots of photos on Houzz that you can save to Ideabooks.

    You have to have a vision for the finished look of the house, so when you see something you like, you have to ask, does it fit the vision for the house. You need to do this to rule out things you might like, but do not fit the overall vision for the house.


    Styles and finishes don't have to match throughout the house, but they should complement each other.


    I had spent 10 years remodeling/updating my previous house, so I had learned on the job and was confident in my ability to design a new build from scratch.


    If you don't feel confident doing this, then I would hire an Interior Designer to help develop the initial overall design scheme.


    My house is Spanish inspired, but with cleaner simpler lines. I have mostly straight lines, but I added softness by choosing details with curves. For example a rounded detail on inside of my shaker doors, curved door hardware, round pendants/chandeliers, slight bevel on 3 panel doors, etc.



  • PRO
    28 days ago

    Do a count. What's the budget? Observe other homes in price ranges similar to yours to develope a budget plan.

    Why?

    Interior door levels range from $30-300

    Cabinet pulls range from $3-60

    Appliance pulls start at $100

  • PRO
    26 days ago
    last modified: 26 days ago

    You're overwhelmed before you begin?

    First, What exactly are you building?

    What is the " style/flavor" of the house?

    Do you have a KITCHEN plan, and an inspo pic of what that kitchen may look and feel like? Are the cabinets to be a wood stain or are they painted?

    How many baths are there? Beyond your primary bath?

    Building a home= whether very custom, semi custom, or spec in a tract, involves same procedure start to finish

    Foundation, framing, open walls to closed walls ....the drywall that hides those ugly studs: )

    The very FIRST plumbing you will need? Shower and tub -. referred to as "plumbing rough in" LOCATION of that plumbing, toilets showers, tubs, When you select the toilet? You are selecting but one, to go in every bath that requires a toilet. Location of drains, kitchen sink, lavatory sinks. Electrical placement......all of these things happen before any "finish" as the finish shall matter not. Yes you need to know where the kitchen sink will be located, but you do not need the faucet or its finish at the same moment.

    Before all above? The layout of the home, the framing,

    As to your "hardware"question?

    Interior/exterior door STYLE usually suggests hardware style. Single panel, two panel, craftsman, slab.... generally suggest hardware style. . Door STYLE is consistent throughout an interior, as is the hardware style and finish. You wouldn't have craftsman style doors, in a mid century home, right? Nor would you want sleek matte black hardware on a raised six panel door in a two story colonial!

    Kitchen.............there is no need or want for more than two finishes in a kitchen. Will the appliances be stainless? ( highly recommended, b.t.w ) .That counts as ONE finish. What looks good with stainless? Satin nickel / stainless faucet and any ACCENT you may like in a warm brass or a matte black that can be hardware, lighting or both. . Stainless abounds in cabinet hardware as do the others mentioned. What I avoid entirely? Polished nickel in plumbing. It's not a good mixer, limits what can be successfully paired with it., it spots like crazy.!!. Door and drawer style in a kitchen will suggest style of that hardware, in the very same way.

    Baths........You want "forever" and zero worry over many years? It's polished chrome. Yes you will see a ton of in the moment matte black. Yes you will see lots of champagne bronze, My advice? CLOSE YOUR EYES to both, and do chrome. It's been with us for hundreds of years, it cleans up like a dream, always looks sparkly.

    Need an accent in those baths? Save it for the ACCESSORY hardware! For a mirror! Fro lighting!

    What am I telling you? You eat an elephant a single bite at a time. You begin with that floor plan, The WALLS, the traffic flow through your home,, You begin in that kitchen , the baths, and the FUNCTIONAL storage, appliances, fixtures.

    What will be the flooring in the home? The more of one flooring, the better, The more unity you will have, the more spacious your home will feel.

    The elephant bite is the opposite of panic/overwhelm. You begin.....at the beginning.

    Show us the plan and a few inspo pics. Start right there: )

    Hardware worry before that is what we call a buggy waaaaaaay out in front of your HORSE.