Selecting the right architectural hardware for your project: key considerations and design inspiration

Door hardware is often considered the jewellery of the interior, and just like jewellery it can last a lifetime if you make quality choices.

“It's often at least a decade that hardware can be in-house for so we do want to ensure that it has longevity both visually and functionally,” says Windsor Architectural Hardware’s Breidi McStay. 

In the past, traditional-style hardware was all the rage - with corbels and highly decorative elements - but these days more minimalist-style designs are popular.

“Now people like the lines to be a lot cleaner, a lot more minimal, and to let finishes do the talking,” she shares. 

To find out how to choose designs that will last the distance, we asked McStay to share the key considerations for selecting the right hardware for your home. 

The trend for ‘living’ finishes on door hardware

One of the most significant contemporary trends in architectural hardware at the moment in New Zealand is the movement towards ‘living’ finishes. This is where raw brass products go through a series of metal treatments to achieve a range of bronze and brass tones are left without a coating so that they develop an aged look over time. 

“People are really enjoying being able to see their hardware patina over time, and it giving more of that organic look to their home.”

Living finishes offer a more sustainable option too, as the metal isn’t covered in a lacquer or coating, which is less environmentally friendly.  

“These finishes support conscious purchasing and conscious consumption because they have longevity and people are conscious of putting quality products that last the distance in their home, rather than those that may deteriorate quickly and will need to be upgraded.”

Sustainable solutions for architectural hardware

The move towards more sustainable solutions across the construction sector is positively impacting consumers’ choices when it comes to architectural hardware. 

“People have become more conscious of knowing where their products come from, ensuring that it's ethically sourced as well as being conscious of the base material.” 

Packaging also plays a big part in the move towards sustainability and McStay says Windsor Architectural Hardware is careful in ensuring their packaging is recyclable.

Longevity of products is a foundational aspect of sustainability too, because having to replace products more frequently contributes to the amount of unnecessary waste going to landfill. 

“If you select quality solid brass hardware in a timeless design it can be in your home for 20 or 30 years –  it's something that you don't have to continue replacing.”

Customise your hardware

If you really want to take your hardware to the next level then customisation is key, says McStay.

“First impressions count and front doors make a big impact on the feeling of the home when you arrive. We're getting lots of custom requests for front door handles in particular because people are wanting to do something that’s a little bit outside square so we’re creating custom shapes and sometimes custom finishes too. It's a really awesome opportunity for us to be able to supply that to our designers, and we're doing it more and more.”

“We've had some projects in the past that we have customised hardware for hidden fridges, and kitchens where they are wanting something that's weightier to be able to kind of take that force of a fridge and make it into a bit of a feature.”

Custom finishing is becoming more common too, with clients purchasing tapware first and then having the door hardware custom finished to match. 

New solutions for replacing existing hardware

When retrofitting existing hardware with new, the biggest challenge is choosing hardware that will fit into or cover the holes made from the previous handles. Sometimes it’s difficult to get a perfect match and in response to this common issue Windsor Architectural Hardware developed beautiful adapter plates for door handles and backing plates that can be set behind cabinet handles.

“We can finish them to match the handles, and they become a feature as well as a really good retrofit solution.”

Explore contemporary architectural hardware solutions from Windsor Architectural Hardware