Reviving Your Doors: From Drab to Fab
I’ll admit it – door hardware is not the first thing that springs to my mind when it comes to home renovations. Heck, I barely notice it most days as I breeze in and out of rooms. But let me tell you, the moment I started swapping out those old, mismatched knobs and hinges, I was completely floored by the transformation. It’s like my house just got a whole new lease on life!
You see, I used to have this hodgepodge of partially painted-over metal hinges and brushed nickel door levers that looked like they belonged in a middle school science lab, not my cozy little abode. I’d gotten so used to them over the years that I’d almost forgotten how much of a difference they made – or rather, didn’t make. Until I started replacing them, that is.
As I learned from the Lone Oak Design Co. blog, doors, knobs, and hinges are often the most overlooked elements in a house, seen as nothing more than utilitarian necessities. But boy, do they pack a punch when you actually put some thought into them! A simple swap of those old, clunky hardware pieces for some sleek, modern alternatives completely transformed the look and feel of my home.
Matching Hues and Textures
One of the key things I took away from my research was the importance of coordinating the finishes and styles of your door hardware. As Courtenay from The Creek Line House mentioned, I wanted to make sure the hardware “quietly complemented the rest of the door’s outfit versus a statement all on its own.”
For my home, that meant going with a matte, almost-black oil rubbed bronze finish for the knobs, which played nicely with the true black semi-gloss doors and the high-gloss clear antique-style glass accents. The subtle bronze detail in the knob’s “rose” (the mounting plate, as I learned) helped tie it all together without being too overpowering.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Mismatched, partially painted-over metal hinges and brushed nickel door levers | Coordinated matte black oil rubbed bronze knobs with high-gloss clear glass accents |
Functionality Meets Fashion
Of course, door hardware isn’t just about looks – it’s also gotta be functional. And as Courtenay mentioned, the type of hardware you choose can make a big difference in how easy your doors are to use.
For example, my old door levers were a real problem with my mischievous black lab, Zeus. That sneaky pup had figured out how to open doors by turning the levers with his mouth, which was both hilarious and incredibly inconvenient. Switching to knobs put a stop to his furry little B&E attempts, much to my relief.
But beyond just keeping the pets at bay, the right hardware can also enhance the overall user experience. As the Lone Oak Design Co. blog pointed out, levers and knobs each have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to think about what works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Mixing It Up (But Tastefully)
While I prefer to keep a cohesive look throughout my house, Courtenay noted that an eclectic mix of hardware can work too. She suggested pairing different hand-painted ceramic knobs in the same color palette for a beautifully mismatched effect.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the subtle coordination approach. It just feels a bit more intentional and polished to me. But I can definitely appreciate the charm of a carefully curated mix-and-match situation, especially in a home with lots of character like mine.
The Cherry on Top
Last but not least, let’s talk about hinges. As the Lone Oak Design Co. blog so aptly put it, “Maybe the most utilitarian and unassuming part of the door setup – I mean hey, they are pretty much hidden when the door is shut after all – but as I learned, they definitely do make a statement to the whole set, so you want to make sure it’s making a good statement.”
I couldn’t agree more. Those flat black hinges I chose may not be the showstopper, but they perfectly complement the rest of my door’s “outfit” by blending seamlessly into the background. It’s all about creating a cohesive, intentional look – no random mismatched hardware allowed!
A Custom Touch for Any Home
Whether you’re working with brand new doors or trying to breathe new life into some old, worn-out ones, updating your hardware is a surefire way to give your home a fresh, custom-designed feel. And the best part? It’s a relatively quick and easy project that can make a huge impact.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to ABC Home and start browsing their selection of gorgeous door hardware. Your doors (and your guests) will thank you!
