THE FINISHING TOUCH A well-chosen piece of hardware can add a distinct character to the décor of any space

THE FINISHING TOUCH

A well-chosen piece of hardware can add a distinct character to the décor of any space

 Hardware is an integral component of any home décor because it adds to the finer nuances that define the home. The interiors of a home are incomplete without the right kind of hardware to supplement it. With changing trends, the hardware options for a home have also undergone a great transformation. Today, the range of hardware for the home has diversified as aesthetics and style have assumed importance.
    The handle or the knob for the door is no longer just a piece of accessory but it has its own style statement to make if chosen well. Signature pieces of handles that tell a story and define the owner's style are the talk of town. While clean and straight line hardware always has its appeal, it is the sculptural look, which is finding favour with the customers and users these days.
    Talking about the importance of selecting the right hardware, Mukul Goyal, Director & Principal Designer, Tattva Art Hardware says, "It is extremely important to choose the right hardware for your home. It is adding these finer final touches that add to the character of your spaces. Imagine a nice majestic door handle on your main door! It would announce your taste and personality to the visitor even before the latter rings your door bell."
    According to Goyal, sculptural styles in hardware offering a multitude of finishes in metal are very much in vogue as these fit well with the new age laminates and veneers available in the market place. Traditional designs are also making a comeback with lattice, carving and motifs from the heritage and legacy of the past. On the contemporary side, there is a huge exploration in terms of different metallic colours like copper, bronze, steel and so on.
    Interior designer Vishal Sachdev says, "People want a coordinated look for their home. If the colour scheme is in whites and blues, steel is the preferred metal for handles and knobs. For a period style of décor, the design of the handle becomes more traditional and the preference shifts to copper or bronze. For high end home décor, there are door handles that come with enamelling and silver polish. If you are on a budget, you can choose something that adds style. For example, even for kitchen cabinets or bathroom hardware, you can choose something that looks simple yet adds a fashion statement."
    There is a lot of experiment happening on the design front as well to create a sense of exclusivity and style. When it comes to home décor, people are increasingly on the lookout for anything new and different, and with hardware too it is no different. For example, Hafele has launched an interesting range of kitchen pullouts that add more colour and style to a kitchen. The range also gives customers more possibilities to personalize high fronted pull-outs. The box system is available in a vast array of materials and colours, thus providing a multitude of new possibilities for differentiation.
    Hardware Renaissance basks in the glory of handcrafted hardware pieces. Anagha Dandekar, President, Hardware Renaissance says, “There is a slow return to things that are traditional and naturally looking finishes and textures are in demand. Bespoke is the trend even for hardware considering that it comes at just 10-20% more for customised products but people want that exclusivity. Though hardware is the last element in the decor of the house, it is an important aspect. If the product is wellmade, one need not worry too much about the maintenance.”
    Hardware options are available in a wide range starting from Rs 500 to even Rs 5000 per piece and it could go higher if the range is exclusive and limited. However, one must identify the usage, the preferred style and the desired finish. It is equally important to factor in the personality of the user before one goes all out to make the choice.