Greetings!

Just like choosing the right jewelry or tie to complete your outfit, choosing the right hardware completes your room's design. Remodeling or building consists of making decisions about every element from your cabinets to your countertops, flooring, lighting, and more. The whole process is expensive, and your design must stand the test of time. This's month's newsletter is here to help you put the finishing touches to your new space!

Whether you are thinking about a new kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, adding an outdoor entertainment space or putting in that dream bar, our inspiration gallery is a great place to start getting ideas. For even more information, you can also check out some of our past newsletters for exciting tips for all rooms in your home. Our talented designers have years of experience and are just waiting to share with you their expertise, so contact us today!

Also don't forget to Like Us on Facebook and Instagram for more information on current trends, cool new products, before - progress - after photos of our jobs and so much more!
Hardware is Like Jewelry
for Your Cabinets
The hardware you choose complements each element of your design and pulls all those elements together. Your hardware choices are also a way to put your personal style on your room in a way that enhances your design, but it's also easily swapped if your tastes change. The same way your outfit looks different depending on if you wear your simple gold earrings or your diamond drops, your hardware choice will significantly influence your design's tone, feel, and style. 

When it comes to cabinet hardware, you have relatively endless options. We're going to look at how you can select the right hardware style to bring out the best of your design.

Here are some key things to consider...
What Do We Mean When We Say Cabinet Hardware?
Hardware allows you to easily open your cabinet doors and drawers. Typically the hardware is one of the last decisions you'll make during your design process. The only exception is choosing cabinets designed to work without hardware, like those using recessed channels or cutouts. Basically, when we're talking about cabinet hardware, it fits into two categories: knobs and pulls. Knobs attach with a single screw, while pulls can be used either on cabinet doors or drawers and typically attach with two or more screws. Some decorative hardware comes with a backplate that lies flat against the door.
Choosing Cabinet Hardware Style
When the time comes to make your cabinet hardware choices, you will have a vast array of choices and options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming! The best option is to use the style of your home as a guide. This can help you narrow your choices considerably. 

Knobs come in various shapes, including round, square, rectangular, novelty, and more. Sizes can vary, but they are typically smaller. Like knobs, pulls (also referred to as handles) come in a wide range of options, including bar, ring, and cup pulls. Drop handle pulls give your cabinets a more furniture-like look, while recessed pulls are built into the door facing and offer a sleeker, more modern look. Like knobs, pulls come in a range of colors and materials.

One design option is that most drawers should have pulls, and doors have knobs, but not every vertical surface should be treated the same. Today, many homeowners choose to mix knobs and pulls, but typically keep the style and/or finish consistent. Proper sizing of pulls makes a big difference in your design. By keeping finishes or style consistent and properly sizing your pulls, you can create a more custom, designer look.

Choosing the Right Finish
Once you've chosen the right type of hardware for each drawer and door, it's time to select the perfect finish. You have a wide range of finishes to choose from. From chrome to black to brass and bronze, each finish offers its own distinct charm. A modern finish like stainless steel can coordinate perfectly with high-end appliances. If you're looking for a more traditional old-world elegance, bronze or brushed gold is an excellent choice. It creates a warm and welcoming ambiance. If you're looking for a more luxurious idea, why not explore a pewter finish. Even though this finish is on the dark side of the metal family, it picks up light and casts a soft glow! 
Defining Your Design: It's All In The Details!
Even though cabinet hardware is small in scale, it is truly one of the most prominent and defining details in every design. It has a dramatic effect on the look and feel of the space. When done correctly, decorative cabinet hardware can take your design to a new level. Vintage glass knobs, solid brass pulls, wrought iron handles, even stone knobs are just some of the unique choices available…. And when using unique designs and materials, you can take your space from just ok to fabulous!

Make selections that fit into your room's overall design style. Consider your light fixtures, faucet, and other décor details. If you're room has clean lines and minimalist details, consider hardware that is sleek and contemporary. In contrast, if your style leans more toward European elegance, old-world ornate pieces might be more fitting.

Try including specialty hardware pieces into your design to add luxury without sacrificing functionality. For example, an ornate ring pull can enhance your Italian inspired design. Looking for a timeless element? Try brass pulls with delicate rosette details. Starburst knobs, animal pulls, or stone knobs can add an eye-catching aesthetic. Or add texture with polished steel or hammered brass that feels great to the touch.

It's amazing what a little jewelry can do! Your cabinet hardware is the jewelry your design needs to take your room from drab to fab! Through the use of unexpected, luxurious selections, you can dramatically impact the look and feel of your space while maintaining perfect functionality for everyday use.
Product Spotlight!
Our clients love that we include a hardware with our cabinet packages. When it comes time to choose your "jewelry" for the cabinets, we have a hardware room full of hundreds of samples just waiting for your to touch, feel and find your style!

Stop in our showroom today to see the latest styles from Top Knobs, Atlas, Richelieu, and Hardware Resources.
This Month's Feature Recipe
Flat Iron Steak with Charred Scallion Salsa
Flat Iron steaks are tender and juicy cuts of steak that are great for grilling. It best to cook them to medium rare to ensure it doesn't become too tough. Cook for a few minutes longer for medium doneness and your steak will still be nicely tender. Top of your steak with an easy charred scallion salsa for a bright and fresh dressing. 

Ingredients
  • 6 scallions
  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
  • 1 red mini bell pepper, seeded, stemmed, and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley leaves
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 2 flat iron steaks (8 oz. each) 
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. On a large plate, drizzle scallions with a bit of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 
  2. On another plate, drizzle steaks with oil and season all over with salt and pepper.  
  3. Add scallions to grill and cook, turning a few times, until tender and slightly charred in places, about 4 minutes. Remove to a work surface and let cool slightly. 
  4. Add steak to grill and cook until medium rare, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer steaks to cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest, 10 minutes. 
  5. Meanwhile, trim and discard the root end and thinly slice remaining charred scallions. In a medium bowl, whisk oil and vinegar until well combined. Stir in chopped scallion, mini bell pepper, parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Slice steak and serve topped with salsa. 

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CHW Cabinetry, LLC
1819 Two Notch Rd
Lexington, SC 29073
Ph: 803-520-6837