bling bling

Hardware is like jewelry--it is a cabinet's best way to accessorize, a drawer's best friend. And after all my kitchen has been through in its long, betrodden life, I feel like it could use a real pick-me-up in the form of some new bling. 

My cabinet maker only wanted to work with two particular hardware companies, and of course neither carried the line of hardware I wanted  HAD to have. So, we all know what happens next. In true April fashion, I did what I only know how to do. For the past few years I have been completely obsessed with one particular line of hardware, which is way over budget and is almost always completely out of stock. Story of my life. So I moved on to the brass hardware by Nest Studio, which hasn't helped much in either department. 

via Nest Studio

I did have a torrid love affair with the idea of lucite and brass hardware, and I'm not sure it is officially over. But, for once in my life, I am not being ridiculously stubborn and am actually taking heed to the negative reviews some people have given to the brass/lucite combo in the kitchen. If a lucite pull were to break a month after this reno is over, in reality, I probably would go ape shit. So, perhaps not the best bet for me. Although let me wipe the drool from my mouth while I continue to ogle at it. 

via Sweet Home Charlotte

Moving on. There are so many great options out there, but this hardware spoke to me in a rather loud voice. 

via Smitten Studio

It wasn't so much speaking as much as it was yelling. Hello Gorgeous.

via Smitten Studio

More displays of beauty.

via Elements of Style

via Ryan Saghian

via Blair Harris Interior Design

via Chupik Properties and Design

And, for once in my life, it seems I may have chosen an option that is not a complete budget buster and is functional and practical. What are the odds? I was having a bit of turmoil over polished vs. brushed, but I think it is because I am in a perma-trance these days. Did I mention it is 110 degrees outside and about 95 in my house. Clearly not getting much sleep over here. Samples for the kitchen cabinets came in and brushed brass is the clear winner in my house. 

Top = brushed
Bottom = polished

Polished

Brushed

These are not the actual kitchen cabinets, it was just the only surface in my house not covered in sheet rock mud or dog hair at the moment. 

And lastly, in an attempt to at least show my cabinet guy I did really try to find some options from his hardware sources, I ordered two additional samples from his place. The top two in the first photo and the two to the far left in the second photo are from his source, Top Knobs.

They are perfectly fine, I just feel kind of ambivalent towards them. So, as no surprise to anyone, I am being hard headed and sticking with the option my cabinet maker did not say was an option.


Being the brass monkey that I am, I am also including a few other good men below. I think I may use option numero uno for the back bar in the sun room. 

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And since you clearly haven't gotten your daily fix of brass yet, here's one more last pop. Our contractor has been working so hard he literally knocked the door off the hinges. I'm not kidding. He was carrying in load after load of sheet rock and accidentally knocked the door to the point the hinge broke. But being the thoughtful person that he is, and also likely hearing my crazy voice in the back of his mind, he went and picked out these replacement hinges all on his own. Without my input. That took some major panache, but I couldn't have done it better myself. They even have cute little acorn finials which are so fitting given the 8 million acorns I pick up from our giant oak tree every fall. They came from Briggs Hardware, which is also kind of nostalgic, since one of the owners of Briggs used to live at one of my favorite houses at the corner of our street and, sadly, Briggs Hardware is closing in July. Lucky for you, everything is 50% off!