In custom furniture design, the hardware selection can dramatically alter the look of the piece.  The same is true with cabinetry in the kitchen or bathrooms.  When I draw a custom piece of furniture or cabinetry, I usually draw it with three of four different hardware options and then decide from those drawings which is the best fit for the environment I am trying to create.  If the budget allows it, my favorite place to look for quality hardware is The Nanz Company, based out of New York.  Here are a few examples of their hardware:

The option on the right would be nice to use on a sliding door.  The middle option would be adorable in a boy’s bathroom used on the cabinetry and that one to the left is a nice polished, versatile option that would complement a clean-lined bedside table or maybe the hardware for the drawers in a man’s closet.

Changing the finish of the hardware can alter the feel of the piece as well.  Brass, copper, nickel, brushed, smooth?? This is another detail to think about when selecting hardware.

Here are a few examples from Kelly Wearstler’s book of some beautiful, unique hardware selections.

Sometimes you can find antique hardware at an estate sale or flea market to use for a project (Liz’s Hardware in Los Angeles is a great resource for antique hardware).  If the piece is not the correct finish (let’s say it’s brass and the rest of your room is polished nickel), you can always have the piece re-plated in a custom finish.  In San Francisco, I recommend Biro and Sons, located in the South of Market neighborhood.

Think of this as accessorizing your outfit.  What jewels would you select for you home?