Increasing your home’s value need not break the bank, nor should it always involve big-ticket items like remodeling a bathroom or kitchen or even replacing a floor. To put it simply, think about three basic renovation categories: remodeling, refinishing, and redressing. Redressing is the category that is easiest to accomplish and costs the least. Installing new cabinet hardware, new doorknobs, new faucets, and new accessories can give your home an affordable and fun mini makeover. Here are a few tips to consider for a home redress:
Consistency is key
In your home’s design—just like in your wardrobe—things are better if they complement each other in some way. So, select a finish or two that match each other and use those details throughout your entire home, especially if you have an open concept design. All things considered, though, you can mix and match hardware; just follow some basic guidelines and remember hardware is the jewelry of your home. It’s a small detail, but it has a big impact.
Mixing hardware finishes adds a bit of style and dimension and sometimes can infuse your personality. However, mixing and matching is an art that will require you to not only know how and when to do it as well as when not to. Stay true to the design rule that says interest = good; clutter = bad. Here are a few dos and don’ts to consider:
DO abide by the rule of threes. Visually, details in threes are more satisfying than not, so use up to three metal finishes per room. If your space is a large one, you might can get away with four, but be careful not to create clutter.
DO mix shiny finishes with matte, and warm finishes with cool. “Opposites attract” is true in hardware, too. Mixing polished chrome and polished nickel can add subtle dimension to a space.
DO emphasize an accent piece by contrasting both style and finish. For example, a room full of modern black hardware can be accented with a single vintage brass or gold piece.
DO pick two or three finishes and use them throughout your entire home. Choose one or two as your dominant finishes and then use a third as an accent.
DO create additional contrast by also mixing complementary shapes.
DO buy the best quality you can afford. Hardware is an important feature that should look and feel good. Since the investment is relatively small, invest in the best looking, best quality you can.
DON’T mix too many styles and finishes in the same room. If the finishes are different then the styles should at least be similar. The exception here is if you’re accentuating a single piece.
DON’T introduce new finishes in every room of the house. If you’ve already mixed a couple of finishes in one room, don’t add any more to the other rooms as the intention is to create flow with hardware as the connecting force. Too much becomes too choppy.
DON’T go too far. For example, combining circles and squares can enhance the contrast, but any more than this will become overwhelming. When mixing shapes and finishes, rely on focused combinations.
DON’T forget to complement your exterior hardware with the rest of your home.
Go modern, but classic
Accessories and hardware are somewhat inexpensive ways to enjoy design trends, unlike painting an entire room a bright green that you’ll likely grow tired of quickly. If you just absolutely love that crazy drawer pull and can’t live without it, then go right ahead. However, since the whole point of redressing is to update and modernize, then try to select clean, modern pieces that will stay stylish for years to come.
Combine flair and function
As much as you want your hardware and fixtures to look great, don’t forget about function. These are details that you’ll apply daily, so make sure they will stand up to the demands you’ll make on them. Test cabinet knobs and pulls for comfortable grip to ensure that you won’t be frustrated with your choice. Make sure the faucet is the right size for the sink so you won’t constantly have a mess to clean up. You can enjoy both flair and function, just don’t forego one for the other.
Broaden your horizons
Use your creativity to find great hardware in places you might not consider. For example, just because you are replacing kitchen hardware doesn’t mean you have to stay in the kitchen section. Go for some untraditional functionality, such as a cool bathroom towel bar on your kitchen island for easy access to dishtowels or install modern cabinet knobs and pulls on a dated dresser or armoire or use bathroom hooks and racks in your mud and laundry room.
Take it outside
Your front door is the first detail people see when they visit, and studies reveal that replacing your front door and hardware is one of the best return-on-investment (ROI) projects for your home. A new door handle, knocker, mail slot and light fixture will make your house stand out from the crowd and add instant curb appeal.
Best of all, these simple updates won’t stress your wallet and won’t stress your brain. You can take your time and have a little fun planning what your final look will be.
