Interior design gets a reputation for being all throw pillows and mood boards, but let’s be honest: the real magic is in the metal. Cabinet hardware, door handles, drawer pulls, and all the shiny bits that literally hold your home together.

At Loczi Design, we like to say: great interiors aren’t built on fluff, they’re forged in the fire—brass, nickel, bronze, matte black. You get the idea.

The Jewelry of the Home

Think of a burnished brass pull on a walnut cabinet. Or a brushed nickel faucet catching morning light. These are punctuation marks in your design. A period, an exclamation, maybe even a flirty ellipsis.

“Hardware finishes are what tie together flooring, lighting, and paint into one cohesive story,” says Eva Klein, our Senior Designer. “They’re subtle, but they pack a punch."

Where the Magic Happens

We’ve long had a crush on Armac Martin, a Birmingham-based workshop that’s been making solid brass hardware since 1929. These aren’t your average knobs. These are hand-finished, heirloom-quality pieces with attitude. Their catalog is basically a jewelry store for design nerds, with over 20 finishes to play with.

You can go warm with Antique Brass. Cool with Polished Chrome. Dramatic with Aged Bronze. The point is: no one is here for bland.

Match Your Metal to the Mood

Eva breaks it down like this:

Burnished Brass: Warm, timeless, layered. Great with darker cabinets or vintage energy.
Polished Nickel: Sleek, crisp, reflective. Perfect next to Carrara marble and cooler tones.
Aged Bronze: Deep and moody. Ideal in libraries, offices, and bold powder rooms.
Matte Black: Graphic and modern. Can be overdone but works beautifully in moderation.

Just like your shoe closet, different metals bring different energy. One says Paris townhouse. The other says Carmel bungalow with an edge.

Wait, Can I Mix Metals?

You can. And you should. But don’t treat it like a hardware sample sale. There’s a method to the magic.

Loczi-Approved Tips for Mixing Finishes:

70/30 Rule: Let one finish dominate. Let the others play backup singer.
Repeat for Cohesion: Polished nickel on the faucet? Echo it in a light fixture or drawer pull nearby.
Warm with Warm, Cool with Cool: Brass loves bronze. Nickel pairs with chrome. This isn’t a Vegas buffet. Pick thoughtfully.
Consider the Room: Mixing works best in kitchens and baths. A brushed brass pull with polished nickel plumbing can feel intentional, not chaotic.

Hardware Changes the Light

Polished finishes bounce light. Matte ones absorb it. Shiny metal makes a space feel crisp and fresh. Antique metal brings in depth and soul. It’s the difference between a mimosa brunch glow and a candlelit dinner.

Bottom Line: Hardware Matters

Good design is all about layers. Paint is important. Lighting is key. But hardware? Hardware is personal. You touch it every day. It lives at the intersection of beauty and function.

If you’re choosing finishes for your remodel, refreshing a space with new pulls, or just trying to escape the tyranny of brushed nickel everything, we’re here for you.

Want to see what great hardware can do for your home?
Check out our portfolio or reach out to us. We'll help you find your perfect match - in metal.

Why the Right Hardware Is Like the Perfect Pair of Earrings (But for Your Cabinets)