Choosing the Right Door Hardware for Style and Function

Even the most subtle design changes can leave a lasting impression—and door hardware is a perfect example. Frequently overlooked, these elements hold the potential to refine and elevate a home’s overall design. 

In this feature, we’ll explore how to thoughtfully select hardware that complements a range of architectural styles, adding polish and sophistication to every entryway.

Knobs vs. Levers

Interior knobs and levers may serve the same function, but they offer distinctly different aesthetics and experiences. Knobs, with their classic, rounded form, lend themselves beautifully to traditional or vintage-inspired spaces, while sleek, streamlined levers evoke a more modern, minimalist appeal.

Levers are particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas where ease of use is essential—whether for young children or aging hands—while knobs introduce a sense of quiet sophistication, making them an elegant choice for formal dining rooms, guest accommodations, or a refined home study.

Understanding Privacy, Passage, Dummy, and Flush Sets

In a well-designed home, even the hardware should feel intentional—and choosing between privacy, passage, dummy, and flush sets is where function meets finesse. Privacy sets offer a sleek locking solution for bedrooms and bathrooms, while passage sets, free of locks, are ideal for spaces that invite effortless flow, like hallways and closets.

Dummy sets add a decorative flourish to the fixed side of double doors, and flush pulls provide a clean, contemporary finish for pocket or sliding doors. Each type enhances both form and function, ensuring every detail of your home is thoughtfully considered.

Front Door Fixtures & Finishes

Front door hardware is the jewelry of the entryway—an opportunity to make a striking first impression with a touch of refinement and personality. From classic handle sets to sleek, contemporary pulls, the style and finish should echo the architectural character of the home while creating a harmonious bridge to the interior.

When guiding clients, we look at the full design story—from exterior textures to interior tones—to curate hardware that doesn’t just match, but elevates the entire entry experience with a sense of cohesion, elegance, and intention.

Traditional Hardware vs. Touch Keypads

Traditional exterior hardware exudes timeless sophistication, adding a sense of craftsmanship and architectural detail that elevates the entryway with enduring style. Touch keypads, in contrast, offer a refined fusion of innovation and elegance—delivering seamless, keyless access with a clean, modern silhouette.

While traditional hardware allows for greater design expression through intricate finishes and forms, touch keypads offer effortless functionality with a contemporary edge. We guide clients toward the perfect pairing of beauty and utility, ensuring their entry makes a statement that’s both polished and personal.

Choosing the Right Color & Finish

From the bold sophistication of matte black to the soft luster of satin nickel and the rich warmth of brushed brass, door hardware finishes are a subtle yet powerful design element. Matte black offers a modern, dramatic touch and resists fingerprints beautifully, while satin nickel provides a versatile, understated sheen that complements a wide range of interiors.

Brushed brass lends a sense of refined warmth and quiet luxury. Clients typically select finishes not only for their visual harmony with the surrounding design, but also for how beautifully they’ll patina and how effortlessly they maintain their elegance with everyday use.

For more design inspo, read 3 Bold New Color Palettes Redefining Interior Design.

Though it may seem like a small detail, door hardware quietly shapes the tone of a space—adding beauty, intention, and a sense of completion. That’s why we take a curated, considered approach to guide you through the selection process, narrowing the possibilities to uncover pieces that align seamlessly with your style and lifestyle—enhancing your home with refined function and thoughtful distinction.

If you would like a professional's opinion about transforming your home with small but important design decisions, then let's chat about the options!

Warmly,

Amy