The Right Finish For Your Cabinets

A common question that I get asked it what kind of finish looks best on what color cabinet. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times. It's all about preference. With that being said, some people have a preference but it just doesn't look that great. I find that silver finishes look best on darker cabinets and dark finishes look best on light cabinets.

I've put together some examples, that hopefully will aid you in your process. Granted, there are a ton more finish options on the market, but starting with the basics will (hopefully) give you a general idea.

Left to right: Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel.

As you can see above, pretty much all of the finishes look okay on the dark cabinet except the Oil Rubbed Bronze. It just sort of blends in and gets lost. I have to say, for someone who dislikes brass, even that one looks pretty good on a dark background.
Like this:

Image Courtesy of Antiques du Monde

Left to right: Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel.

 Medium toned cabinets I think are the trickiest, the above example has some distressing so the polished finishes don't look too great, but a Satin Nickel or a Weathered Nickel, and the Oil Rubbed Bronze or Blacks tend to look the best.

Left to right: Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel.

A white painted or glazed cabinet would be an easy palette to begin with (you would think) but there's so much you can do with such a neutral background you're options are pretty much endless. The only finish I don't really love on this background is the glossy brass tones and that's only because I think it gives a dated look to the cabinets.
Below is a great example of a classic design that I've seen modified a number of different ways, using dark hardware and satin nickel. 

Photo Courtesy of Decor Pad

Or a new trend that I've seen, Modern full overlay gloss white doors with brushed silver hardware.

Photo Courtesy of Red

Left to right: Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel.

Last would be a light wood toned cabinet. Which again, is fairly universal. Again, the brass isn't typically the best choice for this tone because it does get washed out. But, any silver tone looks great, and of course the Dark Bronzes and Blacks.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Shout Out!

In this industry, I get to talk to a number of different people from various backgrounds. I speak to homeowners, designers, architects, builders, cabinet makers, you name it. 
Since I take orders over the phone I notice peoples websites and I constantly look at the work people are doing. We've got some talented customers. Here's some pictures/projects that have caught my eye recently:

Jack Wilkie Builder based out of Colorado

 

MBM Custom Millworks based out of New Orleans

Pique Design based out of  California

Prutting Custom Builders based out of Connecticut

 

Telluride Woodworks based out of Colorado

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Hey January, What's New?

Here's five brand spanking new items that we've got on The Hut this month! I'm going to feature these five well, because I think they're really neat. We constantly add new items to the site so it's pretty much impossible to keep up, but I do like to flip through the category about once a month to catch up.






First up is the Amerock Abernathy knob I love this knob. It's a smidge modern, and a little traditional, it has good form. All around it's a classic design. Who would have thought that I would ever say, I actually like the look of the Oil Rubbed Bronze best, but it comes in Satin Nickel and Antique Silver as well.







Second, is the Renaissance push plate by Brass Accents. They've introduced a series of these that are all from roughly the same time period. The Gothic happens to be the one that I like best. These come in seven different finishes, and the detail on each one is pretty amazing.








If it didn't sound creepy to say, "I'm in love with this knob!" I'd say, "I'm in love with this knob!" At the moment, this is my favorite knob on our entire site. Granted, that could change in a few days but who's keeping track? This knob screams mid century modern to me, but honestly it could be used in a number of different styles. Straight out of Mad Men, I tell ya.







This isn't nearly as pretty, but cool none the less. It's a cabinet lock that's completely hidden with a keypad to lock and unlock the door. The StealthLock operates by radio frequency. Pretty slick! I think these would be really useful in medical offices, assisted living facilities,  child care centers, gyms, probably a lot more places that I can't think of.





Last, but certainly not least is the Top Knobs Aspen Bronze appliance pull. Cast Bronze isn't usually my thing and when I see it, it's typically rustic styles. This line does offer a more rustic look as well, but this particular pull is sleek. I'm beginning to really like the look of the clean lines and soft patinas mixed with the imperfections of bronze. Bonus, there's not many appliance handles on the market that are offered in Cast Bronze.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Thankful

When I started working at Spokane Hardware Supply in 2001, I don't think I anticipated being here almost 11 years later. I don't know why exactly, but I suppose the prospect of being a "Hardware Lifer" just isn't that glamorous. Over time, I really have grown to love this business. I get excited about new hardware. I look at finishes on everything. Not intentionally, it just kinda happens. Who knew?! The majority of my coworkers have been here for 10 plus years. That's pretty remarkable.

I moved across the country, from Michigan to Washington at the ripe age of 19. I moved here with two friends, that was the extent of my social circle. Not knowing anyone, my coworkers became my friends and family. Since starting here; I have had the pleasure of becoming best friends with one of my coworkers, my mom works here, we go to each others events, I've been a part of children being born, the women of SHS go on an annual road trip together.

I am thankful to be a part of this company. Especially, when I see so many companies across the country that are closing due to the economy. I definitely don't jump out of bed everyday and say, "Hey I want to go to work!" But, knowing that I have a job to go to, and working for a company like Spokane Hardware it's like adding the Whipped Cream to the Pumpkin Pie.

We wouldn't be in business this long if it weren't for awesome employees and super awesome customers like you. Truly, from everyone at Spokane Hardware & The Hardware Hut, Thank You for being a part of us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*If you'd like to purchase the adorable turkeys above, click the image. It takes you to happythoughts etsy store.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

LED Lights by Tresco

Over the years we notice trends that happen in homes. In the time that I've been doing this Oil Rubbed Bronze was a big trend in kitchens, I've seen the rise of custom panels on appliances grow into what it has, Mid Century Modern is a trend that's on the becoming popular, and LED lights in the kitchen is something relatively new but I think it'll be big in a few years.

When I think of LED lights, I usually think of commercial settings like display cases in stores, and spot lighting on signage. Task lighting in the kitchen is important and really, LED is a super smart way to go. You don't have to change light bulbs, they last forever, LED is energy efficient, and they're versatile. There are pocket lights that can be surface mounted or recessed. These can go in ceilings, in upper cabinets with glass panels, in Curio or display cabinets, you name it. We carry a line called Tresco, they make pocket lights in 1.5 watt and 3 watt and my favorite thing they make is the FlexTape. It's literally an adhesive backed roll of lights. You can put this stuff anywhere!

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Alice In Wonderland

I am a lover of movies. Typically, if it's quirky or artsy...I like it. The idea of reading something and turning it into something you can watch just fascinates me. I love a good story, or excellent acting, and I even like special effects. But, my favorite thing off all is cinematography. The way a movie is filmed, the method, technique, type of camera, type of lens, lighting, these all create the "feel" of the movie.

Do you ever see an object that reminds you of something completely different? For example, a pair of shoes that remind you of a car. The two seem completely unrelated, but it might be the lines or curves, etc. I do this all the time. Yes, this is a blog about hardware, so where am I going with this? I've done this with a number of movies and hardware. It usually happens with one piece of hardware that reminds me of a movie and then I go on a hunt to find other pieces that would fit. I've got enough pieces picked out that I might do a series of these, just because they're fun.

First up on the list: Alice In Wonderland.

I chose the Tim Burton version because well, he's Tim Burton and you're bound to get some striking effects with his movies. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, here's some stills to give you an idea of the "feel."








What kind of hardware could possibly remind me of this movie, you say?













See what I mean?

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

D.I.Y Hook Rails

I'm one of those types that sees something and says, "I can do that!" I love D.I.Y projects. In most cases you spend less money, and you get exactly what you want. We're in the age of the internet, literally everything is a few clicks of the mouse away. Do a search on the internet for almost any project your interested in and there's bound to be a tutorial. It's great!

I've gone to quite a few craft fairs, and over and over I see what I will call, hook boards. You know those boards that are mounted in your entry way with hooks on them for keys, hats, scarves, coats, etc. Usually, I see them made from reclaimed barn wood or old doors, and a few made from old windows which are actually pretty neat. The price for these usually is somewhere around $50. Now, I know not all of you are eager to start your own project. But, for those of you who are willing to give it a try, we've got some pretty cool hooks to make your own.

Here's a couple examples of different hook boards that I found online. Man, Google is an amazing tool! First up is a beachy, kind of shabby chic look. I like that the artist made a spot for a mason jar that you can use as a vase.




(Photo Courtesy Old New Again)


This one is really cool. I'm a sucker for antiquey stuff that's been re-purposed. Bonus, this one is a tutorial. *Just click the photo.




(Photo Courtesy My Salvaged Treasures)


In my opinion, I saved the best for last. Obviously, this doesn't fit into all decor but it's so stinkin fun! Again, another tutorial. *Just click the photo.




(Photo Courtesy Amanda Blake Soule of SouleMama)


Are you inspired yet?
All you need is a piece of wood, some decorative moulding, a window, old yard sticks, you can pretty much use anything with a little creativity. Some tools, and of course hooks! (Which is where I come in.)

The first example above used something like this:


The second example used a mix of old and new and various styles. I think something like these, would look good:


The last example actually used cabinet knobs instead of hooks. Pretty clever.


For those of you who aren't so crafty or just don't have the time. There's always a pre-made hook board by Amerock. Which, yes, they're not as artsy but they definitely serve the same purpose as the ones above, and they're quite reasonably priced.



Have any projects that you used hardware in creative ways? Share them with me at: erica@spokanehardware.com

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”