You don’t realize how much attention hardware needs until it’s not given the attention it deserves. Cabinet pulls, knobs, and door levers feel like minor decisions, but you touch them every single day. They need to stand the test of time—functionally and aesthetically. When they’re an afterthought, the whole home feels it.

One of the biggest surprises for clients is how much opportunity hardware gives you to mix metals. I actually prefer separating finishes by category: plumbing can live in one finish, hardware in another. It keeps things intentional instead of chaotic, and it opens up far more design possibilities.

Another mistake I see all the time? Undersizing pulls. I never specify anything under 6″. And when drawers get larger, one long pull centered in the middle rarely looks as tailored as people hope. Two smaller pulls—like a pair of 6″ or 8″—creates balance, proportion, and a more custom feel.

And then there are interior doors. Hardware here matters so much more than most people expect. It sets the tone for your entire home. There’s nothing worse than being in a room and struggling to turn the knob because the quality isn’t there—it instantly cheapens the whole experience and, honestly, gives me anxiety. Emtek is my go-to for a reason: weight, feel, function, longevity.

Here are a few of my recent favorites.

For cabinetry hardware, Top Knobs is my tried-and-true favorite. Their finishes hold up beautifully, the sizing options are spot-on, and they consistently offer that elevated, timeless look my clients want.

If you’re renovating or building and want help choosing hardware that actually fits your home, I’d love to help you get it right from the start.