Choosing Interior Door Hardware With Rejuvenation
Our process and tips for choosing interior door hardware
Interior door hardware is one of those small details that makes a big difference in a home. There are so many options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to go through the process of selecting a style and finish that works for you.
Over the years of working with clients, we've learned a lot about how to select interior door hardware, and today, we're sharing a few of our tried-and-true tips with you!
Recently, we had the opportunity to partner with Rejuvenation on The McGee Home project, and one of the first things we decided on was our interior door hardware.
We've been working with Rejuvenation for several years now to source everything from lighting to cabinet knobs. They've been so supportive of our growth every step of the way, and we love their wide range of styles and finishes to complete every home. Rejuvenation's commitment to quality aligns with the McGee brand to create the perfect synergy, making their selections a go-to for our design team.
In the recent design of The McGee home, we finally experienced the process of choosing interior hardware from the other side of the table for the first time. Here are a few tips that helped us along the way:
FIND ONE STYLE FOR THE ENTIRE HOME
When choosing interior door hardware, it's important to consider the entire home. There are so many factors that play into the process, but we always start with a cohesive style.
"Although we do mix metals and styles throughout the house, we keep interior door hardware the same everywhere for consistency." - Shea McGee
If you have a more traditional style home, tall backplates are a great way to implement that look into the details. For more modern style homes, smaller backplates with more of a square shape tend to work really well. Consider which style of door hardware will work throughout the whole space rather than what you like for that one room.
"I love the historic feeling of a backplate, and Rejuvenation has great options for that look. I ended up going with a knobbed version in our new home, and I love how heavy duty it is when you turn it." - Shea McGee
RESEARCH THE FINISHES
In the process of choosing a finish, our design team recommends getting to know each one and how they perform to get a better sense of what to do. Does your finish patina? Does it show fingerprints? What will it look like after years of touching it? Rejuvenation has all of these details and more under the description of each finish on their website, making it easy to determine what will work best for you.
"We had this new home, but I still wanted it to have some aged character, so I decided to go with Unlacquered brass door hardware. I love unlacquered brass because as time goes on and as you touch it more and more, it develops and patinas, bringing more depth to new spaces." - Shea McGee
When it comes to the style of finishes, we have our take on which category each finish falls under, here is a guide we created for reference:
THINK ABOUT SCALE AND SHAPE
In a new build, our design team recommends choosing your door style at the same time as your hardware.
"It's good to keep things consistent, so when you're picking your door style, choose the hardware at the same time. That way, you know it will work through the entire home rather than 'I like this door hardware just for this space'" -Kelsie Lindley, lead designer.
Pay attention to the scale and shape of your door to appropriately fit your hardware. If you have a large door, it's best to use a larger hardware style to keep it on scale.
Sometimes we like to contrast vertical door styles with softer curved hardware and detailing, in the McGee home, we used the door hardware to create a pretty statement against the streamlined, white doors.
KNOW YOUR DOOR SETS
Make sure you know the function you need when ordering your door sets. There are three types, passage, a door that does not lock, privacy, a door that does lock, and a dummy knob, a door that does not click in. You would use a dummy knob on a closet door or a door that doesn't need to function.
CONSIDER THE HINGES
When we work on custom homes, we often use matching, square hinges to add extra interest and detail.
"You don't really think about matching your hinges to your door set, but it's one of those little details that makes a home look more custom." - Shea McGee
You can shop The McGee Home hinges here.
To learn more about Rejuvenation and shop their products, visit their website here.
What determined doing knobs on some doors and levers in others? I also think I saw in the hardware episode that you chose black hardware going to the backyard space. What prompted the change in finish?
We used levers in the upstairs kids’ rooms for functionality. 🙂 We actually did do the same, Unlacquered Brass door hardware in the Mudroom, is that what you’re referring to?
Thank you for your response! Perhaps it was the lighting that reflected differently to change the look of the finish. I love that you mixed up the knobs and levers and appreciate your explanation in doing so! Thank you again!!
I’m also wondering when you would mix knobs and levers! I haven’t seen that before. Thanks!
Although we keep the finish and style the same throuhougt, sometimes we mix levers and knobs. In the McGee home, we did levers in the upstairs and kids’ rooms for functionality.
What are you thoughts on black hardware? I noticed that it wasn’t mentioned as a finish in the style guide in this post. Thanks!
Hi Evelina! We love using black hardware in more modern, transitional spaces. Rejuvenation’s "Oil Rubbed Bronze," shown above is one of our favorite black-like variations.
Where did you get your mudroom dutch door hardware?
Jennifer, what did you pick? Your new build sounds like mine and I am lost!
We are building a farmhouse but with a transitional feel. I am thinking about painting the interior doors black or some shade of gray but with burnished brass knobs. Would the hinge then match the knobs or should I go with a darker hinge to match the door? The other option is to just go with matte black hardware but I like the idea of a hint of "gold". We will have black windows with white walls, white oak floors and beams and a stone fireplace. So many decisions… What are your thoughts?
I feel like door hardware is something that is so easily overlooked, and yet it makes all the difference in your home. Thank you for the tips.
Have a nice day.
Renaud
http://blogbyrenaud.wordpress.com
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Hi! I noticed Satin Nickel was left off the list but have seen it used in some of your projects. What category would this fall under?
Can you provide info on the doors? Are they solid wood or MDF?
Great, informative article. Can you give advice on door hardware finish? I am planning brass light fixtures with the polished nickel plumbing fixtures with a hint of oil rubbed bronze in the curtain rods, pictures frames or furniture. My kids upstairs bathrooms contain all chrome plumbing fixtures. Is it better to go with oil rubbed bronze door hardware throughout the house or a shade of brass?