Matching your hardware finishes to your space: A Designer’s Guide

In design, every detail tells a story. From the texture of timber to the gleam of polished metal, each element shapes the mood and function of a space. Yet, there’s one detail often overlooked, despite its transformative power—hardware finishes.

Handles, knobs, and pulls aren’t just practical; they’re pivotal in bridging the gap between materials, creating harmony or contrast within an interior palette. Interior designer and Castella specialist Rosanne Spagnolo, believes hardware is the ultimate finishing touch. “Well-chosen hardware elevates a space,” she says. “It ties everything together while adding its own layer of personality.”

Here, we explore how to pair hardware finishes with your interior palette, offering inspiration for creating spaces that feel cohesive, intentional, and timeless.

1. Start with the Core of the Palette: Materials That Anchor the Space

Every great design begins with its foundation: the materials that define the space. Whether your palette revolves around light timbers, bold marble, or deep-toned cabinetry, hardware finishes should enhance these choices by either blending seamlessly or offering a subtle contrast.

For lighter woods, such as Tasmanian Oak or walnut, warm finishes like brushed gold or matte brass create a sense of harmony, amplifying their organic warmth. On the other hand, cool-toned materials like marble, stainless steel, or dark-stained timber find their perfect counterpart in polished chrome or nickel, whose reflective surfaces brighten and balance the palette.

Rosanne’s Advice: “The interplay between materials and finishes should feel effortless. Each element should complement the other, creating a palette that feels cohesive from the first glance.”

2. Consider the Mood: Setting the Tone Through Finishes

Hardware finishes play a defining role in establishing the mood of a space. Glossy, reflective surfaces like polished nickel or chrome exude energy and light, making them perfect for contemporary kitchens or sleek bathrooms.

In contrast, matte finishes such as brushed brass or sandcast bronze evoke warmth and intimacy, lending themselves to relaxed living spaces or serene bedrooms.

Pro Tip: A polished nickel finish adds a modern refinement that pairs beautifully with monochromatic palettes, while matte black or brushed finishes introduces an understated elegance that invites tactile connection.

Rosanne’s Insight: “Hardware isn’t just functional; it sets the tone of the room. A glossy finish feels vibrant and modern, while a matte surface adds warmth and sophistication.”

3. Cohesion Is Key: Creating Flow Across a Space

Cohesion in design doesn’t require matching every finish, but rather finding harmony. A brushed brass handle might echo the golden hues of nearby lighting, while polished chrome can reflect the sheen of faucets, subtly linking the elements.

The key is to create a unified narrative without redundancy. This approach ensures that no detail feels out of place while allowing each piece to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Rosanne’s Take: “Cohesion is about creating a narrative that flows seamlessly through the space. Every detail, from the lighting to the cabinet handles, should feel like it belongs.”

4. Prioritise Functionality Without Sacrificing Style

While aesthetics often take centre stage, the functionality of hardware is equally important. High-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms demand finishes that are durable and resistant to wear. Polished chrome, brushed nickel, and solid brass are excellent choices for these spaces, ensuring longevity without compromising beauty.

Decorative finishes like satin gold or oxidised bronze are perfect for less utilitarian spaces, such as wardrobes or living room cabinetry, where artistry can take precedence over durability.

Rosanne Recommends: “Durability is as important as aesthetics. Choosing the right materials ensures your design remains timeless and functional.”

5. Embrace Sustainability: Thoughtful Materials with Timeless Appeal

Sustainability has evolved from a design trend to an essential principle. Selecting hardware crafted from reclaimed or eco-conscious materials ensures your interiors not only look beautiful but also align with thoughtful values.

Highlight: Castella’s Hydrowood collection, made from reclaimed Tasmanian timbers submerged in the Pieman River Dam, showcases sustainability at its most luxurious. These handles celebrate renewal while enhancing interiors with their rich grains and textures.

Rosanne Notes: “Sustainable finishes add an extra layer of integrity to a space. They’re about making choices that align with both beauty and values.”

6. Elevate Every Detail: The Finishing Touch That Transforms

The right hardware doesn’t just complete a design; it elevates it. Handles, knobs, and pulls can act as sculptural accents, adding depth and artistry to any space. Whether through a tactile finish, a unique shape, or a one-of-a-kind texture, these details bring individuality to the forefront.

“Hardware should feel intentional and integral, not an afterthought,” Rosanne concludes. “It’s the thread that weaves the entire story together.”

Castella’s Linea Italiana collection, with its hand-cast bronze textures, offers sculptural beauty that transforms cabinetry into art. These artisanal pieces introduce an undeniable charm, making them ideal for spaces that demand a distinctive and luxurious touch.

Designer’s Cheat Sheet: Matching Hardware Finishes with Colours and Materials

• Silver Tones (Chrome, Stainless Steel, Nickel): White cabinetry, cool-toned marbles like Carrara, light grey tones, navy blues, greens and industrial concrete finishes

• Gold Tones (Brushed Brass, Satin Gold, Polished Brass):

• Bronze Tones (Aged Bronze, Sandcast Bronze, Oil-Rubbed Bronze): Dark timbers like walnut, rich green tones, blackened finishes, and dark marbles like Nero Marquina

• Copper Tones (Copper, Rose Gold): Light timbers like maple, blush tones, terracotta hues, cream marbles like Crema Marfil, and muted earth tones

• Gunmetal Tones (Dark Grey, Pewter, Graphite): Charcoal cabinetry, mid-grey timbers, muted blue palettes, and marbles with grey veining like Pietra Grey

• Black Finishes (Matte Black, Satin Black): Emerald greens, deep blues, stark whites, charred timbers, and dramatic marbles like Nero Portoro

• White Finishes (Matte White, Satin White): Soft pastel palettes, light timbers, white or cream marbles like Statuario, and minimalist concrete tones

• Light Colours (Creams, Neutrals, Soft Greens, Blues): Light and warm neutrals, light and dark timbers, brushed gold, satin nickel, and warm marbles like Arabescato

• Dark Colours (Emerald Greens, Navy Blues, Jewel Tones): Light and dark timbers, polished chrome, black finishes, aged bronze, and richly veined marbles like Verde Alpi

• Light Timbers (Oak, Ash, Maple): Dark or white cabinetry for contrast, cream marbles like Arabescato, sage greens and warm gold finishes

• Dark Timbers (Walnut, Charred Oak): Black or jewel-toned cabinetry, beige marbles like Calacatta, and matte black finishes

Hardware Tells a Story

The beauty of hardware lies in its subtlety. These small yet impactful elements have the power to transform interiors, creating a harmonious dialogue between materials, textures, and tones. Thoughtfully chosen, they elevate the everyday to the extraordinary, enriching the narrative of the spaces we inhabit.

By pairing the right finishes with your design palette, you’re not just completing a space—you’re enhancing its identity. After all, the art of design is found in the details.