How to Choose Vintage and Contemporary Hardware Styles

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We may be biased, but selecting cabinet hardware is an often overlooked but important declaration of a home’s overall style and design aesthetic. Finding the perfect cabinet hardware style for your home or project can be challenging with the many styles available to choose, mix, and match today.

If you are stuck between selecting vintage pieces or contemporary styles, we can help. Use this guide to understand the design elements that define vintage and contemporary hardware, the benefits of each style, and how you can create anything you can dream of with custom pieces from Rocky Mountain Hardware.

What Elements Define Vintage Hardware Styles?

Vintage hardware pays homage to bygone eras and embodies a time when fine detail and artistic flourishes were en vogue. These pieces are typically inspired by historical periods, from the elaborate swirls of the Baroque to the intricate filigree of the Victorian era.

Vintage hardware is characterized by ornate patterns, aged finishes, and a robust presence that commands attention and catches the eye. The benefit of vintage-style hardware is its ability to bring a rich, classical ambiance to a space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere steeped in nostalgia.

Consider the ornate and worldly pieces in the Rocky Mountain Hardware Briggs and Bordeaux collections if vintage-inspired cabinet hardware appeals to you.

2 MAIN Phases RMH JH Residence 12 2

What Elements Define Contemporary Hardware Styles?

Contemporary hardware, on the other hand, is the epitome of current design. It boasts clean lines, sleek forms, and a minimalist approach that prioritizes functionality without compromising style.

This type of hardware often features smooth surfaces, simple shapes, and materials that reflect the latest trends in design, such as darker finishes or mixed metals. The primary advantage of contemporary hardware is its versatility and ability to complement any design style, from traditional to modern.

However, while contemporary styles are easy to mix and match, the simplicity may not appeal to those who appreciate the intricate details of vintage and vintage-inspired designs.

If you’re looking for contemporary cabinet hardware for an upcoming project or room redesign, Phases is the latest designer collaboration by Rocky Mountain Hardware and Suede Studio. This collection is a remarkable fusion of craftsmanship and contemporary design for kitchens and baths. The smooth curve of the Pivot knob is especially striking on any contemporary cabinet.

Features and Benefits of Vintage and Contemporary Style

The allure of vintage hardware lies not only in its aesthetics but also in its ability to tell a story. Each knob, pull, or hinge is a testament to the design ethos of its time, offering depth and texture to cabinet doors and drawers. Vintage hardware can effortlessly refine the overall design of any kitchen, room, or bathroom.

In contrast, contemporary hardware offers a subtle yet impactful way to express modern sensibilities. The sleek design helps maintain a clean, uncluttered, practical, and visually appealing look. Moreover, contemporary hardware styles can be easily integrated into various designs, ensuring they remain timeless despite changing trends.

How Custom Made Hardware Can Achieve Your Style Goals

Custom-made hardware from Rocky Mountain Hardware is the bridge between personal expression and exceptional design. Whether you gravitate towards the intricate details of vintage styles or the understated elegance of contemporary designs, custom solutions from Rocky Mountain Hardware offer an opportunity to infuse your home with a unique personality.

Custom hardware allows you to easily blend design styles, mix metals, and incorporate specific motifs. Investing in custom bronze hardware also ensures that it fits the physical dimensions of your cabinets, doors, and drawers and the precise vision for your design.

Find a Rocky Mountain Hardware Dealer to Bring Your Style to Life

At Rocky Mountain Hardware, we understand that the right piece of hardware is not merely a functional element but a defining component of your home’s style identity.

Our custom bronze hardware is crafted with the utmost respect for vintage-inspired styles and contemporary trends. We take pride in providing design professionals and homeowners with exquisite, high-quality hardware tailored to fit any style. From our art-grade quality bronze to our hand-applied patina, every detail is designed to create home hardware that stands the test of time.

We invite you to explore what’s possible with Rocky Mountain Hardware. Find a dealer near you to assist in selecting or customizing the perfect hardware to complete your cabinet hardware style narrative, whether it harkens to historical grandeur or speaks boldly of modern elegance.

Cortney Gillett
Sales Director, Rocky Mountain Hardware
Cortney takes great pride in the sustainability aspect and tremendous quality of Rocky Mountain Hardware’s expansive product line. He has held various positions at Rocky Mountain Hardware over the past 19 years and now holds the position of Sales Director with the company. Although he truly enjoys the day-to-day operations, he is passionate about working with clients to create new designs and lasting relationships.

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