handling architecture by stefano boeri: DUE door handle for dnd

Los Angeles interior design firm Studio Shamshiri has unveiled two new hardware collections, 'Los Angeles' and 'Ojai,' created in collaboration with New York-based hardware manufacturer The Nanz Company. These collections draw inspiration from the diverse Californian landscape, embodying the handmade 'rustic California' aesthetic for which Studio Shamshiri is renowned. Pamela Shamshiri, founder of the firm, emphasizes a natural, tactile approach, stating that the designs are rooted in the feelings one gets from encountering natural objects, like a perfect lemon or a smooth rock. The collections feature weighty cast bronze designs with lines and textures that reflect the Californian environment. The 'Los Angeles' collection presents a more refined look, incorporating polished finishes and geometric handles and knobs crafted from materials such as walnut and African blackwood, cleverly integrated with metal components. In contrast, the 'Ojai' collection embraces a more rustic charm, featuring leather-wrapped details and playful fish motifs, reflecting the wilder, country counterpart to the city's design. A core philosophy behind these collections was to ensure each piece was individually made and finished, echoing the handcrafted quality found in the homes of influential artists like JB Blunk, Georgia O'Keeffe, Gordon Onslow Ford, David Ireland, Russel Wright, and Harvey Fite. Shamshiri cites Georgia O'Keeffe's home and her collection of natural objects as a significant source of inspiration, aiming for the hardware to provide a sensory impression and act as 'tactile jewelry' for a home. Surrealist elements are also woven into the designs, such as the 'Fish Lever' in the 'Ojai' collection and the 'Potato Knob' in the 'Los Angeles' collection. These elements pay homage to Gordon Onslow Ford's exploration of lucid dreaming, surrealism, and meditation. Shamshiri notes that the inherent geometry in Ford's paintings is reflected in details like the beaded edges of the 'Lemon Pull' and the shafts of every lever, aiming to capture the essence of these artists' ethos in the collaboration. For The Nanz Company, accustomed to larger production runs, this partnership offered an opportunity to engage in a more intimate and detailed manufacturing process. Carl Sorenson, Nanz co-founder, highlighted Shamshiri's precise and subtle adjustments during the design phase—such as minor changes to the thickness of a rose or the radius of a bend—which, despite their small scale, significantly impacted the final aesthetic and feel of each piece. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every handle possesses a distinct character and showcases exceptional craftsmanship. #StudioShamshiri #NanzCompany #HardwareDesign #DoorHandles #CabinetryHardware #CalifornianDesign #Handcrafted #InteriorDesign #BronzeDesigns #ArtisticInspiration

Bankston Architectural, an Australian design brand, has released a new selection of door knobs, pulls, and handles featured on Dezeen Showroom. These new offerings are part of The Streaks collection and highlight the brand's commitment to transforming often-overlooked architectural elements into distinctive design features within interior spaces. The collection is characterized by its use of tactile natural materials and vibrant color combinations. One prominent piece in the collection is the "Wide Guy" door pull, which was developed in collaboration with Australian interior design studio YSG. This door pull features a chunky, blocky form that culminates in a unique dovetail-shaped bottom. Its design aims to elevate the door pull from a mere functional item to a significant decorative element within a room, offering an opportunity to inject character into an interior. Another notable product is the H04 Pull Handle Long, a collaboration between Bankston Architectural and US design studio Civilian. This handle draws inspiration from Art Deco architecture, showcasing domed ends connected by parallel metal bars. It is available in a variety of materials, including different metals, stone, wood, and powder-coated finishes, allowing for customization to suit diverse design aesthetics. The H04 Pull Handle Long exemplifies how historical architectural influences can be integrated into contemporary hardware design. The Kooky Streaker door lever, also part of The Streaks collection by YSG, stands out with its playful and diagonally-poised orientation. This lever is mounted at a 45-degree angle on a disc-shaped wall plate, sharing the collection's distinctive color combinations. Its unconventional design adds an element of visual intrigue and modern flair to door hardware. The Zzziggurat cupboard knob, created in collaboration with Sans-Arc Studio, references ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats. This compact yet characterful knob features a stacked, stepped silhouette, evoking the architectural grandeur of its namesake. Available in various metallic finishes, the Zzziggurat knob is designed to be both tactile and eye-catching, providing practical functionality with an artistic touch for doors and cupboards. Finally, the Sensible Streaker door pull, another creation by YSG for The Streaks collection, boasts a pentagonal cross-section and a tactile spine that extends along its length. It comes in three distinct color combinations: Light Band, made from American White Ash and Australian Blackbutt; Dark Band, featuring American Walnut and Australian Red Cedar; and Colour Band, incorporating New Zealand Purple Heart and African Padauk. These combinations emphasize the natural beauty and varied textures of solid timber banding, allowing the material to be the focal point of the design. Bankston Architectural, founded in 1982 and rebranded in 2018, specializes in door furniture and frequently partners with global design studios to develop unique and distinctive products, reinforcing the idea that even small details can significantly impact interior design. #BankstonArchitectural #DoorHardware #InteriorDesign #TheStreaksCollection #YSGStudio #CivilianDesign #SansArcStudio #TactileMaterials #ArchitecturalHardware

The Lockwood Brass Core range, designed and assembled in Australia, offers a diverse collection of compliant lever styles aimed at seamless integration with architectural designs. This range prioritizes aesthetic continuity throughout a building's various elements. The Lockwood Brass Core Range features the most extensive selection of door handles designed to meet Australian access and mobility regulations. This collection challenges the notion that compliance and style are mutually exclusive, demonstrating that design can be both inclusive and elegant. It harmonizes form and function, addressing a broad spectrum of architectural and user requirements through its innovative approach to door hardware. The range also includes a product configurator accessible on its product page, allowing users to explore different examples within the Lockwood Brass Core Lever Range. These levers are compatible with both Brass and Artefact door furniture series, offering versatility in design choices. In 2020, the Lockwood Brass Core range received the prestigious Good Design Award in the Building / Hardware category, underscoring its innovative design and adherence to industry standards. #ArchitecturalDesign #DoorHardware #InclusiveDesign #AustralianStandards #GoodDesignAward #LeverHandles #BuildingMaterials #InteriorDesign #ProductInnovation

This lookbook, sponsored by Danish design company D Line, showcases ten diverse interiors that effectively integrate architectural hardware and sanitary ware to provide both functional and aesthetic value. The article emphasizes how practical hardware, such as door handles, taps, and drawer pulls, serves as crucial physical touchpoints, influencing how individuals interact with and perceive a space. D Line, established in 1971, has a rich history of collaborating with renowned designers, including Knud Holscher, Arne Jacobsen, and Tom Dixon, to create products that offer timeless accents and complement natural material palettes in various settings. The featured projects span a range of environments, from educational institutions and restaurants to residential homes and medical facilities. One notable example is St Catherine's College at the University of Oxford, where Arne Jacobsen's modernist design from 1962 extended to every detail, including the AJ lever handles, which echo the college's overall curved forms. Similarly, the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, another Jacobsen project from 1960, utilized steel AJ lever handles that harmonized with the cool duck-egg blue walls and other silver hardware, preserving its original design intent in Room 606 despite subsequent remodelling. Norm Architects, a Danish studio, is highlighted for its work on two distinct projects. The Äng restaurant in Sweden, which features a greenhouse-like structure and a subterranean wine cellar, incorporates D Line's gunmetal finish L lever handles, matching other metal fixtures and structural components. In the Archipelago House in Sweden, a holiday home blending Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, charcoal L lever handles from D Line's Holscher range provide a graphic contrast to the light wood furnishings and neutral finishes. The Dentology+ clinic in Antwerp, also by Norm Architects, defies traditional clinical aesthetics by using soft, neutral finishes and charcoal-toned L lever handles to foster calmness. Residential projects further exemplify D Line's versatility. A private summer residence in Denmark by Rubow Architects employs the L lever handle to achieve an unobstructed finish, contributing to the home's indoor-outdoor ambiance, with its neutral tones and extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows. Barbara Bendix Becker's atelier in Copenhagen showcases brass Arne Jacobsen lever handles alongside other Nordic design classics, seamlessly blending with warm-toned metal finishes and honey-coloured wooden elements. In a bathroom scheme by Emil Thorup in Copenhagen, D Line's Qtoo bathroom hardware in a brushed-steel finish provides a metallic contrast to sage-coloured walls and natural materials. The collaboration between &Shufl; and D Line offers customizable bar handles in various colours and finishes, designed to upgrade IKEA kitchens, bathrooms, and wardrobes. Finally, Luke Arthur Wells's interior scheme, featuring rounded furniture and soft textures, is further softened by D Line's FAT lever handle, a design by Tom Dixon, which is thicker and more rounded than conventional door furniture. Overall, the lookbook illustrates how D Line's architectural hardware, when thoughtfully integrated, can enhance the tactile and visual experience of interiors, contributing to a sense of timeless elegance and cohesion across diverse architectural styles and functions. The selection of projects emphasizes the importance of refined details in creating well-designed spaces that resonate with their natural surroundings and the intended user experience. #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalHardware #NaturalMaterials #TimelessDesign #ScandinavianDesign #DLine #NormArchitects #ArneJacobsen #TomDixon

This article highlights the aesthetic and functional significance of door handles, pulls, and knobs as essential elements for enhancing interior spaces. It emphasizes that these architectural ironmongery pieces can provide a quick and impactful refresh to domestic environments, moving beyond their purely practical roles to become key design statements. The piece presents a curated selection of contemporary designs from leading designers and makers worldwide, showcasing a range from minimalist to bold, colourful, and sculptural. Sebastian Herkner's 'Hansa' door handle for Ento exemplifies formal simplicity combined with a deeper narrative, inspired by Berlin's Hansaviertel complex. Its smooth forms and soft curves demonstrate how a handle can embody architectural concepts. Reform Kitchen's 'Atelier Collection' features collaborations with four creatives, including Alberte Tranberg, Maria Bruun, Nina Nørgaard, and Yukari Hotta. This collection reinterprets the kitchen as a personal space through diverse materials like metal, wood, glass, and ceramics. Each designer brings a unique aesthetic, from Bruun’s classic wooden forms to Hotta’s organic clay objects inspired by rocks, Nørgaard’s cast glass pieces, and Tranberg’s bent metal pulls, all contributing to a new sense of tactility and imagination for everyday objects. Vbrokkr's 'Ogun Joinery Pull' by Australian silversmith Ned Vernon combines traditional artisanal blacksmithing techniques with organic forms, resulting in unique, hot-forged brass silhouettes. James Shaw's 'Lever door handles' from his 'Plastic Baroque' series demonstrate an innovative approach to material waste, transforming extruded post-consumer plastic into pastel-coloured, squiggly shapes that ingeniously conceal a lever mechanism, blending precision engineering with design innovation. Frederik Delbart’s 'Copenhagen door handle collection' for Quincalux offers a contemporary take on traditional handcrafted hardware, available in various finishes like textured black, satin brass, and stainless steel, encompassing handles for doors, windows, and knobs. Ochre's leather door handles and pulls elevate simplicity with leather wrapping in a rich palette of colours, contrasting with polished nickel knuckles, reflecting the brand’s mission for timeless and contemporary objects. Spaces Within, a Stockholm-based brand, presents 'Sculptural hardware' designed by Nadja Bari and Karin Wallenbeck, conceived as 'jewellery for spaces.' Made in Florence from brass and polished nickel, these delicate, organic, and minimal designs are crafted to refine interiors. Piet Boon’s 'INC' door handles for Formani maintain an unassuming minimalism while incorporating distinctive details like a flattened, tapering shape for a comfortable grip, available in PVD satin black and satin stainless steel. Sam Stewart’s 'Macaroni' Pull introduces a whimsical and practical design with candy-hued translucent pulls in pink, purple, green, orange, and yellow, designed to brighten any home. Robert AM Stern Architects' 'Oasis' collection for Rocky Mountain Hardware features 13 sculptural designs in solid bronze, inspired by historic architectural references and the Arts and Crafts movement, likening the pieces to gem cutting. The Michael Graves collection for Schwinn Originals reproduces the late architect’s minimalist knobs in natural linoleum, available in blue and burgundy with steel and brass hardware, reflecting a sustainable approach. Superfront’s 'Twine' door handle, inspired by Bauhaus, features a utilitarian design with a thin metal wire wrapped around handles in brass, steel, copper, and black finishes. Antonio Citterio's 'Milano' for Olivari exemplifies an understated and timeless piece, celebrating Milan's discreet creative force within a century-old tradition of door handle craftsmanship. Pierre Daems' 'Clémence' for Maison Vervloet translates the Belgian interior designer’s signature sinuous lines into hardware, nodding to Art Deco influences. Note Design Studio’s collection for Haven offers minimal, well-considered handles and knobs in a palette of metals, designed as 'additional graphic expressions' to enhance cabinet doors. Zaha Hadid Design's 'Nexxa' for Izé is a sculptural door handle concept engineered for a strong aesthetic, maintaining a continuous line even when turned. Available in various finishes, including rose gold, it originated from Zaha Hadid’s initial concept in 2006. Inga Sempé’s 'Madeleine' for Dnd Martinelli, a tribute to the French cake, replicates a shell’s ridged surface in hot-stamped brass. Adam Nathaniel Furman's 'Symbols' for Swarf Hardware are geometric, modular designs inspired by building blocks, offering diverse compositions and hand-finished for comfortable grip. House of Eroju's 'Fela' handles combine minimal slate forms with luxurious leather details, emphasizing a sense of touch and meticulous craftsmanship. Finally, Vbrokkr’s 'Seppa' handles, developed by Ned Vernon, draw inspiration from traditional silversmithing, brutalism, and Italian mid-century design, reflecting cultural rituals and mythical symbolism of doors. #DoorHandles #ArchitecturalIronmongery #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInnovation #MaterialCraft #ModernInteriors #LuxuryHardware

Italian door brand Lualdi has announced a new focus in its design process for 2023, aiming to create products through experimental combinations of textures and materials. This shift in design philosophy is geared towards developing new door aesthetics by creatively utilizing and integrating traditional materials such as wood, fabric, glass, and aluminum. The brand states that many of its latest products and collections are specifically engineered to interact with light from various angles, thereby expanding a broad spectrum of "creative possibilities." These possibilities range from innovative surface treatments and overlapping patterns to the thoughtful combination of diverse materials. A key example of this new approach is Lualdi's L7 door collection, which was unveiled at the Salone del Mobile furniture fair during Milan Design Week 2023. This collection, developed in collaboration with architect Piero Lissoni, thoroughly explores the interplay between glass and aluminum. The brand highlights that this exploration is evident not only in the patterns created with these materials but also in how they are integrated. For instance, the L7 Edit, a component of the L7 door collection, features glass panels accentuated with aluminum stripes. These stripes are intended to introduce a "rhythmic feel" to the product and give the design a fence-like silhouette, demonstrating a novel application of materials for aesthetic and functional purposes. Beyond glass and aluminum, Lualdi is also actively pursuing the "quest to discover wood's untapped potential." The strategic mixing of materials is designed to "inject furniture systems with energy," effectively transforming individual pieces into adaptable, state-of-the-art architectural elements that possess significant decorative impact. An illustration of this is the Koan sliding system, conceived for Lualdi by Kokaistudios, which incorporates wooden strips to enhance its design and material composition. Similarly, the brand's cladding solutions, such as Tai Boiserie, exemplify this material-focused design. Tai Boiserie features a symmetrical arrangement of wooden geometric patterns that extend across walls and doorways. This design aims to infuse interior spaces with a sense of warmth and coherence. The graphic interplay of shadows and lines produced by these designs is specifically crafted to "breathe fresh life into wood's inherent solidity," challenging conventional perceptions of wood's application in interiors. Furthermore, Lualdi is intensifying its engagement with fabrics and leathers, materials that are increasingly seen as facilitating a "reconciliation, a fusion almost, between the product and the world of furniture." The brand employs these materials to present increasingly adaptable solutions capable of defining the visual character of the spaces they connect. Lualdi, an Italian design company established in 1859, specializes in interior doors and maintains showrooms in prominent cities including Milan, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. The brand's commitment to exploring material combinations and textures signifies a forward-thinking approach to interior design elements, aiming to offer sophisticated and versatile solutions for modern spaces. #Lualdi #DesignProcess #MaterialInnovation #InteriorDoors #PieroLissoni #MilanDesignWeek #ArchitecturalElements #HomeDecor #ProductDesign

This article discusses the importance and variety of door handles available for both new installations and replacements, emphasizing their role in enhancing home aesthetics and functionality. It highlights the availability of door handles in various styles, from traditional to modern, to complement diverse interior design preferences. Customers can choose from an extensive range of finishes, including antique, black, brushed, chrome, matt, polished, satin, and zinc, enabling them to coordinate door handles with existing door hardware for a cohesive look throughout their homes. The article details different types of door handles such as back plates, latch and hinge kits, lever latch handles, mortice door knobs, pull handles, and round rose designs. Functionality is a key focus, with many handles featuring built-in locks for added privacy and security. The article categorizes handles by their intended use, distinguishing between those suitable for exterior doors, fire doors, and interior doors. It also provides information on various lock types, including ball latch, Euro cylinder, latch, magnetic latch, mortice latch, sash lock, and tubular latch, as well as whether a handle is lockable or not. This guidance helps customers select appropriate handles based on their specific security and privacy needs. The article also provides pricing tiers for the door handles, ranging from under £19.99 to over £100, catering to different budget requirements. To assist with practical application, the article includes a 'Frequently Asked Questions' section. This section addresses common inquiries, such as how to change a door handle, offering a concise, step-by-step guide for removal and installation. It advises on loosening screws, removing mechanisms, aligning new handles, and testing functionality, and directs readers to a comprehensive how-to guide for detailed instructions on replacing door and window furniture. The article also confirms the existence of various door handle types, including Victorian, antique brass, and modern black or chrome styles, each offering unique finishes to match different interior design themes. It clarifies which doors typically require locks, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and external doors, and differentiates between heavy-duty locks for external use and simpler latches or privacy door knobs for internal doors, noting that internal privacy door knobs can be opened from the outside in emergencies. This detailed overview serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to select or install door handles, ensuring both style and security are met. #DoorHandles #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #DoorHardware #HomeSecurity #DIYHome #HomeDecor #Renovation #BuildingMaterials

This article delves into the advancements and benefits of closer hinges, an evolution of the traditional spring hinge, which integrates door control mechanisms directly into the hinge barrel. The modern engineering of these hinges offers a compact and highly functional solution to various door closing challenges, often surpassing the capabilities of conventional overhead surface-mounted door closers. While earlier door closing mechanisms, such as counterweight systems or simple springs, suffered from issues like inconsistent closing speeds, slamming, and difficulty in balancing opening and closing forces, contemporary closer hinges address these limitations effectively. They feature adjustable springs and sophisticated mechanical and hydraulic devices, enabling precise control over door movement. The article highlights several key performance characteristics of high-performance closer hinges. Accessibility is a primary concern, with closer hinges often meeting or exceeding requirements outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as similar standards like the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), and ICC A117.1. These standards govern protrusion limits, ensuring that objects do not impede circulation paths, and specify closing times for doors to allow adequate passage. Furthermore, the controlled closing speed of these hinges contributes significantly to safety by reducing the risk of door-related injuries and preventing doors from slamming shut. The article also touches upon opening force requirements, noting that while ADA specifies a maximum of 5 pounds for interior hinged doors, the practical minimum force is always preferable, especially for exterior applications. Durability and strength are critical aspects of closer hinges. Grade 1 closer hinges, according to BHMA A156.17, are subjected to rigorous testing, including one million cycles of opening and closing, and static load tests to ensure they can withstand anticipated stresses. Their suitability for fire-rated construction is also emphasized, with some closer hinges being labeled for use in openings with up to three-hour fire ratings, typically utilizing steel or stainless steel components. Considerations for selecting closer hinges include the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum operating range and ambient temperature. The design of these hinges can also offer additional functionalities, such as built-in hold-open capabilities and door stops, which can eliminate the need for separate hardware and reduce clutter. Swing clear hinges, a variation of closer hinges, are particularly beneficial for accessibility as they maximize the effective width of a door opening by moving the door clear of the travel path. The article also notes their utility in communicating doors where space constraints might preclude surface-mounted closers. Weather-resistant options are available for outdoor or wet environments. Compatibility with existing door and frame preparations is another advantage, as closer hinges often conform to BHMA A156.7 standards for template hinge dimensions, allowing for easy interchangeability with ordinary door hinges and simplifying retrofit installations. Material and finish considerations are covered by BHMA A156.18, with stainless steel recommended for harsh environments and heavy-duty applications, and aluminum for non-fire-rated interior doors. From an aesthetic perspective, closer hinges can be designed to be discrete, with barrels only slightly larger than standard hinges, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the door's appearance. Their ability to prevent slamming also contributes to improved acoustics and overall occupant comfort by reducing noise. Ultimately, closer hinges provide a modern, high-performance solution that offers a blend of functionality, safety, accessibility, and aesthetics for a wide range of door applications. #CloserHinge #DoorHardware #AccessibilityStandards #FireRatedConstruction #BuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #DoorControl #ConstructionSpecifications #BHMAStandards

Dacor has introduced a new panel-ready 24-inch Dishwasher featuring an innovative Kitchen Fit Sliding Door hinge mechanism, reflecting a continuous investment in advanced hardware. This development addresses the evolving demands of contemporary kitchen design, where seamless integration of appliances and aesthetic consistency are highly valued. Luxury appliance brands like Dacor consistently aim to enhance product capabilities and user experience through convenient and intuitive features, keeping pace with technological advancements. The unique structural modification of the sliding door hinge was developed over two years to provide a solution for future-proofing kitchen designs. Interior designer Leyden Lewis highlights the practical and intuitive functionality of the dishwasher, emphasizing how its panel-ready installation allows designers greater freedom for creative expression in kitchen concepts. The challenge of integrating dishwashers into artful casework, particularly from European brands, has become more pronounced with changes in cabinetry dimensions, such as shorter toe-kicks. Maddalena Nicolosi, Senior Kitchen Design and Innovation Manager at Dacor, explains that the new sliding door hinge was designed to offer increased flexibility to meet modern trends, where cabinetry dimensions can vary. This hinge system accommodates diverse panel heights, including unusually tall ones, as the door swings open. This innovation prevents the need for cutting into the toe-kick, thereby preserving vertical kitchen surfaces and maintaining uninterrupted sight lines. Charna Kety, National Sales Manager at Dacor, notes that this versatility empowers designers and consumers to achieve their desired aesthetic, distinguishing Dacor from competitors. The design's functionality allows the seemingly solid door to separate into two planes when engaged. The interior face opens forward to reveal the tub, while the exterior face slides upward, reconciling its length with the surrounding kitchen styling and swing radius. This flexible toe-kick ensures a perfect fit during installation. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) reports a growing demand for personalized designs that include slab door styles, expansive surfaces, and full-height backsplashes with minimal grout lines. The sliding door construction provides designers with a sophisticated solution for achieving seamless integration, offering clients extensive options for kitchen interior architecture. Beyond its exterior design, the dishwasher offers personalized interior features, including a maximized tub with three individually adjustable racks, collapsible tines, a height-adjustable center shelf, and silicone-lined wine glass holders. The appliance incorporates Dacor’s StormWash+™ with dual-washing arms for effective stain removal. It also includes functions catering to specific cultural and religious requirements, such as a “Sabbath Mode” to adhere to electricity usage restrictions. For technologically inclined users, the SmartThings app and “AI Energy” mode enable remote management of the dishwasher. Subtle visual cues, such as a floor light indicating cycle progress or the AutoRelease™ function that automatically opens the door at the end of a cycle for spot-free drying, are the only indications of its operation. This design evolution positions the dishwasher as both a utility machine and an architectural element, simplifying panel-ready applications and allowing for a cohesive, holistic kitchen aesthetic without the limitations previously faced by designers. #Dacor #DishwasherDesign #KitchenInnovation #ApplianceTechnology #InteriorDesign #HomeAppliances #ModernKitchens #SeamlessIntegration #LuxuryAppliances

Door hardware, while seemingly a minor detail, plays a significant role in a home's overall aesthetic and functionality. Designers emphasize that door handles should be considered as carefully as other major design elements, likening them to the 'jewelry of the home.' This is due to their constant interaction and the statement they can make through style, finish, and form. Fortunately, achieving good design in door hardware doesn't necessarily require a large budget, with options available across various price points, from under $50 to over $500. The history of door hardware shows an evolution from purely functional items, like locks and basic handles, to aesthetically significant components. Today, door hardware comes in diverse materials such as glass, wood, ceramic, plastic, and various metals, serving decorative, functional, and security purposes. A key design consideration is whether all door hardware within a home should match. While experts generally advocate for a cohesive look to create a purposeful aesthetic, they acknowledge that it's a personal choice. For situations where a single finish is not practical, split finishes offer flexibility, allowing for different materials or colors on either side of a door. When selecting door hardware, crucial factors include style, quality, and comfort. Designers recommend physically testing hardware in a showroom or ordering a single piece before committing to multiple sets to ensure comfortable use. Quality indicators include solid metal construction, which retains finish better and resists flaking, and the absence of visible fasteners. High-quality internal mechanisms, such as latches and locks, are also sturdier and made from superior materials. The scale of the hardware should also be proportionate to the door it adorns. Regarding style, while traditional knobs are experiencing a resurgence, levers remain the most popular choice due to their ease of use for all ages and abilities. Levers are particularly favored in modern designs, while knobs tend to suit older, more traditional homes. Pulls are increasingly used as a bold statement, especially for front doors, with current trends leaning towards elongated, full-length steel door pulls for a modern entry. The functionality of a door dictates the type of handle needed, though the aesthetic style can be consistent throughout the home. Door hardware sets consist of two handles connected by a shaft or spindle, which engages the latching mechanism. An escutcheon or rosette then covers the mechanism, adding a decorative touch. Escutcheons are typically larger and rectangular, often integrating locks, while rosettes are smaller and round or square. Different handle types serve specific functions: keyed entry handles for exterior doors, privacy handles for bedrooms and bathrooms, and passage handles for non-locking doors in hallways or closets. Dummy handles are non-turning and used for purely decorative purposes or where no latching is required, such as on French doors or cabinet doors. When it comes to style and finish, designers suggest opting for timeless designs with clean lines and a modern aesthetic, emphasizing durability and longevity over fleeting trends. Dark finishes and simple shapes are often recommended for their versatility. While chrome and satin nickel have been long-standing favorites, matte black is currently very popular, alongside a growing interest in high-polished, warm metals like unlacquered brass and graphite nickel. The finish is identified as an area where homeowners can express more personality. The article then breaks down price points for door hardware, suggesting brands for budget-friendly options (Kwikset, Delany, Miseno, Schlage, Cauldham), mid-range selections (Emtek, Baldwin, offering better quality and design), and splurge-worthy choices (Rocky Mountain Hardware, Rejuvenation, Samuel Heath, Grandeur, E.R Butler & Co, and European brands like Olivari, Valli & Valli, and Colombo, which offer exceptional craftsmanship, unique materials, and cutting-edge designs). Ultimately, the choice of door hardware is a balance between personal preference, budget, and the desired aesthetic and functional requirements of the space, with a wide array of options available to suit any home design. The experts advise prioritizing quality and comfort, and considering how the hardware contributes to the overall narrative of the home's design. This includes the tactile experience of the hardware, the longevity of its finish, and its integration with the architectural style of the building. #DoorHardware #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HardwareSelection #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHardware #BudgetFriendlyDesign

The 'B House,' designed by Kit Design Architect, is a three-story residential building located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. The house occupies a 320 square meter land plot and is intended for a married couple and their children. The architectural design integrates principles of Feng Shui while maintaining a modernist aesthetic. The house’s exterior is characterized by simple box-like geometries, which are softened by the incorporation of sliding timber screens on the second-floor balcony. These timber screens serve a dual purpose: they provide effective sun shading and enhance privacy for the residents, adapting to the tropical climate of Bangkok. The interior layout and overall design concept are rooted in Feng Shui principles, guiding the arrangement of spaces to promote harmony and positive energy flow. Despite this traditional influence, the house presents a contemporary architectural statement, blending modern forms with functional elements. The total area of the house is 650 square meters, completed in 2019. Kit Design Architect was responsible for the architecture, landscape design, and consulting services for the project. The selection of materials and manufacturers for the B House reflects a commitment to quality and contemporary design. Key manufacturers involved include AGC for glass products, AutoCAD and Trimble Navigation for design and modeling, Dulux for paints, Medici Wood for timber elements, Thaisoung, and Tile-it for various building components. Beersingnoi captured the architectural photographs, documenting both the exterior and interior spaces, including staircases, handrails, facades, windows, dining areas, kitchens, and other detailed views. The design team at Kit Design Architect, led by clients Ekkapol Chatmongkolchai and Mr. Ekkapol Chatmongkolchai, collaborated with Penang Isara for engineering aspects. The project's location in Bangkok, known for its warm climate and vibrant urban context, influenced design decisions related to passive cooling and privacy. The sliding timber screens are a prime example of how the design responds to environmental conditions, allowing for control over natural light and ventilation while offering aesthetic appeal. Various illustrations, including exterior and interior photographs, floor plans (ground, second, and third floors), sections (A, B, C, D), and elevations (1, 2, 3, 4), provide a comprehensive overview of the B House. These visuals highlight the interplay of geometric forms, material textures, and the thoughtful integration of natural light throughout the residence. The house exemplifies a modern approach to residential architecture in Thailand, where cultural traditions and contemporary design converge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. The emphasis on both privacy and environmental responsiveness through design elements like the timber screens underscores a holistic architectural approach. #ResidentialArchitecture #Modernism #BangkokArchitecture #Thailand #FengShuiDesign #TimberScreens #SustainableDesign #ContemporaryHousing #KitDesignArchitect

This blog post explores a beautifully executed residential project that features two modern single-level apartments, designed by Inglis Architects. The project successfully harmonizes contemporary design with an area traditionally dominated by Victorian homes, creating a bold, modern, and livable space. The design prioritizes open spaces to allow for natural light and air circulation, providing a versatile canvas for the inhabitants' personal expression. The article highlights the unique stainless steel main door, which serves as a striking focal point and sets the tone for the entire interior. The front door, crafted from stainless steel, is described as having a dual beauty. Despite stainless steel often being perceived as a cool material, unsuitable for a welcoming environment, here it achieves a peaceful and ceremonial effect. This design choice creates a significant transition moment between the outdoors and indoors, akin to a rite of passage. Charlie Inglis, Founding Director of Inglis Architects, explains that the door was intentionally designed to meet formal requirements and provide architectural accents. He emphasizes stainless steel's unique reflective quality, which can appear dull but comes alive with warmth when interacting with light, thus defining the entry and highlighting the public-to-private transition. The creation of this unique door involved close collaboration with a fabricator, undergoing extensive prototyping processes including heating, welding, grinding, and manipulating the metal until satisfaction. The door features a tall, curved stainless steel arch embracing double doors, complemented by a prominent staff-shaped brass door handle commissioned from a local artist. This handle evokes mid-century European modernism and resonates with the handmade Murano-glass wall lights found throughout the interiors, establishing a consistent design language where metal accents are seamlessly integrated. Upon opening, the wide and tall doors allow for a generous influx of light and air, extending the metallic theme indoors. Charlie Inglis notes that metal accents were purposefully used throughout the residence for their distinct physical characteristics and reflective qualities, creating a contrast with the predominant neutral, handmade finishes. Stainless steel, a timeless material, is also featured in the modern kitchen and living room, further reflecting light and enhancing the overall brightness of the space. The interior design showcases a carefully curated selection of materials, predominantly off-form concrete contrasted with steel window frames. These materials are elevated by high-end specifications and meticulous hand finishing. The design embraces handmade traces, visible in trowelled concrete renders, mineral plasters, and metal patinas, which are designed to evolve and gain character with age. The open, flowing spaces blur the lines between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, inviting natural light from multiple directions. This thoughtful layout balances a sense of generosity with the creation of an intimate, personal sanctuary, resulting in a perfectly realized project that offers a complete and satisfying living experience. #ModernHomeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #StainlessSteelDoor #EntrywayDesign #InteriorMaterials #ContemporaryArchitecture #InglisArchitects #ResidentialProject

The L7 sliding door system, designed by architect Piero Lissoni for Italian brand Lualdi, elevates glass with elegant hues and patterns, making it suitable for both residential and office settings. This system features fixed or sliding glass door panels integrated into a light, minimal aluminum frame, emphasizing clear and essential lines. It combines a classic aesthetic with contemporary materials and technologies, offering a sophisticated solution for interior spaces. The design of the L7 system aims to provide a seamless transition between areas while maintaining an open and airy feel, crucial for modern living and working environments. The L7 system offers a diverse selection of glass finishes to cater to various design preferences. These options include back-painted glass in subtle colors such as Chalk White or Lime Gray, providing a refined and understated look. Additionally, the system is available with patterned glass, featuring subtle marks or graphic mesh designs, which adds a layer of visual interest and texture. These various glass treatments allow for customization, enabling designers and homeowners to match the doors with existing decor or to create a focal point within a room. The integration of different patterns and colors ensures versatility, making the L7 system adaptable to a wide range of interior styles, from minimalist to more elaborate. The aluminum frames that house the glass panels are also customizable, coming in a variety of metal finishes. These frames are designed to be lightweight, with a six-millimeter profile, contributing to the system's minimal aesthetic. The availability of matching flat handles further enhances the cohesive and streamlined appearance of the doors. This attention to detail in both the glass and frame finishes allows for a harmonized design, ensuring that every component of the L7 system contributes to its overall elegance and functionality. The slim profile of the frames is a key element in maintaining the system's light and unobtrusive presence. Flexibility in configuration is another significant advantage of the L7 system. It can be ordered in numerous configurations, including single, double, triple, or quadruple panels. This modularity allows for great adaptability to different spatial requirements and design visions. Whether for a small room requiring a single sliding door or a large open-plan office needing multiple interconnected panels, the L7 system provides a scalable solution. This adaptability makes it a practical choice for architects and interior designers working on projects with diverse needs and constraints. The ability to customize the number of panels enables optimal space utilization and aesthetic integration. Lualdi highlights the system's clear and essential lines as its defining characteristic, aiming for a design that is both timeless and innovative. The combination of classic principles with modern materials and construction techniques results in a product that is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional. The L7 Scorrevole system represents a fusion of artistry and engineering, reflecting Lissoni's design philosophy and Lualdi's commitment to quality. The choice of glass and aluminum as primary materials ensures both transparency and structural integrity, contributing to the system's modern appeal. In summary, the L7 sliding door system by Piero Lissoni for Lualdi is a versatile and elegant solution for interior spaces. Its key features include customizable glass finishes, minimal aluminum frames, a range of metal finishes, and flexible panel configurations. Designed for both residential and office environments, it offers a sophisticated blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary technology, providing a refined and adaptable element for modern interiors. #PieroLissoni #Lualdi #SlidingDoors #GlassDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #HomeDecor #OfficeDesign #ProductDesign

This article, the first in a 'Dial-a-Style' series, introduces Bauhaus design, exploring its historical context, key principles, and enduring influence on modern aesthetics. The Bauhaus movement, which originated in Germany in the early 20th century, emerged as a direct response to the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era and the Arts & Crafts movement, which themselves were reactions to the mass-produced, often poorly designed, goods of the Industrial Revolution. Walter Gropius founded Das Staatliche Bauhaus in 1919 with a mission to integrate art, craft, and technology, promoting affordable, utilitarian, and aesthetically pleasing design accessible to all. The article highlights that the core philosophy of Bauhaus design, emphasizing functionality and working within material limitations, strongly resonates with the challenges faced by early web designers. Just as Bauhaus designers embraced cheaper materials and factory processes to create innovative products, early web designers learned to create compelling experiences despite strict limitations in fonts, imagery, layout tools, and screen sizes, a concept exemplified by CSS Zen Garden. Key figures instrumental to the Bauhaus movement included Johannes Itten, known for his theories on color and its psychological impact, and the creation of a 12-hue color wheel. Herbert Bayer's work on a 'Universal Typeface,' characterized by geometric simplicity, sans-serif design, and the absence of superfluous adornments, laid the groundwork for modern typography. Wassily Kandinsky, a painter and teacher, explored the interplay between forms and colors, suggesting that specific shapes and colors elicit particular emotional responses. László Moholy-Nagy, a Hungarian painter and photographer, championed a unitary vision of art, integrating various disciplines and pioneering 'typophoto,' a precursor to modern advertising techniques. The article outlines three primary rules for achieving the Bauhaus look: 'Form follows function,' emphasizing that design should prioritize utility over unnecessary ornamentation; 'Typography Matters,' highlighting the movement's innovations in simplified, sans-serif fonts and dynamic text layouts; and 'Geometry is King,' reflecting the Bauhaus love for clean, abstract, and geometric forms. This geometric approach aimed to break down objects into their fundamental shapes to create modern items, as exemplified by Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair. The enduring impact of Bauhaus design is illustrated through modern examples like the website 'Identity Designed,' the branding for SXSW 2014, and the title sequences of films such as 'Catch Me If You Can.' The article concludes by addressing frequently asked questions about Bauhaus design, covering its key principles, influence on modern design, notable examples, leading figures, reasons for its closure, methods for incorporating it into home decor, its significance in design history, teaching methodology, impact on graphic design, and lasting legacy. #BauhausDesign #DesignMovement #ModernDesign #IndustrialRevolution #WebDesign #Typography #FormFollowsFunction #GeometricShapes #ArtAndTechnology #DesignHistory

Doorstops, often overlooked, can be both decorative and functional, offering a chance to add quirky and interesting elements to a space. Beyond their primary role of holding doors open or preventing slamming, they can protect against pinched fingers and tails, especially in homes with children or pets. A wide array of materials and designs are available, ranging from store-bought options to repurposed DIY creations and vintage pieces. One innovative design involves fruit-shaped doorstops made of silicone that hang over the top of the door, providing a soft and partial close without being a tripping hazard. These are particularly useful in nurseries to prevent finger-pinching. Another popular choice includes soft, fabric doorstops, such as bean bag or sand-filled cubes, which are gentle on toes and do not damage doors. These often feature charming details like patchwork and embroidery and are relatively easy to DIY. For those seeking an artistic touch, carved wooden bird doorstops, hand-painted with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, can serve as small works of art. Similarly, felt creatures, available in various animal designs and bright hues, function as weighty doorstops and playful bookends, ideal for kids' rooms due to their softness. Felted mushroom doorstops, with their vintage charm, also add a whimsical, fairycore aesthetic to any decor, suitable for kid-friendly spaces due to their soft nature. Modern and industrial aesthetics can benefit from sculptural doorstops, such as a large red magnetic-looking piece, which combines fine art with utility and introduces a pop of color. For creative DIY enthusiasts, crochet frog doorstops offer a handmade and functional solution, with customization options for size and color. Concrete doorstops, featuring unique abstract patterns or sleek solid colors, present themselves as sculptural art objects, often with a convenient handle for portability. An ordinary brick can be transformed into a charming cottage-style doorstop by covering it with a knitted, crocheted, or crewel-embroidered sleeve, allowing for personalization to match home decor. A humorous option is a flattened man doorstop made of thermoplastic, a minimalist and contemporary wedge design that is compact and easily stored. Retro bowling pin-shaped doorstops, crafted from Portuguese felt and organic leather, offer a playful touch for game rooms or vintage interiors and are soft enough for children's play areas. DIY painted rocks provide a creative and inexpensive doorstop solution, allowing for personalized designs from simple messages to intricate scenes or characters. For a whimsical yet glamorous touch, brass mice door holders offer an indestructible and charming alternative to traditional wooden wedges, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Traditional bead-filled fabric dog doorstops, available in various colors and patterns, add texture and character to any space and are safe for nurseries and playrooms due to their soft material. Finally, brass nature doorstops, featuring small accents like rabbits or butterflies on wedge bases, provide a subtle classic addition to cottage and farmhouse-style rooms. Additionally, repurposed motor oil cans, filled with sand, offer an eco-friendly and vintage automotive-themed doorstop, perfect for DIY projects, and macrame knot doorstops made from natural rope provide a neutral, textured accent for coastal or earthy aesthetics, functioning both on the door and on the floor. #DoorstopDesign #HomeAccessories #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FunctionalDecor #UniqueHomeGoods #HomeImprovement #CraftIdeas