Get a Handle on Latest from Top Knobs

Top Knobs USA is one of my favorite "go-to" resources when I'm looking for cabinet handles to complement and enhance my exceptional ;) cabinet designs.Aspen II Top KnobsIn case you didn't know,  Top Knobs is the #1 manufacturer of decorative hardware for the professional market.  They will be debuting two new lines at KBIS2015, Aspen II and Transcend.  Between these two there is a enough variety to satisfy traditional to contemporary styling.Transcend Top KnobsComposed of 33 different shaped handles, the five series cabinet hardware collection, Transcend, is available in five contemporary finishes: Brushed Satin Nickel, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Sable and Umbrio.“Transcend mixes modern functional hardware with the high-quality finish Top Knobs is know for,” states Christine Zimmer, product manager for Top Knobs. “The combination of easy shapes and sizes makes this collection an effortless match for any transitional space.”Counting the days until KBIS2015.  Check back for more on the latest products and design trends I'll be discovering.  Follow me on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter for real time commentary! 

Get a Handle on Craftsman Design for Your Kitchen

As you know by the last couple of posts I’m deeply in love with all things contemporary but then again I’m certainly no “one trick pony”. I have always been intrigued with Craftsman Design. Think bungalows, organic forms and warm rich woods. The quintessential Craftsman style bungalow Craftsman styling is warm and cozy with lots of natural elements and built-in book shelves. Textile design by American Arts & Crafts guru William Morris.  He is quoted as saying, "Have nothing in your home which is neither beautiful or useful."The Arts and Crafts Movement which occurred at the turn of the last century, was a response to the blossoming industrial age.  Mass production was coming into its own and a few intrepid souls were missing the personal human touch of household objects made by hand.  The leading proponent was William Morris, also known for his beautiful stylized floral prints.MaybeckOne of my “go to” hardware suppliers, Hardware Resources,  has just unveiled  cabinet hardware inspired by the period.  Named after Arts & Crafts architect Bernard Maybeck, these selections are a great way to jazz up existing cabinets and give you "the look".  Since they’re only inspired by, and not reproductions of, the Arts & Crafts Movement,  the design is fresh and new as well as being a stylized nod to the Craftsman style.  One beautifully styled knob and 3 cabinet pulls will be available in 5 trending finishes. In addition to the Maybeck design, by Jeffrey Alexander,  they will be introducing the Brenton (Elements)  and the Royce (also Jeffrey Alexander)  at the upcoming KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). Shaker styled drawerfronts with a typical A&C handle.  Note warm woods and green tops! Photo by decore.comEmulating this look in cabinetry is easy.  The Shaker door style, which is all the rage, can be transformed to reflect the Arts & Crafts look by the addition of appropriate hardware.  You can get handles like these here.Here's your opportunity to get crazy with a tile back splash.  You will see a couple of motifs that scream A&C including the dragonfly and the ginko leaf.  Add some green to the mix and you've got it!You can get tiles like this one from etsy.com.  All you need is a few accent tiles.  Just make sure your field tile is a compatible thickness.If you're interested in this look or a stylized version of it I'd love to hear from you!