Victorian Era Architectural Styles and Home Hardware

Posted on November 20, 2011 by admin

The Victorian architectural style and the home hardware produced during this time (1825-1900) is not one specific type of hardware but rather an eclectic mix of various styles that were popular and classified as Victorian Era hardware after the fact. Most notably during this time home decorating became more ornate and reflected the changing social and economic revolutions that were occurring in the United States. The industrial revolution brought mass production of goods and beautiful home hardware was no longer only accessible to the “upper class” of society. The newly formed middle class in America embraced these new architectural styles and filled their home with a variety of popular trends.

Depending on the taste of the inhabitants the doorknob sets, cabinet hardware, window hardware and home hardware could vary widely. In some homes a very ornate style (sometimes referred to during this time as romantic because of the emphasis on flowers and nature motifs) was used while in others more geometric designs (such as the Eastlake design) were extremely popular. Solid brass was used for its strength and the ability to cast in a wide variety of designs and patterns. Some of the most popular styles included Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne and Stick Style. The trademark features of each style varied slightly with different emphasis being placed on window design, roofing, exterior decorative elements and interior home hardware patterns.

Victorian style hardware is produced today and can be used in both older Victorian homes and modern houses. It is a timeless addition to any room and can transform an entire room with little effort. Older and worn furniture can be transformed by replacing the original knobs with elegant designs and doorknob sets can be easily replaced to become a wonderful focal point. Interior and exterior Victorian style is available and makes it extremely easy to create a new and beautiful theme throughout your entire home. Remember that these styles were used interchangeably during the Victorian era so you can use a variety of patterns and shapes throughout your house and it will tie itself together nicely.

Victorian era hardware is readily available online and in many home decoration catalogs. Search for solid brass construction to ensure high quality and strength. Solid brass hardware is available in several finishes and can coordinate well with your existing hardware. These pieces are available online through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help.

Home Remodeling Trends – Stainless Steel Cabinet Handles

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

Many homeowners are constantly looking to improve the look and feel of their home. One major way to accomplish this is by paying attention to home remodeling trends. Regardless of whether or not you’re considering undergoing a home remodel in the near future, taking these trends into consideration could give you some great do it yourself project ideas that will help give your home an updated look. One major trend right now is focusing in on the small elements of your home. Even after undergoing a large remodeling project, your home still can greatly benefit from a little attention to detail.

Often times, home remodeling trends do not focus on the large elements of the home like many people think. When looking to remodel their home, most homeowners immediately start concentrating on large furniture pieces. Whether it’s new living room furniture or new appliances for the kitchen, many people completely forget that their home has tons of small details that affect the overall look of their home. One major home remodeling trend right now is the installation of stainless cabinet handles. Not only do they compliment just about any style of kitchen, they add a sleek and clean feel to the space. Stainless steel has always been associated with being clean and fresh. Adding an element like this into your kitchen automatically gives your space a new vibe. Whether you have a traditional kitchen with strong oak cabinets, or a more modern room with colorful storage space, stainless cabinet handles are the perfect accent.

There is a common misconception that installing home hardware, like cabinet pulls in the kitchen, is a long and tedious process. Although the outcome is very rewarding, this doesn’t mean that the installation process has to be hard. Installing stainless cabinet handles can be accomplished by just about anyone. Regardless of how many do it yourself projects you have tackled, installation of new cabinet handles is simple because it requires very few tools. You’ll be able to prepare your workspace and clean up after the job is done in just a few minutes. Not only will you be saving money by completing this home hardware installation yourself, you’ll be personally making an impact on your newly designed space.

If you are considering undergoing a large scale remodeling project, don’t leave home hardware out of your overall plan. When considering completely redoing a space, it’s very easy to let your plans be distracted by replacing the largest elements of a room. For example, in your kitchen – you may be considering installing brand new cabinets. Although these will be a great addition to your home, you can’t leave them blank. Just as you wouldn’t place a lampshade on a new lamp or place flowers in a new vase, new cabinet pulls are the finishing touch for new cabinets. By adding stainless cabinet handles, you’ll be cashing in on a sleek home remodeling trend and at the same time, pulling your overall d

DIY Home Hardware Installation – How to Install Cabinet Knobs in Your Kitchen

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

If the cabinets in the kitchen are new and have never had knobs installed in them before you will have to first measure and mark off where the cabinet knobs will go before drilling any holes. First, decide where the knobs will look the best on the cabinet. Some people prefer the center of the cabinet edge for the knobs while others prefer something that is off center. 3 inches above the bottom of an upper cabinet is generally a good place for kitchen cabinet knobs to be installed. Using a ruler and a pencil, make a small mark on the cabinet where the hole will be drilled for the knob. Make sure all of the cabinets have equal and accurate measurements so all of the knobs are equally placed and spaced. If upper cabinet knobs are placed 3 inches from the bottom of the cabinet, place the knobs 3 inches from the top of lower cabinets below the counter top.

Most kitchen cabinet knobs are attached to a screw or a cylindrical attachment that goes through the hole drilled in the cabinet. Before drilling any holes, inspect the size of the screw that is to go through the cabinetry and pick a drill bit of a coordinating size to drill the hole with. Following the marked off measurements previously made, drill a hole for each knob on the cabinet. Once the hole is made, the cabinet knob can be put through the hole and secured at the back.

If there are already knobs in the kitchen cabinet and you wish to replace the old ones with new ones the process is quite simple. Drilling is rarely needed because they can usually be unscrewed by hand or easily taken off with the help of a hand held screw driver. Once the old knobs are unscrewed and taken out, the new ones can be installed by putting them through the holes that the previous ones were in and securing them in the back.