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FEBRUA RY 2016 | 27 Architectural Hardware This year's crop of architectural hardware innovations o•er something for every style by STACEY MCLACHLAN B eauty, as they say, is in the details. And architectural hardware – the pieces that give you access to your kitchen cabinets, smoothly slide your patio door along, or deck out your front door – may just be the most beautiful detail of them all. Whether they're on full display, or hidden out of site, these elements are the finishing touch for any space, and merge form and function effortlessly. Many consumers are looking for hardware with no look at all. On the West Coast, modern, clean designs tend to be more popular. "The trend is going toward the European design," says Stefan Forschle, sales and product manager for HighEndHardware.ca. "Handleless and clean fronts are what designers are sticking to," adds Frank Sansalone, product specialist for Blum Canada. "We've seen it over in Europe, and now it's making it's way over here." Blum's Servo-Drive family of drawers and lit sys- tems, which operate with a simple touch, are key pieces to getting this handle-free look. These touch-free designs are clean in terms of visuals and are more hygienic. HighEndHardware.ca's new line of cabinetry hardware is a prime example of trendy, disappearing hardware: "The uniqueness of this hardware is in the design portion of it – it delivers quality and longevity with a stunning design that lets it almost vanish," says Forschle. Floating door hardware and slide-and-stack partitions are more evidence of the trend towards clean, modern designs. "There's a greater emphasis on minimizing visible hardware right now," notes Pete Van Hartingsveldt, architectural product group manager for Häfele Canada. "We're also seeing more requests for fully con- cealed hinges." And this isn't just for cabinetry. Häfele's line of StarTec concealed hinges for full-sized doors are a hot-ticket item for designers looking for a clean finish. Whatever the style, consistency is key. "Matching kitchen and bath finishes and designs give the entire project a uniform look," notes Mike Longhi, senior VP, McGregor & Thompson Hardware. And whether modern or traditional, homeowners The Finishing Touch are looking for products that are hassle-free and durable. "Quality of a product is what the homeowners want, while builders are looking for items that are easy to install," notes Forschle. "Architects, on the other hand, may be more interested in a unique item that will enhance their vision." S H O W I T O F F On the flip-side of the minimalist trend, barn door style designs are also appearing increasingly on homeowners' wish lists. This look, with prominent door brackets and sliders, puts a spotlight on the hardware itself. Currently, stainless steel barn door hardware is en vogue, but there is an increas- ing demand for a more rugged looking version of this style, according to Forschle. "Hardware manufacturer MWE has a system that combines the high quality of their brand and the look of an old barn door hardware," he explains. Other stylistic options are available, too; Richelieu's selection of barn door hardware even comes in matte black, with heritage-style arrow designs. Don Penner, Hettich sales manager, thinks this wall-mounted bracket style will be around for a while. "Designers that have seen this product think this will tran- scend the fad products that are currently on the market," he notes. Hettich's own line of hardware for the barn-door look is available with aluminum fascias for wall or header mount application, along with matching end caps. "Homeowners consider hardware like jewelry," observes Françoise Dion, national manager of specifications for Richelieu. "They now understand that it is a very impor- tant finishing touch." This is particularly true for cabinetry, where handles and pulls can instantly change the look of a kitchen or bathroom. Richelieu's new Exclusive Collection collaboration with celebrated designers (award-winning Swedish designer Bjorn Dahlstrom, the iconic Jasper Morrison and post-modernist Memphis group founder Nathalie du Pasquier, among others) celebrates the creativity that can be had with architectural hardware – think abstract metallic blossoms that func- tion as cabinet handles, graphic black-and-white knobs and modern porcelain pulls. F A N C I F U L F I N I S H E S Silver-hued metals remain most popular when it comes to architectural hardware fin- ishes – classic metallics like chrome, nickel and stainless steel – but traditional aged bronze and brass finishes are becoming more prevalent. "Gold and brass are something we're seeing in a lot of design magazines as they start incorporating gold finishes and gold accessories into their designs," notes Jane Kelly, director of marketing for Allegion. You'll likely be seeing more matte black pieces through 2016, suggests Dion, as companies introduce an increased selection of matte options to their collections. Overall, in terms of finishes, Van Hartingsveldt indicates there is some call for cli- ents to be able to do custom finishes on hardware, as designers encourage clients to express their unique wishes and individual tastes. Homeowners have a tendency to follow industry changes. This combination inspires homeowners to integrate new and fresh ideas into their living spaces. "Over the past few years we have seen many of our manufacturing partners increase the number of styles and finishes in both residential and commercial applications," adds Longhi. Rugged look barn door hardware from HighEndHardware.ca. High-tech drawer system, LEGRABOX, from Blum Canada. Exclusive Collection designer collaboration pulls from Richelieu.

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