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FEBRUA RY 2017 | 35 Architectural Hardware "Smaller, less obtrusive hardware that doesn't take the focus away from the cabinetry and the finishes – that's what people are looking for now," adds Shawn Pressley, marketing manager for Salice America. "Today, a handle is seen as a protrusion, not a jewel," agrees de Lanauze. That desire for a sleek finish extends even to the hidden mechanic. De Lanauze notes that he has seen an increased demand for no cover cap or holes on metal drawer profiles, adding that "everything is hidden into the construction." Designs with handles that blend in are another variation of the minimalist trend. "Manufacturers are offering hardware that matches nicely by adding white and black selections in high-gloss and matte," says Stefan Forschle, general manager at Bucher Ltd. He also points to the way producers are getting creative, using a vari- ety of different materials, combining different materials such as stainless steel and glass or wood and leather. But minimalism isn't for everyone. For residential spaces, "design-driven" styles and finishes are still being requested and specified. "There was a time when door hardware 'upgrades' consisted of specifying a curved lever in place of a ball knob," says Mike Longhi, senior VP of McGregor & Thompson Hardware. "Today, we see European mortise style locks, integrated security and remote access control appearing in residential offerings." Italian-inspired levers and mid-century replica hardware are just a few options that give consumers looks that go beyond simple function. These accoutrements are no longer an afterthought; designers are taking them into account as they work on the overall finish and theme of a space. "They can enhance or complement the resi- dential package," explains Longhi. He points to how components like doors, mould- ing baseboard, casing and hardware are being grouped and presented as a complete package today, rather than separate elements, and how barn door systems – which highlight hardware systems via exposed rails and hangers – have become statement pieces in residential spaces. Françoise Dion, national director of specifications for Richelieu Hardware, notes that architects seem to be on two ends of a design spectrum right now. "The styles are either very decorative or contemporary and concealed," says Dion. For those who aren't afraid of a little flair, there's huge pressure to find the knob or handle that makes the right statement. "People are putting extra emphasis on finding the pieces that will suit them," explains Dion. She points to brass as a popular option, and an emergence of a "champagne" tone: "It's between brass and copper in colou- ration, so it's very warm and appealing." Jane Kelly, marketing director for Allegion, also recognizes satin brass as a hot colour for the coming year. "It brings a classic look to the 21st century, whether you're looking to match brass lighting and plumbing fixtures, or to accentuate a tra- ditionally elegant home while keeping it up-to-date." Cooler metals are coming back into fashion, too – like the up-and-coming finish polished nickel, which is versatile and bridges traditional and modern. "For homes with reflective accents, stainless steel appliances and mirrored surfaces, polished nickel provides a complementary flourish that won't overwhelm its surroundings, making it a forgiving finish that's still completely modern," says Kelly. Overall, dark colours and materials rule for 2017. "We're seeing more requests for darker finishes on hardware, and launched a dark finish called Titanium for our hinge systems five years ago," explains Salice America's Pressley. But ultimately, trends will never win out over personal style. So while Richelieu is launching a Steampunk collection, which celebrates an industrial-chic look that incorporates old valves into the look, Dion is quick to note that minimalist chrome and black stainless pieces are flying off the shelf too. "We see all sorts of combinations of styles and finishes as people are daring to do more," she says. When it comes to the future of architectural hardware, Colvin believes it is high tech. "More and more, access control and biometric devices are becoming more permanent," explains Colvin. And the future of architectural hardware will see a greater integration with security, too (see this month's feature on Security and Life Safety Systems). Looking outside the kitchen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled access control secu- rity are becoming standard for residential entry hardware. "Manufacturers are providing integrated access control system – hardware and software – to enhance the security and simplicity of building management," says Longhi. Allegion's Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is on just such a futuristic locking sys- tem, featuring an illuminated touchscreen for easy access and remote control via app. "There's a peace of mind that comes with the ability to check your lock status remotely, and the complete control of being able to add and delete codes on the fly – giving you the final say in not just who comes and goes, but when they do it," explains Kelly. The deadbolt is also compatible with Apple HomeKit technology, allowing users to "talk to unlock" using Siri. These developments mean that hardware companies now need to take on tech expertise – McGregor & Thompson Hardware, for one, now see their product specialists involved not just with architects and designers, but with IT departments, too. "Today, more commercial door hardware is manufactured and sold with an electrical interface connection than not, which means our people have had to adapt to this, and it's not always easy," says Longhi. Grass Canada's 90-degree-bending hinges provide a maximum amount of stor- age, but they also happen to be helpful for accessibility – a hot topic for the industry as the population ages. "We're going away from lower cabinets with doors to draw- ers," notes Pavlov. "The older you get, the harder it is to reach." Designing for aging in place continues to be a priority for Blum Canada as well, as the baby boomer demographic starts to get older and less mobile. The company conducts serious research, even going so far as putting their testers in a suit that ages them 20 years to experience joint pain and stiffness. "That's what we're using to change the design of our products," says Frank Sansalone, product specialist for Blum Canada. The Servo-Drive flex electrical assist, which helps make dishwashers more accessible, is one such innovation to emerge from these studies. And for 2018 and beyond? Pavlov predicts that European trends like interior drawer colours (think graphite and gold-bronze) and organization systems will soon make their way to the North American market. Drawer lighting, too, will likely be common in the next few years. Blum's new Easy Assembly app is another example of how the industry is look- ing to the future. The program allows an installer to have easy access to videos and instructions, but also augmented reality to help locate and install Blum hardware into a cabinet. "The industry is very excited," says Sansalone. "It's a pretty new, pretty exciting technology that we're putting in people's hands." A Steampunk collection from Richelieu Hardware. The Air hinge from Salice America. The soft-touch Servo-Drive hardware system from Blum Canada Ltd.

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