How Home Design Hardware Comes to Life
From first sketch to final finish, understanding the customization process helps homeowners and designers plan for success.
Photo: Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Hardware
Custom hardware is a design decision with the power to personalize a space down to the smallest detail. For architects, designers and homeowners working at the high end of the market, knowing what to expect from a custom process can mean the difference between a rushed decision and a refined, fully integrated solution.
Here is what you need to know about the customization process to get the best result.
Budget
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Custom doesn’t have to mean boundless when it comes to budget. Some clients opt for one or two signature pieces, while others outfit an entire residence. Having a clear understanding of quantity, finish, and complexity helps shape a realistic cost estimate early on.
Inspiration
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Every custom piece begins with a spark, and inspiration can be found anywhere from a vintage latch to a textile motif to a detail drawn from the architecture itself. Photos, mood boards or reference objects are a great way to start the hardware design conversation. A good partner will know how to translate your vision into something functional, beautiful and enduring.
Drawings
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Precision matters. After the initial inspiration and design has been discussed, your hardware partner will produce detailed drawings to confirm measurements and mounting points. This is where ideas take on dimensional clarity and final refinements are made before production.
Method
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Depending on the design, most custom bronze hardware is either cast or machined. At this point, artisans collaborate with designers to refine form, scale and mechanical requirements, ensuring both beauty and function. High quality purveyors have in-house artisans who are experts in both sand and lost wax casting methods and can mold art-grade bronze into functional art for your home.
Production
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The final step is where the magic really happens. No matter how hardware is cast, it should be hand-finished and inspected for quality. You can expect skilled staff to finish every piece with a hand-applied patina and polish that grows richer and deeper over time. The end product will be a sculptural work of art crafted to last a lifetime.
Christian Nickum is President of Rocky Mountain Hardware. For more than 30 years, RMH has been creating custom handcrafted bronze hardware and accessories of impeccable quality and enduring beauty. View their profile or contact them at rockymountainhardware.com and 208.788.2013.
Content for this article provided by Rocky Mountain Hardware.
