Sometimes the little things add up to major differences, and that idea holds true when updating door hardware. It’s not uncommon for relatively inexpensive doorknobs, locking systems and hinges to lose their luster prematurely. Repetitive use and age result in those once shiny finishes looking dull and worn out. Unattractive door hardware elements are like tiny blemishes in an otherwise lovely interior and exterior décor.
The good news for homeowners stems from the fact replacing them remains a relatively simple DIY project. Given the door and jamb holes have already been drilled, all you have to do is select appealing products that match their dimensions. These are strategies that can cost-effectively enhance your décor.
One of the décor faux pas that doesn’t get the attention it deserves stems from unmatched doors and hinges. Some homeowners focus on doorknobs and deadbolts without considering the hinges. Lovely knobs and locking systems often differ in two ways. They either possess a different color scheme than the hinges, or the knobs and locks appear newer.
If you have reasonably attractive knobs and locking systems, consider circling back and selecting hinges that match. Taking off a door and replacing hinges might seem like too much DIY effort. However, the difference it makes in terms of consistent details is worth it.
There are wide-reaching reasons door hardware fails to seamlessly fit the interior décor. Sometimes homeowners select fetching doorknobs because they look terrific at the retail outlet. Shiny brass or silvery finishes often affect people. While these may be wonderful products, few people want their doorknobs to attract an abundance of attention.
Consider choosing door hardware that adds a subtle enhancement to the room without drawing your eye. Low-luster finishes such as bronze, pewter and even glass can accomplish this change. Many enjoy superior designs that subtly enhance any space without becoming the center of attention.
Perhaps the most prime example for faux hardware is the rustic hinges homeowners are adding to garage doors. These large, black, barn-style hardware elements are fixed on the outside of automatic garage doors. When they are closed, they add significant curbside appeal. No one is really the wiser that they don’t necessarily function. Sometimes décor is purely about aesthetic appeal, and faux hardware remains an option.
Homeowners looking for a low-cost DIY project that enhances their living space may want to consider changing door hardware. Those little things enhanced the quality of a living space and your peaceful enjoyment.
I'm John Mahan, Sales Associate with William Raveis Real Estate, Harwich Port Office.
Throughout his childhood, John Mahan spent summers on Cape Cod at his parents’ home in Dennis Port. His intro to the Cape was, as he puts it, when his parents “carried me down the stairs at Sea Street Beach when I was a week old.” With a lifelong connection to Cape Cod, it seemed only natural for John and his wife, Mary, to move to Harwich – where they still reside – with their two young children in 1996.
Prior to moving to Cape Cod, John lived in the Worcester-Auburn area where he worked for Mass Electric for 10 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Utility Workers. When John and his family moved to the Cape, he worked at NSTAR for six years.
John began his career in real estate in 2002 when he joined Team Waystack Realty in Harwich Port. He has been a consistent top producing realtor in the Harwich area for the past 20 years. John’s approachable demeanor, combined with an integral understanding of the Cape Cod residential real estate market, have allowed him to build trusting, long-term relationships with his clients – both sellers and buyers.
