Corston Architectural Detail: The British Hardware Company That Everyone Is Talking About
Sponsored Content: This post is a collaboration with Corston Architectural Detail. As usual, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and I would never possess anything in my own home that I did not rate or love.
The importance of great hardware should never be underestimated; in the same way that exceptional jewellery can make or break a killer outfit, I’ve seen beautiful new kitchens ruined with poor-quality, plastic switches and sockets. Door handles, cabinet knobs, switch plates, and shelf brackets should all be considered as room embellishments: a valuable ‘final touch.’ Too often, they can be a functional afterthought that can destroy the design scheme of a well-formed room.
Corston Architectural Detail’s Kilburn Knobs in Antique Brass in my kitchen at home.
For a long time, it was difficult to source good hardware: you had a choice of very high-end (the expensive type found in Kensington homes that were beautifully crafted but not very modern), or, more trend-led and affordable (constructed of lightweight coated metals that irreparably tarnished with a few months use). Thankfully, a lot has changed within the hardware industry, and there is one company that is at the forefront of hardware design that everyone is talking about within the world of interiors: Corston Architectural Detail.
Based in Wiltshire, Corston Architectural Detail was founded by a creative team of designers and engineers with an architectural focus. Having all previously been involved within the interiors industry, the essence of Corston was to create a design-led, timeless range of home hardware and lighting that worked within a variety of property styles. Exceptional high-quality and coordination was a priority for the company (a product finish and design will span the entire range - you can buy spotlights that match kitchen drawer pulls, and so on), while each product comes in at a mid-range price point (£12 for a brass furniture knob and around £30 for a two-way toggle switch).
I’ve used Corston’s Kilburn Knobs in Antique Brass across all my kitchen cabinets for a cohesive look.
I was first introduced to Corston Architectural Detail via some large renovation accounts on Instagram. I was immediately drawn to their clear light switch plate with brass toggle inserts that allowed for detailed wallpaper patterns to remain uninterrupted and visible. Looking to revamp my own kitchen cabinets, I was also very attracted to their flattering collection of cupboard furniture - available in 17 different pleasing styles and 4 varying colours and finishes. A year ago, I swapped out 22 old kitchen cabinet knobs for Corston's Kilburn Knobs in Antique Brass and I was beyond delighted with the product and the finished result. What struck me as soon as I held one of the Kilburn’s in my hand was the weight of the product (made from real brass): a sign of premium quality and superior craftsmanship - a complement to the way the piece had been engineered.
One year later, I decided to give my kitchen another facelift. I was bored of the farmhouse-style blue cabinets and mermaid tiles that previously existed - it was time for a new look using contemporary warm neutral tones and a swap out of the old tiles for an on-trend slab splashback. The only thing I didn’t want (or need) to do was to replace my Corston Kilburn knobs. The vintage look of the antique brass finish had gradually gained a soft, darkened patina over time which suited the old kitchen style, but when I removed the knobs to paint the cupboards I just gave them a quick buffing with a microfibre cloth and brass polish to reinvigorate them to suit the refreshed space. The Kilburn knobs worked so well in the ‘farmhouse’ kitchen, but also crossed over to suit the new neutral aesthetic beautifully. Removing them and re-applying them was easy - I only required a manual screwdriver to do the job.
The Corston collection of door & cupboard furniture (including locks, latches, doorstops, key covers, hinges, and push plates), shelf brackets, hooks, switches & sockets, and spotlighting, are designed to create a truly stunning home that feels cohesive and considered. Below, I’ve picked out some of my favourite designs and I have suggested some ways in which they can be combined with other elements (such as colour and home accessories) as part of a wider design scheme.
Modern Bathroom featuring Corston Architectural Detail’s Bronze Collection
Hardware and finishing details in dark tones bring a modern, progressive feel to a space. Hand-finished in Corston’s Wiltshire workshop, bronze works particularly well with marble and especially complements woven marble mosaic tiles. To keep your bathroom feeling spacious and looking luxurious, consider adding a marble top vanity unit.
Add other small touches of darker shades into the room (such as a black-rimmed mirror) to accentuate the bronze finish. Featured on this Modern Bathroom mood board: Harper Mortice Door Handle- Bronze / Kilburn Shelf Bracket - Bronze / Hyde Hook - Bronze / Harper T-Bar Furniture Handle Small - Bronze / 2G Two Way Dimmer Switch / Seymour Door Stop. All Corston Architectural Detail.
Child’s Bedroom featuring Corston Architectural Detail’s Unlacquered Brass Finish
Beautifully traditional in look and style, Corston’s unlacquered brass collection matures over time to develop a gentle patina that brings character and personality to each piece. A perfect accompaniment to the current arts and craft interior trend, I am a particular fan of the pretty Portland Hook in this finish, teamed with a traditional toggle switch. Featured on this Child’s Bedroom mood board: Solid Brass Portland Hook - Unlaquered Brass / 3G Two Way Toggle Switch - Unlacquered Brass / Baylis Single 50mm Spotlight - Unlacquered Brass All Corston Architectural Detail.
Light & Fresh Kitchen featuring Corston Architectural Detail’s Polished Nickel Collection
If you prefer a clean and fresh look in your home, then Corston Architectural Detail’s Polished Nickel Collection avoids patina and will stay looking brand new due to the nickel plating over the solid brass. The smooth, spotless chrome effect is the perfect choice to complement deep-sea blues and off-white paint colours. Corston’s rotating spotlights are available in polished nickel for coordination, but they also come pre-primed ready for painting in the same shade as the ceiling for discretion (or in a pop of colour to create a feature). Featured on this Light & Fresh Kitchen mood board: Poplar Mortice Door Knob - Polished Nickel / Bayswater Furniture Knob - Polished Nickel / Kilburn Furniture Handle 128mm - Polished Nickel / Sycamore Furniture Handle 224mm - Polished Nickel / 1G Architrave Two Way Toggle Switch - Polished Nickel. All Corston Architectural Detail.
