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.

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).

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.