According to published reports, the overall demand for hardware in residential properties is expected to grow 1.7 percent each year, to $6.3 billion in 2021. “Sales will be driven by continued rebound-fueled growth in building activity, including new construction as well as improvement and repair,” The Freedonia Group reports.
Demand for hardware use in both residential and commercial projects is projected to reach $11 billion by 2021, the research group adds.
Described as the jewelry of cabinetry and casegoods, decorative hardware will play a significant role in the ongoing demand. For a quick look at where this segment of the market is trending for 2018, here is a look is a look at what some hardware manufacturers are predicting:
Hardware Resources“We’re seeing that the gold and satin bronze tones are still really hot, along with the contrasting finish of matte black, so we’re gearing up our line for some additions in those finishes. The trend is still leaning towards soft curves and clean lines in both thinner and beefier designs and everyone wants a unique contemporary look,” said a spokesperson from Hardware Resources.
“The brushed and satin brass finishes in decorative are continuing to gain momentum,” said Greg Sheets, Häfele America Co. product manager. “We’re also starting to see rose gold and copper-based finishes showing up more and more in lighting and furniture accessories, which may eventually lead to more of these finishes in décor as well.”
Richelieu HardwareAdded Mihai Subran, product manager at Richelieu Hardware, “The decorative hardware is positioned in between the design and function – it’s a limitless source of design innovation as well as a window to past architectural styles, periods, decorative arts and craftsmanship.”
Subran cited some of the design trends in the kitchen and bath environment – and their impact on hardware. “In the last one listed below, designers are still employing themes that shaped the North American hardware history, like the Eastlake and Victorian. The second one epitomizes elements from Art Deco and the first is what best represents our continent today.”
The design trends noted by Subran include:
• Timeless blend or transitional with updated classic pulls with modest detailing, not too modern and not too classic, just a perfect blend of both, the kitchen will look classic but clean.
• Pristine streamlined or modern features minimal hardware design, clean, integrated to the cabinet either as recessed or over the edge.
• Sophisticated luxury or classic, with careful detailing on a larger size product, mixing finishes between the cabinet and the appliances.
Specific “smaller” trends, also noted by Subran include:
• “Back in time’’ reproductions bringing the nostalgia of different eras, some of them in the original form and some with contemporary touches.
• The “glamorous’’ – shiny materials and many crystals, gold, silver, diamond shapes and even Murano glass.
• Rustic, ethno, industrial and barn – rough elements and aged materials combined with ultra-modern ideas for a today’s twist.
• Inspirations from nature – leaves, branches, rocks, grass and fruits.
• Dual combinations of materials – the metals combined with stone, wood, glass, concrete, acrylic and leather.
• Recycled materials that can contribute toward satisfying Credit 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content for LEED certification.
• Antibacterial hardware for use in healthcare and other environments.
• Arts & Crafts, the Revival American, adding plenty of detailed artwork.
• The Early American Style, where the function was predominant over style.
• Eclectic with marine elements, such as whimsical sea animals.
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