Mark Harper of Joseph Giles – Why hardware really matters in luxury kitchens

What exactly is it that elevates a high-end kitchen and sets it apart? Mark Harper, senior product designer at premium hardware brand Joseph Giles, explores what defines luxury.

True luxury in kitchen design lies in the meticulous attention to detail, where every element, no matter how small, contributes to a cohesive and elevated experience. It transcends mere functionality; it's about crafting a space where aesthetics are as important as utility. A truly luxurious kitchen considers all the details, big and small, as part of a harmonious whole.

Hardware, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in achieving this aesthetic. From shelf supports and pivots – such as our Adjustable K-Pivot – to hinges, trims, and handles, every fitting is carefully coordinated with matching finishes. Even integrated handles, like our Rohe or Alesca designs, which are subtly recessed into the cabinetry, add an extra layer of materiality and a bespoke feel. Crucially, in a luxury setting, hardware should have no visible screw fixings, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted visual.

Beyond exceptional hardware, a truly luxurious kitchen will always feature quality materials, such as natural stone worktops and solid metal or brass hardware. You'll also find bespoke joinery with true attention paid to the minutiae, like custom-designed drawer and cutlery inlays. Finally, considered storage is paramount – you will rarely see clutter in a luxury kitchen; any objects left out serve an aesthetic purpose.

The right hardware should never be an afterthought. It's a small yet incredibly important element within the overall design scheme, for both the form and function of a space. When carefully selected, it significantly elevates the perceived value and overall sophistication of even a well-designed kitchen, acting as the jewel in the crown.

The benefits of high-end hardware extend far beyond visual appeal. It's about delivering a luxury tactile experience – the satisfying feel of touching quality materials like solid brass or marble. Furthermore, high-quality hinges and pivots guarantee consistent, flawless operation over many years of use. Consider the soft-close function, or the silent, precise engagement of magnetic catches like our leathered adjustable catch: silence, in itself, is a luxury.

Top 3 essential tips for selecting and Incorporating hardware

1. Early consideration: Integrate hardware considerations into the design process fairly early on. Don't leave it to the last minute.

2. Functionality meets aesthetics: Think about both functionality and aesthetics. When choosing a finish, invite your client to consider how they want it to look in a few years, especially given that kitchens are highly-used spaces. Are they happy with handles that develop a patina, or do they prefer an ageless finish that maintains its original appearance?

3. Sample review: Always encourage clients to review hardware and finish samples against their chosen cabinet, worktop, and paint colours to ensure perfect harmony.

Common mistakes to avoid:

The most common pitfalls we see are mismatched or clashing finishes. Finishes from different suppliers can vary, even if they share the same name. Another frequent error is not considering the proportions of the hardware on the cabinets; handles that appear too large or too small can detract significantly from the luxury feel.

To achieve a cohesive and harmonious look, the simplest approach is to choose designs from a single collection. If you wish to mix different designs, ensure the finishes are consistent throughout the entire kitchen.