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How to Choose Finishes for Your New Home or Renovation

By Joshua Maraney  •   7 minute read

How to Choose Finishes for Your New Home or Renovation

Make a Statement with Your Door Handles

Selecting the right door handles sets the tone for your home’s overall aesthetic while ensuring daily functionality. When choosing lever handles, consider ergonomics and ease of use for all household members including children and those with limited hand strength. Round knobs offer a classic look but require firmer grip while levers allow a simple downward push. Evaluate handle profiles such as slim flat designs for a modern impression or sculpted curved varieties for traditional charm.

Material choice directly impacts longevity. Solid brass or stainless steel cores resist corrosion and wear while brass plating or physical vapor deposition finishes in matte black satin nickel or polished chrome deliver distinct visual statements. Matte finishes conceal fingerprints and minor scratches making them ideal for high traffic entryways. Polished chrome or brass finishes reflect light and can brighten darker hallways creating an inviting ambience.

Installation considerations include backplate size and door thickness compatibility. A larger backplate can distribute operational stress on the door surface preventing split timber over time. Ensure the spindle length matches your door’s depth plus backplate thickness. Always use quality screws and tighten handle sets evenly to avoid misalignment which can cause jittery operation. Explore an extensive selection at door handles.

Protect Walls with Stylish Door Stops

Door stops safeguard walls and finishes by preventing doors from opening too far and causing damage. Floor mounted stops feature robust metal bases anchored to the floor. Choose versions with rubber or silicone tips to gently absorb impact and prevent noise. These stops work well behind doors that swing over carpeted or tiled surfaces where wall fixtures may be impractical.

Wall mounted stops screw directly into plaster or timber skirting offering a more discreet profile. For a seamless look match the finish to your door handle set such as matte black stops for dark hardware or brushed nickel to complement stainless fixtures. Hinge mounted stops attach to the door hinge and eliminate extra floor or wall installations ideal for minimalist interiors or tight hallways.

Durability and ease of replacement matter in these small but critical components. Solid brass stops resist corrosion in humid environments while stainless steel options withstand heavy use. Periodically inspect rubber tips for wear and replace them as needed to maintain protection. Browse a curated range at door stops.

Elevate Your Space with Thoughtful Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom accessories bridge form and function by providing storage and organisational solutions while reinforcing your design theme. Towel rails and bars should be strong enough to support wet towels without bending. Select wall fixings that screw into studs or use heavy duty anchors. Heated towel rails add luxury and practicality drying linens faster and warming the bathroom space.

Soap dishes and holders present everyday essentials elegantly. Ceramic or glass trays mounted on chrome brackets feel refined but need careful alignment. Stainless steel versions with drainage holes simplify cleaning by preventing water pooling. Robe hooks rated for heavy garments avoid detachment under load. Place hooks within reach of the shower to prevent water dripping across the floor.

Toilet roll holders come in single arm or double roll designs. A double roll holder reduces restocking frequency while a recessed holder conserves space in smaller bathrooms. Match accessory finishes to tapware and handles such as brushed brass for warmer palettes or matte black for contrast. Discover options at bathroom accessories.

Secure Style and Safety with Premium Door Locks

Door locks combine security and style to protect private and exterior spaces. Privacy locks on bathroom or bedroom doors use a thumb turn or push button on the inside and an emergency release on the outside. Choose models with sturdy internal components and metal backplates to resist forced entry or accidental damage.

For external doors mortice locks and deadbolts offer higher security ratings. Mortice locks sit inside a cutout within the door edge and engage a heavy steel bolt into the frame. Deadlocks provide a single throw bolt activated by a key on one or both sides. Look for anti saw anti pick and anti drill features in cylinder locks to guard against common break in tactics.

Finish choices such as satin brass, antique bronze or matte black should match your handle sets for a cohesive look. Ensure lock dimensions fit standard door thicknesses or plan for a carpenter to modify the door and frame. Review certified security ratings to select the correct grade for entry points. Shop reliable options at door locks.

Explore Advanced Protection with Innovative Locks

Beyond basic door locks advanced locking solutions enhance home security and convenience. Multi point systems engage three or more locking bolts along the door frame simultaneously increasing resistance to forced entry. These systems often integrate into existing handles and strike plates delivering seamless operation without bulky hardware.

When installing any lock, reinforce the door frame with metal strike plates and long screws to resist kick ins. Consult a qualified locksmith to verify compatibility with your door material such as solid timber composite or steel and confirm warranty support. Explore high tech and traditional options at locks.

Choose Smooth Operation with Reliable Door Hinges

Hinges determine the smoothness and longevity of door operation. Standard butt hinges are visible when the door is open and suit traditional styles. Select three knuckle or four knuckle designs based on door weight. Heavy doors may require ball bearing hinges which reduce friction and prevent squeaking under constant use.

Concealed or european style hinges mount within door and frame recesses offering a clean minimal impression. They allow fine adjustments for perfect door alignment and often feature integrated soft close mechanisms to prevent slamming. Check hinge specifications for door weight and thickness ratings before purchase.

Finish consistency matters. Choose the same finish as your door handles and locks such as polished chrome for modern neutrals or aged brass for period decor. Secure hinges using high tensile screws and consider a screwdriver bit that matches screw head style to prevent cam out. Browse durable selections at door hinges.

Perfect Your Cabinets with Stylish Handles

Cabinet and drawer handles in kitchens and bathrooms anchor the room’s visual cohesion. Bar handles with straight pulls create a linear rhythm across cabinetry and are available in varying diameters and lengths to suit drawer widths. Bow handles curve gently away from cabinet surfaces offering a comfortable grip and a classic aura.

Ergonomics again play a role. Test handle profiles for hand fit and leverage. Consider offset handles that project further making it easier to open deep drawers. Match handle finish to surrounding hardware such as matte black handles contrasting crisp white cabinetry or satin nickel complementing stainless steel appliances.

Installation alignment is crucial. Evenly spaced handles maintain a professional appearance. Use a template jig to drill holes consistently across runs of cabinets. For larger handles consider a backplate or rosette to distribute stress and prevent surface marking.

Transform Bathrooms with Elegant Vanities

Bathroom vanities merge storage solutions with design finesse. Wall hung vanities float above the floor opening space for floor cleaning and creating a modern minimalist aesthetic. They require robust wall framing and precise plumbing positioning. Choose laminated or water resistant mdf carcasses to withstand humidity.

Freestanding vanities resemble furniture complete with plinths or legs. They often feature ornate pilasters or panelled fronts for a traditional vibe. Inspect the internal drawer and door mechanisms. Soft close runners and concealed hinges enhance luxury and usability by preventing slamming and alignment shifts.

Vanity benchtop materials range from engineered stone which resists stains and scratching to water resistant wood veneers for warmth. Coordinate benchtop edge profiles such as square bullnose or chamfered with sink type and surrounding finishes. Explore adaptable designs at bathroom vanities.

Elevate Sinks with Show Stopping Basins

Basins contribute substantially to bathroom character. Undermount basins installed below the benchtop surface offer a seamless transition from bench to sink; they hide rim buildup but require meticulous sealing. Choose vitreous china or stone resin basins for durability and scratch resistance.

Above counter bowls rest on benchtops turning the sink into a sculptural element. Materials include translucent glass matte stone resin or hammered metal for artisanal flair. Consider basin dimensions such as inner bowl width lip thickness and depth to match user comfort and splash control.

Accompany basins with overflow slots or concealed overflow channels to prevent accidental flooding. Waste fittings should match basin and tap finishes for a unified look. Investigate varied shapes such as round oval or rectangular to complement vanity styles. Find suitable options at bathroom basins.

Enhance Storage and Style with Mirror Cabinets

Mirror cabinets serve dual roles as reflective surfaces and concealed storage. Select frameless models for a sleek edge-to-edge mirror effect or slimline framed units to match hardware finishes such as chrome matte black or brass. Integrated led lighting strips around the mirror enhance makeup and shaving routines by casting even shadowfree illumination.

Interior cabinet features matter. Adjustable tempered glass shelves accommodate tall bottles while pull out drawers store small items securely. Demister pads behind the mirror surface prevent condensation buildup maintaining clear reflection after hot showers.

Mounting depth must suit cavity wall space. Slim models minimise protrusion into bathroom traffic areas. Confirm installation instructions and anchoring requirements for safety especially on plasterboard walls. Shop functional designs at mirror cabinets.

Add Flexibility with Smooth Rolling Castor Wheels

Castor wheels transform mobile furniture applications. In kitchens a wheeled island or utility trolley can be relocated for extra prep surfaces or hidden when not in use. In laundry rooms portable carts on wheels store detergents and cleaning tools then roll out for tasks.

Opt for wheels with sealed ball bearings for smooth rotation and wheels made of nylon or rubberised materials to protect tile vinyl or stone floors from scratches. Braked wheels lock to secure units during active use. Evaluate mounting options such as plate mounted castors that screw into furniture bases or stem mounted castors that fit into predrilled sockets.

Weight capacity is critical. Match castor ratings to the heaviest loaded unit. Consider double wheel castors for greater load distribution and easier manoeuvring over obstacles. Browse reliable choices at castor wheels.

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