HARDWARE W
ith Forbes hailing matte black as one of the hottest home design trends of 2024, more and more homeowners have
been choosing the colour to complete their interior design schemes and for the purpose of appealing to future potential buyers too. Incorporating black into wider design trends is easily achieved, bringing an understated finishing touch that complements everything from Scandi minimalism to country interiors. Kerry Blackford, senior category manager at ERA says that black accessories like door and window furniture and hardware can complement and elevate the overall style of a property, whether it’s a modern and airy new-build or a traditional period home. “There is no doubt that black finishes make a real style statement in both new and old homes, with the added benefit of modern luxury and timeless characteristics,” she says. Blackford reports that matt black has been the finish of choice for kitchen and bathroom projects in recent years and, as is so often the case, trends that start in these rooms influence design choices for other areas of the home. “Shower enclosures, bathroom taps, and kitchen cabinet handles are just some of the fittings being designed and sold in matte black finishes, often in contemporary and industrial styles.
“The black design trend has also been visible in the resurgence of slim aluminium framed windows, doors and internal screens that are now frequently specified for open-plan kitchen and family room extensions,” she says.
Versatility
One of the reasons for its enduring appeal is that black is enduringly versatile, creating a sleek and cohesive look when used across a wide variety of hardware and interior styles.
Blackford says: “Should a homeowner want to achieve a contemporary look, black brings a clean, bold and modern touch, when used in a matte finish. Equally, for homeowners wishing to follow a more traditional and heritage style
“Not only is black bang on trend, but its versatility and timeless appeal mean there is no doubt that customer requests for this impactful shade will continue to rise.”
November 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net BLACK
PAINT IT
When it comes to hardware and door furniture, BMJ finds out that the colour black is always a popular option thanks to its versatility and classic connotations.
route, black can help to achieve the desired aged effect when chosen in a hammered finish on a period-style handle, for example.” She adds that, no matter what the home’s age, black can complement exteriors and interiors and across ERA’s mechanical and Fab&Fix’s decorative range the finish is available in many styles that are designed to suit many different property types and applications. “Given its neutrality, black famously goes with everything. Offering a contrast against colours and textures, black will not only suit any window and door style or colour, but it will also create a striking look to boot. Black hardware can create an industrial aesthetic with contemporary entrance doors or when used with a heritage door, in white or sage green woodgrain, black can enhance a period look.”
Benefits to merchants For builders merchants, offering an array of hardware design choices in black can open up sales opportunities, given that builders and developers, as well as homeowners, are more aware of design trends than ever, thanks to increasing points of reference across social media, advertising and online.
Blackford says: “Not only is black bang on
trend, but its versatility and timeless appeal mean there is no doubt that customer requests for this impactful shade will continue to rise. Introducing more black style options can be a style-led point of difference for merchants, creating upselling opportunities and catering to audiences who are following wider design trends when investing in their homes.”
ERA’s latest matt black finish has been added its range of 3 Lever Mortice Locks, Bathroom Mortice Locks and CE Tubular Latches. The 3 Lever Mortice Lock is a low-cost option to offer additional security for internal doors and outdoor applications, such as sheds.
Tested to CE, UKCA and BS EN 12209, the internal latch is suitable for use on fire and smoke resisting 30-minute and 60-minute timber-based doorsets, when used in conjunction with lever handles or knobs handles, and a compatible intumescent strip. She adds: “Additionally, the Fab&Fix decorative range from ERA that includes the Classic, Forged and Heritage window and door hardware ranges, also offers a selection of black finishes to suit a range of window and door styles. With such a variety of styles, Fab&Fix now offer more versatility than ever before when it comes to perfectly matching doors and windows for a variety of property styles.
“Leading the way in performance standards, all Fab&Fix hardware endures real-world prohesion testing and has over 35 years of proven field performance.” BMJ
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