2 min readPictured Above: The kitchen cabinets in this space feature icebox-style hardware from Rejuvenation.
Much like an accessory that brings an outfit to completion, a home’s hardware should never be underestimated. In fact, you can even look at knobs and latches as the jewelry of the home—it’s worth paying special attention to, and investing a little more where you can.
For an example of how hardware can truly shine in a space, just look at the kitchen of this revamped 19th-century Victorian, designed by the Boston-based interior design firm, Reider + Co. The cook space features a bold teal center island adorned with brass-toned icebox hardware to create a chain-like design around its edges. We asked the team about the inspiration behind this clever design detail.
“We wanted the island to feel more like a collected furniture piece, and the icebox hardware was a way to reinforce that sense of craftsmanship and character,” says Rachel Reider, the firm’s founder and principal designer. “There’s a nostalgic quality to old icebox detailing that feels both utilitarian and decorative, and we loved the idea of celebrating the function rather than hiding it.”
Not only does the detailing add a level of flair to the posh and patterned space, but it also creates an additional level of contrast against the rich teal tone of the cabinetry for depth.
“In both interiors and jewelry, small details build layers in a design,” Reider continues. “In this kitchen, the island hardware functions as the final layer of detail. Just like a great piece of jewelry can pull together an outfit, the icebox hardware on the island anchors the design and calls your attention to the intricacies of the paldao cabinetry.”
So, where can you start in adding this element of antique-inspired charm to your home? You’ll have to strike the perfect balance between scale and restraint. Overdoing these statement-making details can lead to designs that feel more jumbled than intentional.
“A well-designed accessory enhances what’s already there rather than competing with it. Scale, finish, and placement are all important. When thoughtfully integrated, hardware can completely shift how cabinetry feels, turning it from something purely functional into something expressive and, in this case, collectible,” Reider says.
If you’re hoping to recreate the look in your own space, you can shop different brands, finishes, and styles of icebox hardware below.
