Architectural hardware manufacturer Ashley Norton has released its first all-wood hardware line for kitchens and baths.
The Wood Cabinet Hardware Collection consists of three pulls and three knobs, all available in oak, walnut, and several different sizes. The company says the inspiration for the collection came from flowing elements found in nature, along with Scandinavian influences.
“Regarding the design of the hardware, the design inspiration was really from everyday sources of it, like everyday objects, like fabric flowing, or the waves,” says Ashish Karnani, vice president of Ashley Norton. “We just wanted to introduce the organic feeling because it's an organic material that’s sort of everywhere.”
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The Wave Pull is modeled after the flow of the ocean, the Cape Pull represents fabric flowing in the wind, and the Arc Pull has a bridge-like curve, the company says. The Wing Knob speaks for itself, having the look of two wings in flight.
Ashley Norton aims at providing a robust array of hardware able to fit in any home. Typically, the company works with metal hardware, and the wood collection is a first. By working with a skilled European-based wood manufacturer, Ashley Norton was able to create styles and shapes not achievable with metal, the company says.
“When you’re designing a piece in metal, whether it's brass or bronze, you’ve got to consider quite carefully how you’re going to clean and polish, and electroplate or finish the product,” says Avanti Karnani, head of design and marketing. “That complexity is taken out in wood, which allows us to get more unique designs, which otherwise would have been impossible. It’s what really allows us to come up with more creative designs, more challenging designs, that are just looking and feeling very, very good.”
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Wood offerings not only bring out new styles for the brand, but fills a gap in their portfolio with more natural designs, the company says. Still, the wood hardware collection fits well with the overall brand and their goal to provide an expansive lineup of hardware.
Each knob and pull is finished with a lacquer, which is the same for their metal hardware. The company says the hardware’s lifespan is equal to that of their metal counterparts, with the same warranty.
The company says they can see their wood hardware collection used in a variety of ways, from modern to mid-century modern, rustic to transitional.
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“Our wood line is very comprehensive,” says Ashish. “You do have more cleaner designs where people can use it in more practical kitchens as well if you are going for a look. Even going for the country style, if you are planning to keep the whole wood feeling going throughout, and then the extreme modern where you really want to make a statement because this looks more like a piece of art rather than a cabinet hardware on the cabinet.”
Ashley Norton’s design process includes sketching out the concept, and creating 3D models to ensure the look, feel, and functionality are all present, the company says.
“The manufacturers of the pulls have been selling similar products in Europe for years, so they had a high degree of confidence,” says Avanti. “It is a European-made product so that adds some confidence right away.”
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