We're thinking Summer and Beach House Hardware!

Part 1: Stainless Steel

You might never think of choosing hardware for your coastal home until the very end of your project, but it's something that we believe should be chosen with great care and consideration long before. Choosing the right hardware can either be the crowning design touch  for all of your hard work, or it could totally ruin your entire interior design plan. (image courtesy of House Beautiful)

The choices for cabinet hardware are simply endless!  There are many things to consider, not only beach house design themes,  but also durability and ease of function.  The closer your home is to salt-laden air and water, durability and finish choices will become paramount in choosing the right pieces for your home.  

Stainless steel near the water is such an excellent choice, but the design choices are a little more limited than other materials such as brass, bronze or pewter.  (image courtesy of Dekkor, Inc.)

Stainless steel is an fabulous design option for an upscale modern beach house look - just take a look at this Laguna Beach seaside home! ( From Home and House Design.)

Why consider stainless steel?

"Stainless steel has a unique quality, It can self-repair! Stainless steel has a naturally occurring layer that forms on the surface by oxidization. This film is very thin (only a few atoms thick), inert and invisible. If the surface is accidentally scratched this protective coating automatically repairs itself. This layer is what makes it corrosion free."  Ideal for beach homes and boats!  If you spend a little extra time looking, marine-grade stainless steel cabinet hardware can be found.  (image courtesy of Dekkor, Inc.)

Stainless steel is also extremely easy to take care of; simply wipe with a  damp sponge  or soft  cloth,  using water with a very small amount of gentle detergent or vinegar added.   Regular cleaning will avoid any stubborn dirt from building up. In fact, unlike other materials,  it is impossible to wear out stainless steel by excessive cleaning.

Linnea is one of our favorite companies for stainless steel pulls and knobs.  Most of their items come in both polished stainless, and satin stainless steel finishes. Innovation is key, and they have may sizes to choose from, including a full line of appliance handles.

A few words of caution! 

• Don't use steel or wire wool as they can leave tiny fragments behind which can tarnish the surface. 
• Don't use bleach, chlorides or acid-based cleaning products which can discolor the surface. (actually you shouldn't use bleach on any hardware)
• Baking soda can be used as a cleaning agent, but make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain, and to immediately rinse and dry
• Don’t allow food items like lemon juice, vinegar, ketchup, salt, mustard, salad dressing or mayonnaise to remain on the surface for long. They can bleach the surface causing white spots. 
• Don’t use hard abrasive scouring powders or creams as they may scratch your hardware
• Don't wipe across the grain as it may spoil the finish.  

Below we've highlighted some  fun designs, all manufactured of stainless steel, including several options that could be used for more than just a modern or contemporary beach house style.

From Omnia (they make great stainless steel door hardware also) very sleek contemporary pulls with a very low profile.  Perfect for not detracting from your coastal views!

Love these crystal decorative knobs with sea glass colors and stainless steel bases!

More colors online at Dekkor, Inc.   

or how about a little crystal-clear "bling"? (Also from Dekkor)  

Clear crystal knob details, with stainless steel bases

Getting creative, we found these fun handles from Sugatsune that are very nautical looking - trunk handles. Wouldn't these be a fun accessory for a nautical themed kitchen?

Have fun! We would love to see how your have chosen to complete your beach house kitchen design -