EcoChic Accent Hardware

You’ve finally got those bamboo cabinets all installed, nice and level. You added the recycled glass or reclaimed wood countertops. The work is behind you, right? Wrong. Now it’s time for the fun easy part—accenting those cabinets.

Recycled or reclaimed hardware—including handles, pulls, hinges and knobs—are the icing on the cake for many remodeling projects. Whether you’re putting in all new cabinets, adding a closet to a bedroom, or just hanging a new door, the hardware adds immeasurably to the final look of the project. These small touches are also a way to keep your green mojo rolling.

An assortment of reclaimed hardware—subject to change.
Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Garbage.

There are two basic types of eco-friendly hardware and accents: reclaimed and salvaged units, and those made from recycled materials. Either type offers incredible opportunities for a one-of-a-kind look.

Salvage operations such as Better Homes and Garbage (www.bhandgarbage.com), Recycling the Past (www.recyclingthepast.com), and the ReStore outlets run by Habitat for the Humanity (www.habitat.org/restores) feature an ever-changing line-up of rescued hardware. You’ll find pieces in all types of metals, and even some gems featuring craftsmanship and detailing from yesteryear, such as cut glass handles or knobs. The biggest deals are to be hand on hinges, pulls, and other hardware that need to be cleaned up. There are lots of over-the-counter products to revive tarnished or otherwise blemished metal hardware, and glass can often be brought back to life with a simple washing. The key, though, is to find the number and size of pieces that will suit your project exactly. This may take some looking and patience.

Some of the beautiful handles offered in DuVerre Hardware's Arroyo line.
Photo courtesy of DuVerre Hardware.

On the other hand, you can have the beauty of brand new hardware with the convenience of in-stock shopping by turning to the growing number of accents on the market made from recycled materials. Natural Built Home (www.naturalbuilthome.com) sells recycled glass knobs, handles and pulls, while Nature’s Hardware (natureshardware.com) sells a variety of accent pieces made in whole, or part, from recycled materials. DuVerre Hardware (duverre.com) offers handles made 100 percent post-consumer waste, in a number of different finishes.

In any case, never settle for dull—or less than totally green—accent hardware to dress up your remodeling projects.