Design Dialong
Hill Rondero, Founder Principal Designer
Ro House
Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background as a designer.
I’m Hill Rondero, founder and principal designer of Ro House, a versatile, multi-faceted design studio based in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m known for blending history and modernity with imagination and discipline in projects of every scale. My love for design started as a child visiting construction sites with my grandparents, a builder and a new-home agent, which gave me a lifelong appreciation for the bones of a space. I met my husband while studying Finance at Virginia Tech. After graduation, we moved to Washington DC then to California where my creative roots began to spread. Once we had our oldest, Piper, we moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where I started my interior design firm – Ro House. Today, Ro House services clients across the U.S. creating spaces that are refined yet livable, layered yet balanced.
What inspires your design work? Share your go-to sources of inspiration—travel, architecture, nature, etc.
I’m inspired by contrast and juxtaposition: modern pieces with antiques, sleek finishes with natural materials. Whether in nature or design, opposites attract. I also draw inspiration from my travels, architecture, art, and the textures of everyday life. There’s something magical about pairing a clean-lined modern furniture piece with a vintage artwork discovered off the beaten path—each object’s intrinsic beauty is magnified by its opposite.
Can you share a recent project where you featured Top Knobs hardware and how it enhanced the space?
In a recent whole-home renovation, we transformed a dated bar into a bright, edgy space perfect for mixing cocktails. We used Top Knobs’ Lily Knob in Honey Bronze to bridge the clean, modern cabinet profiles with a timeless sensibility. The hardware added weight, tactility, and a subtle gleam that photographs beautifully, instantly elevating the cabinetry and completing the look.
What led you to choose Top Knobs for your projects?
Top Knobs offers the best combination of quality, finish variety, and sizing. It’s a one-stop solution for everything from petite knobs to large appliance pulls. I love knowing that each finish is consistent and will look as good in person as it does in the sample.
At what point in the design process do you typically select decorative hardware?
Hardware typically comes toward the end of our design process. Once cabinet profiles, finishes, and colors are finalized, we choose pieces that truly complement the design rather than forcing a fit.
What advice do you give to clients—or fellow designers—when selecting decorative hardware?
Treat decorative hardware like jewelry for your home. Scale, finish, and ergonomics matter just as much as appearance. Order samples and hold them in your hand; notice the weight, feel, and how it catches the light. And remember to order early so lead times don’t derail the schedule.
How does the touch and feel of the hardware factor into your product selection?
Because clients touch hardware every day, weight and hand feel are essential. A well-crafted pull or knob communicates quality instantly, and that tactile experience reinforces the luxury of the overall space.
How does decorative hardware contribute to the overall personality of a space?
Hardware is often the quiet but powerful detail that gives a space its personality. Whether it’s a clean, modern pull or an ornate knob, it can push a design toward vintage charm or contemporary edge. It’s one of my favorite ways to set tone and tie disparate elements together.
Do you have a go-to collection or finish from Top Knobs? If so, why?
I’m drawn to polished brass and honey bronze finishes. They blend beautifully with both modern and traditional elements. The Mushroom knob is a favorite for its classic look. For a more modern feel, the Lily Knob is an amazing go-to.
Have you ever mixed and matched hardware styles or finishes in a project? If so, tell us about that process.
Yes! We often mix and match hardware styles and finishes as a natural extension of mixing cabinetry styles. For example, if we’re pairing classic white shaker cabinets on the perimeter with a bleached white oak slab island, we’ll choose complementary, but slightly different, hardware to highlight each moment. Sometimes that means varying the style, the scale, or even the finish, which gives the kitchen a more tailored, collected feel rather than a one-note look.
What kitchen and bath trends are you currently loving? How does decorative hardware play a role in that?
I’m loving natural wood cabinetry, bold stone slabs, and a return to integrated butler’s pantries and sculleries. Decorative hardware in natural, warmer metals perfectly complements these trends, adding tactile richness and helping each space feel layered and timeless.
Are there any common mistakes you see with hardware selection? How can they be avoided?
Waiting too long to select hardware is a frequent mistake. Another is choosing purely on looks without considering grip or scale. The fix: start early, order samples, and mock up your choices on a door or drawer front.
What has your overall experience been like working with Top Knobs—from selection to installation?
Our experience has been consistently positive, from selection to installation. Top Knobs’ finish consistency, product variety, and reliable delivery make the process seamless and ensure our designs look as envisioned on install day.
Where can people follow your work or learn more about your design services?
You can see our projects and follow along on social at @rohouse.studio or visit our website at rohousestudio.com to learn more about our services and current projects.
