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A Top Knobs Timeline: The Evolution of Decorative Hardware Design

July 21, 2025

Since 1994, Top Knobs has been designing decorative hardware collections that reflect what’s currently trending in interior design and cabinetry. As the leading manufacturer of decorative hardware, Top Knobs offers the largest selection of products, the greatest number of showroom locations and the most extensive line of premium designs. With over 4,500 styles to choose from, our collections are created to suit every taste and aesthetic. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the top trends Top Knobs has set over the years:

2000s: Warm and Antique Finishes

In the early 2000s, old-world designs experienced a rise in popularity, emphasizing the desire for warm, familiar elements that evoked styles of the past. To create a rustic aesthetic, finishes that mimicked the natural aging process, such as weathered, burnished or oxidized looks, were embraced in kitchens, bathrooms and more. From Pewer Antique, a muted silver-gray tone, to German Bronze, an aged bronze hue, Top Knobs began offering a wide variety of antique-inspired finishes to capture the essence of old-warm charm and classic European artistry.

2010s: Vintage-Inspired Knobs and Pulls

Rooted in the craftsmanship of iconic design eras such as Victorian, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, heritage-style hardware features ornate details and transitional shapes reminiscent of historical elegance. In the 2010s, classic silhouettes like drop and pendant pulls made a strong comeback, reintroducing a feeling of nostalgia and character to interiors. Collections such as Top Knobs’ Edwardian, Britannia, and Normandy refined vintage charm with ribbon-and-reed patterns and intricate detailing that add personality and timeless appeal to any room.

Mid-2010s: Jewelry-Style Accents

By the mid-2010s, homeowners and interior designs began viewing decorative hardware as the “jewelry” of the home. The same way accessories elevate an outfit, hardware pieces were designed to stand out – not blend into cabinetry – bringing sparkle, meticulous details and a touch of glam to spaces. Featuring gem-like knobs, chic finishes, and sophisticated geometric shapes, Top Knobs offers several collections – such as Crystal, Chareau® and Serene – that perfectly bring the glamour that’s at the heart of this trend.  

Late 2010s: Honey Bronze and Ash Gray Finish is Introduced

Launched in 2017, Honey Bronze and Ash Gray quickly took over the interior design world, resonating with designers and homeowners alike. From the late 2010s into the 2020s, design trends veered toward soft metals and transitional styles, with a preference for subtle finishes that complement modern spaces. Rich yet understated, Honey Bronze – Top Knobs’ best-selling finish – brings an elegant glow to interiors. Meanwhile, Ash Gray introduces drama without the intensity of going completely dark, offering a luxe alternative to black finishes.

Early-2020s: Knurled Takeover

Knurled hardware started gaining traction in 2020, as homeowners and designers yearned for a tactile, edgy accent to enhance their cabinetry. Drawing inspiration from industrial designs, the textured hardware trend blends modern sophistication with vintage character. Top Knobs first introduced knurled details in the popular Amwell bar pull and revisited it again in 2024 with the Garrison Collection. These ribbed pieces allow designers to explore adding depth, dimension and visual intrigue to spaces.  

For more products, trends and tips from Top Knobs, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

Design Creed: The Honey Bronze Finish

October 24, 2023

Top Knobs’ luscious Honey Bronze finish has rapidly become one of our most highly sought after finishes across our vast array of product offerings. Homeowners and interior designers alike are drawn to the warm, inviting, irresistibly captivating hues of Honey Bronze, which lends both comfort and glam to interior spaces. Distinguished by its stylish spin on traditional bronze and brass finishes, Honey Bronze adds a softer, more golden tone. But what’s the secret behind Honey Bronze’s alluring charm? Read on to discover!

1: Bring on the Warmth!

Out with the cool tones, in with the warm ones! The resurgence of warm shades in interior design has gained momentum in recent years, with gold, brass and bronze tones taking center stage. Offering the perfect fusion of traditional brass and modern rose gold, Honey Bronze provides a rich, warm aesthetic to interiors, making it highly appealing to those seeking to depart from the cooler finishes.

2: Limitless Possibilities

Popular amongst so many different design aesthetics, Honey Bronze is highly versatile and effortlessly harmonizing with a diverse range of cabinet materials, colors and styles. Coupled with white cabinetry, Honey Bronze offers the perfect hint of luster. When paired with darker wood cabinetry, this hue amps up the ambiance, creating an air of elegance and sophistication.

3. Add a Radiant Glow

A nod to Hollywood glam, Honey Bronze introduces a touch of radiance to interiors with the perfect amount of subtle yet captivating luminosity. Far from overpowering, Honey Bronze provides a subtle, eye-catching glow that creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance.

4. Endless Styles

From knobs and pulls to hooks and latches, Top Knobs is proud to offer our trending Honey Bronze finish in an extensive array of styles. Whatever your design may require, Top Knobs offers a wide range of options to explore. Click here to shop all of our collections and suites available in Honey Bronze.

For more products, trends and tips from Top Knobs, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Flip that House: An Arizona Fixer Upper Gets a Major Facelift with Top Knobs

May 13, 2019

With only a few months to work with, Chris and Molly from Fitch Hill transformed a dated Arizona property into a crisp, timeless home for new owners. The impressively creative and meticulously designed renovation took the Scottsdale home from basic and outdated to simplistically chic with the help of Top Knobs decorative hardware.

During the initial design phase the pair drew up plans to bring a modern, yet timeless look into the home. “We brought in some more contemporary items, but overall we wanted to create a crisp design that would stand the test of time. We feel we did a great job staying on trend, while also ensuring that the home will still be up to date in 10 years.”

Before

After

Working on a tight timeline, Chris and Molly pulled off a full interior remodel of the Scottsdale home that included the addition a powder room while also moving the location of the kitchen, master bath and laundry room. “This project had to come together extremely quickly from the beginning of the design phase through construction,” Chris explained. “All in the same day, plans were finalized, given to the city, a permit was granted and demo was started on the property.” While they admit the timeline was a bit of a challenge, the duo was surprisingly able to hit all of their deadlines. “Our team had such great communication that we were able to pull it off somehow.”

Knobs and pulls from the Top Knobs Lynwood Collection in Honey Bronze gave the kitchen and wet bar the classic and contemporary twist that Chris and Molly were going for. The on-trend Honey Bronze finish worked flawlessly with the white cabinetry in the kitchen, and provided a stunning contrast when used on the black cabinetry at the wet bar.

“We love Top Knobs not only because of the large selection of items for all of our different project styles, but also for the quality of the products and the customer service,” says Chris.

The design duo kept the kitchen design fresh by using a bright, open-concept layout and mixing materials throughout the space. They opted to experiment with different metals, concrete, marble, wood and quartz for a look that has quickly become a portfolio favorite.

Thank you, Chris and Molly, for sharing your Top Knobs project with us! For even more design inspiration from Fitch Hill, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Top Knobs Brixton Series Shines in This High Contrast Kitchen Design

October 16, 2018

In Glen Ellyn, Illinois Brandie McCoy of Ember and Brune led a unique kitchen renovation to create a space that mixes Parisian glamour with classic refinement. With its new open layout, the kitchen took on a life of its own to make cooking, serving and socializing much easier for the owners who love to entertain.

In her design, McCoy juxtaposed dark blue and white throughout the kitchen. “This small space incorporates a lot of finishes without being too busy or overwhelming,” she told us. She used dark blue base and pantry cabinets, white wall cabinets, dark walnut-finished oak floors, natural white oak floating shelves, white stone countertops and backsplash, and brass and iron metal finishes. “It seems like so many contrasting tones, but they all live in perfect harmony here!” McCoy said of the remodel.

“Dark navy has become popular, as well as high contrasts,” says McCoy of current kitchen trends. “People are becoming increasingly more receptive and interested in multiple finishes in the kitchen, going beyond the usual wood island/white perimeter combo.”

When it came time to choose the cabinet hardware, McCoy opted for Top Knobs Brixton pulls and rimmed knobs in the new Honey Bronze finish. “We loved the quality and sleek, simple style of Top Knobs. Also, the finish matched our ‘champagne bronze’ plumbing fixture perfectly!” McCoy explained.

Lastly, McCoy points out that, “the backsplash is actually marble tile, cut to the size of subway tile. It has the same modern feel as subway tile, but a subtle difference that is stunning.”

Thank you Brandie, for sharing your design with us!

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga – www.aimeemazzenga.com

Top Knobs Expands Trending Honey Bronze and Ash Gray Finishes to Top Collections

April 9, 2018

In line with the most modern kitchen trends, Top Knobs expands their popular Honey Bronze and Ash Gray finishes to 17 cabinet hardware series in 5 collections. The highly desired finishes are now available in 113 cabinet pulls, knobs, latches, back plates and appliance pulls for completely cohesive room designs.

“Honey Bronze and Ash Gray were introduced alongside the Devon Collection in 2017, and the feedback has been astonishing,” says Christine Zimmer, Top Knobs Product Manager. “The expansion of the finishes allows for designers and homeowners to further utilize two of the biggest trends in interior design with their favorite decorative hardware collections.”

Honey BronzeHoney Bronze puts a chic twist on classic bronze and brass finishes with a softer, light golden tone. The stunning shade adds the perfect touch of old-world charm to kitchen and bath designs.

Ash GrayA unique alternative to traditional gray finishes, Ash Gray brings a warm feeling to designs with its low-reflecting shine. The versatile color works well with any color scheme and acts as an anchor to bring all parts of the room together.

Available in the following collections:

  • Devon Collection: Brixton, Allington, and Kingsbridge Series. Exeter and Torbay pulls.
  • Chareau Collection: Reeded knobs and pulls, Chalet knobs and pulls.
  • Mercer Collection: Holland pulls, Glacier knobs and pulls, Europe tab pulls, Quilted knobs and pulls, Oculus knobs and pulls.
  • Barrington Collection: Channing cup pulls, knobs, pulls and backplate.
  • Transcend Collection: Contour knobs and pulls, Ascendra knobs and pulls.
  • Cabinet Latches.

For even more Top Knobs products, news and projects, stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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