Details matter and unique design touches that will set your project apart don't need to break your budget.

I like a surprise moment(s). There is something very satisfying about bending, breaking and obliterating rules. My favorite place to do that is hardware. New and vintage. mixed metals. High end and low brow. Balance is key.

How did the affection with mismatched hardware start Shannon? Thanks for asking. A Ginger Snap. AKA redheaded Tantrum.

I did a flip back in 2001 and Home Depot made a big error on a cabinet order and I negotiated all of my hardware for the kitchen. Of course I chose pewter Celtic motif knobs and pulls. (At $19 and $27 each, a lot back then. Now I giggle.) When it came time to sell the home the buyer came through and he was exceedingly rude to his realtor and condescending to the contractor and myself. So I swapped out all the hardware for brushed nickel. 98 cents and $2.98 respectively. I did this prior to the inspection and final walk through. As**holes do not get Irish pewter.

I knew there would be a project, eventually, that I could utilize them in. (I am a table top and knob, finial, pull, hoarder.)I did not know at that time that it would be my personal project. They were sorted into ziplock bags for literally 16 years. Then came Quinn House. My passion project.

After the cabinetry was installed I realized that there were not enough of my pirated knobs and handles. I had two sets of French Pewter knobs with fancy feather back plates that I took off an armoir that was not sellable. Alas, I was still short. I went to a great vintage hardware store, Muff's in Orange, CA and picked up 6 Victorian pulls. They were steel and a bit rusty. Steel wool and some strategic Pewter Rub n Buff and I had them all set.

I can not tell you how many people comment on the hardware in that kitchen. My house is 60% unique, found, custom elements that are the never ending parade of Easter Eggs to be discovered every time you visit.

Working on a tiny post war home by the beach and we are using existing fixtures and finding vintage and some artisan handles for the project. (See above)The small home size lends itself the the exquisite pastiche. The home owner was all, "Really? Those?" yep. Those.

Every project brings its own inspiration.