The finer details: learn how to choose door handles from the experts

For 40 years, Windsor Architectural Hardware has been crafting bespoke door hardware – utilising the same technique of hand-finishing raw brass with a variety of special brass and bronze tones since the company started as a small operation in the founder's backyard. 

“Our founder is an engineer by trade. In his family home, he used to dip brass door knobs in 20-litre buckets of lacquer in the backyard. They would then suspend the door knobs across a broom handle between two dining room chairs in the lounge to cure overnight, before hand-polishing them to be glossy and vibrant,” shares Windsor Architectural Hardware’s Breidi McStay. 

“It has always been about taking something and transforming it into something else through a handcrafted process, whilst balancing function with aesthetics.” 

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For renovation projects across Australia and New Zealand, the refined, classic lever style is popular – particularly for homeowners wanting to preserve the charming aesthetic of villa homes, while introducing modern fit outs and finishes. 

“It’s a handle style that can tie those two eras together. You can have that classic brass look, but in a modern lever style,” says McStay. “Within our Italian range, the Charleston and Chalet levers are very popular for that reason.” 

The levers are forged in Italy using the finest quality solid brass, and are hand-finished in New Zealand with a variety of metal treatments to create a series of natural patina finishes. 

“This handcrafted aspect of our work enables us to achieve bespoke finishes that are not possible through mass production.”

Some finishes are left in their natural state to age gracefully over time – the living finish range – while others are coated with a resin lacquer to protect the colour and provide either a high gloss or matt finish.

Another style proving to be popular is Windsor’s new fluted levers in their NIDO range. 

“This reeded style is being used across so many aspects of the home; it’s nice to be able to offer that in door hardware now, as well,” says McStay. 

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Just as lighting, furniture and paint colours contribute to the overall look and feel of the home, hardware is an equally strong visual in any interior. 

“It’s always good to match your door hardware with your lighting and your tapware to achieve a coordinated look with that trifecta of fixtures,” suggests McStay. “Whether that’s with the tone, the finish, the style or your base material – be it brass or something else – this will create coordination across the home.

“One thing that has changed a lot over the years, is because door hardware has traditionally been one of the last additions to a build or a renovation, it sometimes gets chosen towards the end of that decision-making process. But we’re seeing it become further and further towards the beginning of the process – people are understanding the importance this type of detail has on the rest of the home and how much of a change or impact it can make to the aesthetics.”

Samples can be sourced during the planning and concept stage of a project where they can be presented as part of moodboards, helping designers find the perfect door hardware for homeowners – just as the founder of Windsor Architectural Hardware did when the company first started.

“We’re currently developing a range to be released later this year that brings us back to our roots,” says McStay. “It pays homage to where Windsor comes from, our founder and his background as an engineer, and how that started Windsor – from tinkering in the backyard shed, trying to make that perfect door handle for his own front door. This range will be to signify 40 years of Windsor.” 

If you're searching for stunning door hardware, explore the range of door handles from Windsor Architectural Hardware and get in touch with the team today so they can help you choose the right hardware for your home.