Celebrating Notting Hill's 25th Anniversary

Celebrating Notting Hill's 25th Anniversary

A Note From Our Founder

We're turning 25! Is it a birthday or an anniversary? We just know it's worth celebrating!

Celebrating Relationships

Above all else, this year is about celebrating the relationships built over 25 years in business. They say it takes a village…and as we know firsthand, that applies to a business as well! We could not have done a single thing without our valued relationships with artists, sculptors, finishers and painters. This is especially true of the special family friend who partnered with me to lend his creative genius to start Notting Hill, and whose expertise was integral to the growth of the line. The business has grown thanks to our amazing suppliers, retailers, designers and the homeowners who welcomed our products into their homes. Most of all we have been blessed with the most skilled, hard-working and loyal staff. We are so thankful to have you all on this journey with us.

Celebrating Beauty in the Details

On our silver anniversary, we’re also reflecting a bit on what appealed to customers when we first started out - with just 12 knobs! Since I’m a “saver” we have an archive of advertisements and handwritten customer notes, and going through these forgotten treasures has been a fun reminder of why we do what we do each day. One thing that’s apparent in these notes is that people fall in love with their hardware. There seems to be an emotional connection. Is that possible? So much so that they come back for more when they have another project. Homeowners move and take their Notting Hill with them. We love that! Although so much has changed in the years since we started, the things that attracted people to the designs in 1996 are what still captivates them now.

Today, we have more than 200 designs with collections ranging in style from Arts & Crafts to Victorian, Classic, Romantic, and Rustic, to Tropical, Beach and Eclectic Styles. While the styles vary as much as the homes they end up gracing, the common element among all our diverse collections is the handcrafted beauty revealed in each piece. Our goal is to help customers express their personal style and differentiate their home with a touch of art and luxury. From the charming and whimsical to ornate jewels, we’re proud that our hardware is more than just functional - it’s a personal reflection of the homeowner.

 Celebrating American Made Craftsmanship

Notting Hill is proudly Made in the USA. We’ve heard from many customers over the years just how important it is to find hardware made in the USA - and how rare it is these days. Since our inception in 1996 we have employed only local artisans to make our hardware right here in southeast Wisconsin, and we love supporting such a unique craft in our local area. Our motto, “The Beauty Is In The Details,” is evident in the end results.

Celebrating Positive Impact

There are other special relationships to be celebrated too. Notting Hill supports a number of local charities, and we donate hardware to the Fallen Soldier Memory Box Project. Since 2010 we have donated 75% of profits from our specially designed Hope Blossom hardware to help suffering people in South Sudan.

While it’s not in my nature to boast about our work, I am truly proud of all that the last 25 years have brought and grateful for the abundance of positive feedback from our loyal customers. This business has grown up alongside our family and many of life’s milestones, and as anyone who’s built a business knows, it’s a road filled with highs and lows and learning as you go. But together with our incredible team, we’ve built something that brings extra beauty to everyday life - something we could all use more of.

So here’s to the next 25 years of Notting Hill and beyond!

— Kathy & the Notting Hill Team

Hardware Made in America

Hardware Made in America

Hardware from Close to Home

If you’ve been in the midst of a home project and have dealt with the frustration of repeated delays and backorders, you’re not alone. With continued concerns about the pandemic, several large ports across the world have been forced to shut down, and a shortage of domestic trucks and drivers is compounding the effects. Many of us in the manufacturing industry are aware of the reports that cargo ships at coastal ports are currently facing delays, affecting both imports and exports.

While most of us have experienced shortages and delays of some sort over the past 18 months, it’s been especially evident in the building and home industry. From lumber to appliances to hardware, what used to take a few days to ship now is causing extensive delays for many homeowners - and the prices reflect the shortages.

Luckily, Notting Hill has not had to deal with the supply chain issues faced by so many other hardware companies right now. The reason? All of our hardware is made right here in southeastern Wisconsin.

From Our Hands to Your Home

Keeping things close to home means we have control over not only our shipping and supply, but also our quality. During a time when so many hardware companies have moved their manufacturing overseas to save money, we’ve proudly employed only local artisans to make our hardware right here in Walworth County, Wisconsin since our founding 25 years ago.  We’re proud to contribute to the livelihood of a small but mighty workforce.

Plus, because all steps of our production process and shipping happen locally, we can keep our carbon footprint low and you receive a product that’s been made with care and craftsmanship rather than mass produced.

What it means to be “Made in the USA”

  • Faster shipping and more control over supply chain

  • Quality products: We inspect every piece by hand before it goes out to ensure it meets our standard of quality

  • Fair wages and safe working conditions

  • No child labor

  • Job creation

  • Growing the local & US economy

  • Stronger environmental protection and regulations

Harvest Bounty, All Year Long

Harvest Bounty, All Year Long

You can find produce at the grocery store year round - but nothing can match the rich colors and flavors of fruits and vegetables picked at their peak ripeness in late summer.

Whether you’re a gardener or have stopped by a local farmer’s market or farm stand lately, you’ve probably seen the piles of sweet corn, perfectly ripe tomatoes, snap peas, colorful squash, cucumbers and zucchini aplenty, juicy peaches and pears - a feast for the senses!

Those bountiful colors, textures, and shapes were the inspiration behind many of our designs. While you might not be able to enjoy the taste of a sun-ripened tomato year round, you can enjoy nature’s bounty during every season with these harvest-inspired hardware pieces.

Where to Use It

These pieces are a lovely way to outfit your entire kitchen, but they’re also a great way to add a unique touch to a special piece of furniture. Give a hutch or buffet new life with Tuscan Bounty knobs, Autumn Squash, or Leafy Carrot pulls. Take your bar area, wine rack, or wine cellar to the next level with Grapevines knobs and pulls. The possibilities are endless!

How to Find Home Design Inspiration

How to Find Home Design Inspiration

Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking to refresh a room in your current space, the hardest part of the design process can often be figuring out where to start. Between Pinterest, Instagram, design blogs, and magazines, there’s no shortage of places to look for design inspiration, but it can feel overwhelming trying to put together the pieces and create a space that feels like home to you. Here are a few ways our customers find home design inspiration.

1. Start with a special piece

Sometimes a certain piece of furniture or art just speaks to you - so use it as a starting point for the design of the rest of the space! Whether it’s a special family heirloom, an armoire you just couldn’t pass up at the antique store, or a custom-made item from a local artisan, many of our customers come to us looking for hardware that coordinates with a specific item. Then they pull colors, shapes, or specific design elements from the piece to influence the aesthetic of the entire room.

For example, one customer fell in love with these vintage spandrels they salvaged over 40 years ago from a Victorian style lake house, and they built their kitchen design around the spandrels and custom cabinets they had made. You can see below how they incorporated these ornate design elements and coordinated their hardware without making the space overly “fussy.”

2. Consider your surroundings

One of the best places to get home design inspiration is the physical environment or geographical location of the house. A beach house might have tropical or nautical design elements, a western lodge or woodsy cabin might have more rustic, natural features, or a country home might have a modern farmhouse feel. You can make this inspiration as subtle or overt as you like. For instance, you might simply gain inspiration for colors and textures from the views outside the window.

This Wisconsin country home below features a beautiful custom prairie style dining table with our Prairie Tulip knobs inlaid. It’s a subtle nod to the architectural style popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, who grew up in the area and whose work was influenced heavily by the natural surroundings in the region.

3. Honor the home’s history

If you have a historic home or unique architectural features, consider how you can work with them rather than work around them. Think about the era or design style in which the home was constructed and how you can add fixtures, hardware, or decor that compliments the home’s history but creates the modern feel that makes it your own.

Hardware is a great way to add a touch of Old World or traditional style without making things overly stuffy or overwhelming.

4. Incorporate your own personality and style

Pinterest, Houzz, and design influencers are great places to get ideas for your home, but don’t feel boxed in by what’s trendy. Home styles come and go, but you’ll presumably be spending the most time in your space, so you want to be sure it feels like home to you. Not into sleek, minimalist designs? Add pops of your favorite colors! Have a hobby you’re passionate about? Put it on display! Prefer a more classic, refined look over the rustic farmhouse look? Opt for traditional pieces that will stand the test of time.

Research shows that the physical environment around us has measurable effects on our wellbeing, stress, and happiness, so it’s worth investing in creating a space that’s uniquely “you.”

Bringing 2021 Colors Into Your Home with Hardware

Bringing 2021 Colors Into Your Home with Hardware

Every year, the Pantone Color Institute and major paint brands like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore release their “Colors of the Year.” These colors represent the color trends they expect to see in homes, branding, fashion, and industrial design. After the challenges 2020 brought - and thanks to all the time we’ve spent in our homes - experts are predicting we’ll be reaching for vibrant shades, bright happy yellows, notes from nature, and colors that reflect hope and optimism.

Hardware is a perfect way to bring pops of these shades into your home without committing to a major change like a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery. Here are a few ways to incorporate 2021’s trending colors into your space with hardware.

Sherwin Williams - Urbane Bronze

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In their words, Sherwin Williams’ pick for 2021 represents “Nature at its simplest and most elemental — embodying the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal and wood — forges a feeling that’s grounded, meditative and serene.”

Bronze is a beautiful classic tone that helps create a warm, welcoming space in your home. It’s a great complement to other natural elements like wood, leather, and natural stone.

Benjamin Moore - Aegean Teal

All of Benjamin Moore’s 2021 color picks are meant to celebrate the warmth and wellbeing of life’s simple pleasures. With a blue-green hue and gray undertones, they call Aegean Teal “intriguing, balanced, and deeply soothing” - words we’d all like to describe our homes!

Royal Palms in Pale Blue blend beautifully with Aegean Teal paint

Royal Palms in Pale Blue blend beautifully with Aegean Teal paint

Pantone - Ultimate Gray + Illuminating

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These coordinating gray and yellow hues are Pantone’s picks for their ability to convey practicality and solidity, but also warmth and optimism. Reflective of the challenges 2020 brought, Pantone says this combination of colors is “a message of happiness supported by fortitude. The combination of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.”

This combo of a classic neutral and a bright sunny shade is an accessible way to add a pop of color to your space.

Looking to incorporate 2021’s trending colors into you or your client’s home? Reach out - we’re here to help you find the perfect piece!

Notting Hill Hardware Showcase: Pennsylvania Mission Kitchen

Notting Hill Hardware Showcase: Pennsylvania Mission Kitchen

Every home tells a story, and we just love it when customers share their homes with us! So we welcomed the photos and the story of this recent East Coast kitchen remodel.

The homeowners utilized the same kitchen design company that helped them with their previous home many years ago. A cabinetmaker worked with the couple to craft beautiful cabinets featuring quarter-sawn red oak in a rich chestnut stain. Panels covering the appliances provide a unifying effect. The kitchen is spacious with special details adding to the warm and cozy vibe. 

“When people walk into our kitchen, they always comment on the copper hardware right away! They especially notice the appliance pulls as they make such a statement!”
— Homeowner

Quarter sawn red oak custom cabinets with striking magma granite island

Richly patterned neutral granite countertops surround the periphery and a darker magma countertop on the island provide contrast and interest. Adding to the island focal point is the ornately carved spandrel. This spandrel was originally spotted by the couple in an old lake house 42 years ago! The couple was interested in purchasing the old house but when they found out it was already sold, they obtained salvage rights. Among the “salvage” - two 1800’s Victorian oak spandrels they incorporated in their previous home as well as their current home! This decorative accent still reminds them of their first years of marriage and has found a happy spot over their kitchen island. 

Decorative spandrel discovered in 1800's Victorian home

Custom paneled refrigerator and Pull Out Pantry to the right

“I really do love how your knobs and bin pulls accent my cabinets. They bring in the feel of Art Nouveau and Victorian without being too “fussy” and overpowering the Mission cabinets.”
Florid Leaves Knobs NHK-102-AC

Florid Leaves Knobs NHK-102-AC

Pretty Bin Pulls all in a row

Pretty Bin Pulls all in a row

Mission style red oak cabinets contrast nicely with golden oak flooring

Golden oak flooring was selected to providing a nice contrast to the cabinets. Cream colored subway tiles formed the back splash, with smaller crackle glass border as an accent. Further personalization came with the addition of tile, hand-covered in decorative copper by the homeowner herself. Light switches were also covered in the same decorative copper. The recessed niche behind the stovetop includes a twist of favorite vintage blue tile added in the pattern. 

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Florid Leaves hardware was selected in antique copper as the finishing touch to the kitchen remodel. The homeowner said, “When people walk into our kitchen, they always comment on the copper hardware right away! They especially notice the appliance pulls as they make such a statement!” 

Florid Leaves Appliance Pulls make a statement! NHO-502-AC Antique Copper

Florid Leaves Appliance Pulls make a statement! NHO-502-AC Antique Copper

Paneled fridge and freezer features Florid Leaves Appliance Pulls

Paneled fridge and freezer features Florid Leaves Appliance Pulls

The interior style of the home is an understated mix of Mission, Nouveau and Victorian elements. This home is a beautiful expression of the people who live there. 

Thanks to these homeowners for sharing their stunning home with us! If you need help picking out the perfect kitchen hardware to suit your style, get in touch. We’d love to help.

Where Does This Go? 5 Steps to Organize Your Kitchen This Year

Where Does This Go? 5 Steps to Organize Your Kitchen This Year

Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen

The beginning of a new year often has people ready to turn over a new leaf in their lives - and in their homes. Kitchens are one of the busiest spots in the home, and therefore one of the easiest places for clutter to accumulate. Between dishes, gadgets, food items, household and cleaning supplies, paperwork, and random items that find their way to the countertops, it can feel like the battle to organize the kitchen is never-ending. But it might not be you - it might be your organization system! Here are 5 tips to organize your kitchen this year.

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  1. Purge Items That Aren’t “Earning Their Keep”

    Over the years, we tend to accumulate a lot of extra kitchen “stuff” that just ends up taking up space without serving much purpose. In the words of author Erin Boyle, items in our homes should earn their keep - either by serving a specific useful purpose or bringing us joy through their beauty. Ditch any dishware that never sees the light of the dining room table. Pare back on anything redundant (maybe 2 wooden spoons instead of 5). Donate or pass along that random small appliance that you thought you’d definitely need but is actually just occupying precious cabinet space. Having less to organize is a great starting point.

  2. Designate a Home for Every Item

    Take a moment to intentionally find a place for every single item that survived the purge, even if you think it already has a spot. Even if there’s an item you really love, you’re not going to use it if it’s up too high or requires pulling 5 other items out to access it. Find more convenient places to stash items that get frequent use and you’ll avoid a lot of future frustration. If there are non-kitchen items that tend to find their way to the countertops, like paperwork or the kid’s backpacks, find a specific place for those too. Perhaps a pretty basket or a file drawer is in order?

  3. Label - But Make it Beautiful

    Ever get everything organized, only to find yourself searching for something you need the next day? Labels are the solution, especially if you have family or guests around. Sticky labels run the risk of looking cheap or cheesy, but these beautiful customizable cabinet and drawer pulls are the perfect way to keep things in order without sacrificing aesthetics. Label cabinets and drawers with what’s inside and you (and your family) will never again have to ask “Where does this go?” Tip: They’re perfect for vacation homes and entertaining!

Find it fast with hardware from the Kitchen ID Collection – engraved with handy phrases like “coffee”, “tea”, “pieces of string too short to keep”. Pewter pulls measure 4” x 7/8”. There are 28 standard offerings as well as a custom-engraving option.

4. Compartmentalize

When it comes to shelves and cabinets, open space is often underutilized space. You don’t have to buy out the Container Store (though we wouldn’t blame you if you do!), but dividers, bins, and organizers can be your best friend for spaces that constantly feel disorganized. Rather than stacking pots and pans, get a few divider racks to keep them stashed safely. Make the most of an extra tall shelf space by getting a risers to utilize the vertical space. Fridges and pantries also benefit from adding extra bins and drawers to keep items visible, accessible, and in order.

5. Utilize Pantry Space

There are tons of great tips out there for organizing your food in the pantry, but don’t forget your pantry doesn’t just have to be for food. They’re also a great place for small appliances you don’t use every day, like crockpots or air fryers, as well as random kitchen-adjacent items like lunch boxes, reusable grocery bags, pet supplies, and lesser-used cleaning supplies.

Want more tips for organizing your home using the Kitchen ID Collection? Check out these tips for preparing for guests and organizing your at-home school area!

Cozy Fall Home Decor Ideas to Take You to Thanksgiving

Cozy Fall Home Decor Ideas to Take You to Thanksgiving

As the days get shorter and chillier, there’s nothing as comforting as coming home to a warm, cozy space. With a naturally beautiful color palette and abundant natural elements, there’s no easier time of year to create a festive, yet sophisticated atmosphere in your home. Here are a few November decorating ideas to take you to Thanksgiving in style.

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Incorporate natural and gathered elements

While the aisles of home décor stores are extra tempting this time of year, sometimes you need to look no further than your own backyard for design inspiration. Dried flowers, fronds of dried grass, and even sculptural branches can be arranged in a vase or used to create a centerpiece.

Enjoy cozy natural touches that won’t fade

While natural elements eventually fade, these knobs and pulls are as close to the real deal as you can get - and they keep their beauty year-round. Keep them for a rustic feel all year or refresh a special piece of furniture with one of these nature-inspired pieces for the season.

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Consider all five senses

We tend to think of changing our homes for the seasons in terms of visual decorations, but consider the other senses and how they can create a cozy ambience in the home. Light a scented candle, diffuse a warm, spicy essential oil blend, or fill a bowl with fall potpourri. Create a relaxing fall playlist. Drape a soft throw blanket on the couch, add a chunky knit throw pillow, or light a fire in the fireplace. While taste is a less obvious sense to incorporate, you can get inspiration from the fall harvest by decorating with pumpkins, gourds, apples, pears, and more.

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Create a welcoming entrance

Set the stage for a cozy space before anyone even steps through the door. Mums are a classic, as are pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors arranged on your porch steps. If you have the space, you can add height variety and visual interest with mini hay bales, corn stalks, or bundles of ornamental corn.

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Get inspiration from the harvest

While pumpkins and gourds are a classic, autumn offers lots of beautiful produce that can double as decor! Think bowls of apples or artichokes, pears arranged along the center of the table, or bundles of wheat in a vase or pitcher for pretty (and often edible) fall bounty.







How to Choose Cabinet Hardware: What design professionals wish you knew

How to Choose Cabinet Hardware: What design professionals wish you knew

Design Tips for Navigating Cabinet Hardware Selection

Whether you’re designing a new home from the ground up, undertaking a renovation, or just looking to refresh a room, choosing cabinet hardware can feel like a minor decision in the scope of all the design details. While it’s easy to overlook, it turns out your cabinet hardware can have a real impact on the overall effect of your space - and on your daily life - by pulling together other design elements or serving as a focal point. Your cabinet knobs and pulls are used every single day, so you want to select something you’ll love to look at and use each day.

Like any design choice, hardware selection is highly personal and unique to the aesthetic of a home or building, so we can’t tell you exactly which finish or style is perfect for you. Instead, we spoke to design professionals to get their take on navigating the hardware selection process and what they want clients to know about picking out cabinet hardware.

When should I pick out cabinet hardware?

As you navigate the many decisions of a home design project, it’s important to go in an order that allows for efficiency and if possible, a bit of flexibility. A contractor or interior designer can help you navigate the steps, but luckily there’s no one “perfect” time in the process to select your hardware. Ordering hardware 4-8 weeks before installation is a good rule of thumb to ensure you don’t get hit with rush fees or shipping delays.

You can start gathering ideas and inspiration for hardware right away, especially if a particular piece speaks to you and you’d like it to guide the rest of the design. Otherwise, hold onto those ideas and wait until you’ve started selecting cabinetry, countertops, and finishes.

For commercial projects, the hardware decision usually comes in the beginning of the process through collaboration between the architect and client.

“Especially with custom cabinets, once the cabinetry is built, then hardware samples are required. I like to find something that isn’t typical and work with luxury, custom, or high-end hardware because it brings out the best in the cabinetry.

Ordering several samples is ideal. Once clients see what a difference the hardware makes, they get excited and want ALL their hardware to be unique. Clients want to look at all their other rooms to see what additional hardware can be changed up as well!”
— Karla Trincanello, Interior Decisions, NJ

How do I choose cabinet hardware? Where do I start?

By the time you reach the hardware selection phase, you might be experiencing some decision fatigue and feel ready to settle for whatever cabinet hardware is “good enough.” This is when it’s great to be working with a professional designer who can help narrow your options or suggest hardware that complements the rest of the design. A few guidelines:

  • Consider whether you’d like your hardware to be a highlight of the space or simply blend it with the rest of the design. “The hardware can make a kitchen or bathroom really unique and create an element of whimsy or be sleek and contemporary, just by implementing hardware,” says Melissa Sargent of Martin and Company, NY.

  • Don’t worry about matching. “Hardware finishes nowadays don’t have to match the rest of the finishes in the kitchen,” advises Sargent. “An example of this is when a stainless steel kitchen faucet is used and the cabinet hardware and fixtures are satin gold.”

  • Don’t feel boxed into any one style or trend, and allow your personal style to shine. “It is something you look at and probably touch every day, so you should love it,” says Coleen Gerkhardt of The Finial. “There is not a ‘standard’ size or any rules when it comes to hardware - think outside of the box!”

“I have always referred to the hardware as being the ‘statement necklace with the classic little black dress’.”
— Beth Fay Lane, Splash Designer Hardware, PA

While it can be tempting to follow trends or advice from others, the only rule when it comes to hardware is choosing something you love. “Don't solicit opinions from everyone under the sun,” Lane suggests. “People will say ‘My painter said I shouldn't get this or that’…how often is your painter going to be using your kitchen? What do you like? What makes you happy? When I see someone really struggling on deciding between a couple viable options I tell them ‘Nobody but you and I are ever going to know you had these other options in mind. And I'm not telling anyone!’”

What kind of lead time should I allow for hardware orders?

As with any design project, the earlier you can make decisions, the more likely you are to stay on track with your intended timeline. Keep in mind when your cabinets are being installed and when contractors will be ready to install hardware to avoid delays.

Lead times depend on the company and whether you’re ordering custom hardware or a stock finish. For custom hardware, allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. “Good things can take time. If you wait until the very last minute you will have fewer options,” notes Beth Fay Lane of Splash Designer Hardware.

“I always recommend ordering hardware at least 4-6 weeks before the job begins if possible. This timeframe should help correct any issues should they occur, such as backorders, design changes, product replacements, etc.”
— Coleen Gerkhardt, The Finial, WI

What should I expect when visiting a hardware showroom?

Even if you’re not working with a designer, visit local hardware, custom cabinet, and home fixture showrooms to look at samples when possible to get a better sense of the scale, texture, and finish of a knob or pull.

To streamline the process of selecting and ordering, bring your floor plans, finish samples, and photos of design selections whenever possible. You can even bring a door from your cabinets to see what several designs look like on your exact cabinet. Design professionals at a showroom will help find options to match your style and budget and create a plan based on your layouts.

It can also be helpful to order samples so you can live with the hardware for a bit before making a final decision.

“...buying at a showroom helps save you the headaches. The showroom will check the product when it arrives. Broken? Bad finish? Proper items shipped? Threaded properly? Some websites will state an item is in stock, when in fact it is discontinued. The showroom knows what to avoid. Showroom professionals know which companies can deliver within your time frame.”
— Patty Hatch, Texas Finial

5 Tips for Choosing Cabinet Hardware

  1. Visit a showroom. It’s the best way to see what your options look like in person, consult with design professionals who can help make your vision come to life, and ensure all the details are handled - from sizing to finish to ordering.

  2. Find subtle ways to incorporate your personality. You may have a strong idea of your overall design scheme, but as Monique Del Valle of Waldner's Business Environments notes, “special hardware creates the unifying effect in a space.” Hardware is a great way to incorporate personality without overwhelming the room.

  3. Splurge on the rooms you use most. If you’re budget-conscious but want the effect of high-end hardware, splurge on nice hardware in your most used spaces like kitchens, master bathrooms, and perhaps a powder room. Then fill in the blanks with simple, affordable options in other rooms as needed.

  4. Choose something that sparks joy. Whether you consciously notice it or not, cabinet hardware is one of the most used parts of the home. Find something that speaks to your style and needs.

  5. Have fun and enjoy the process! “It doesn't have to be an overwhelming process,” says Lane. “Just because there are a multitude of options doesn't mean those are all options for you. Often people remark while first walking through the showroom ‘How would you ever decide? This is so overwhelming.’ I always tell them we’re there to help. It's way easier than you think, and you can really relax and enjoy the process of choosing hardware. We take it from overwhelming to a pleasant process and that is very rewarding. It can be fun and relaxing.”

Special thanks to our partners who contributed to this post: Beth Fay Lane of Splash Designer Hardware in PA, Karla Trincanello of Interior Decisions in NJ, Coleen Gerkhardt of The Finial in WI, Melissa Sargent of Martin and Company in NY, Monique Del Valle of Waldner’s Business Environments in NY, and Patty Hatch of Texas Finial in TX.

Organize Your Home School Room with the Kitchen ID Collection

Organize Your Home School Room with the Kitchen ID Collection

Whether this school year brings homeschooling, virtual schooling, hybrid schooling, or you just need a spot for the kids to settle in for homework, it’s great to have a dedicated learning space at home. Of course the space needs to be practical, but just because it’s for the kids doesn’t mean it can’t blend seamlessly with the design of your home. An organized space isn’t just easier on the eyes; research shows it’s also more conducive to a calm, focused learning environment.

While our Kitchen ID Collection was created with beautiful kitchen organization in mind, nicely labeled drawers and cabinets are also a great way to help your kids get involved with daily tasks around the house, from schoolwork and crafts to cooking and clean up time. As many families adjust to a new normal, little changes like this can make your daily routine flow much more smoothly.

Choose from our standard offerings or opt for custom engraving to personalize your space! Contact us for more information or to find a retailer near you.

Check Out Our Recent Webinar: The Beauty is in the Details

We recently partnered with KB Resource to present our webinar, “The Beauty is in the Details.” In case you missed the live version, check out the playback below to hear from owner Kathy Dustman about the founding story, plus get a closer look at some of the most popular designs. And don’t miss the “After Hours” Q&A session!

Our Happy Place: The Garden

Our Happy Place: The Garden

There’s nothing quite as magical as the garden this time of year. Each day, there’s something new, something sprouting, something blooming and changing. The work you put in becomes visible with each fresh bud and flower. Here are a few fun ways to add extra style to your garden and a few ways to bring the joy of the garden indoors — even if you don’t have a green thumb!

Add Vertical Elements

Flowers and shrubs are usually inherently near to the ground. Add visual interest by incorporating some vertical elements like a trellis, a stand with hanging baskets, or a tall, cascading planter.

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Make a Garden Chandelier

If you enjoy entertaining outdoors or even just enjoying a cup of coffee in the garden, we love this idea from The Design Twins! Just a few steps and you have a gorgeous flower chandelier to highlight your outdoor - or even indoor - space.

Set up a Potting Bench

A potting bench is equal parts beautiful and practical. Use it to prep plants, pot annuals, and store frequently-used garden supplies, then use it to display a few of your favorite plants or pieces of outdoor decor. Cleaned up, it also doubles as a great extra buffet for outdoor entertaining.

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Consider Pathways

Depending on the size and layout of your garden, consider adding a pathway or trying a new material for the path. Adding a path connecting garden sections helps draw the eye around the entire space. More structured gardens may look best with square pavers and defined edging, while pebbles or circular stepping stones may be better suited to more whimsical, wild gardens.

Bringing the Garden Indoors

Whether you’re lacking in the green thumb department or just want to bring a bit of the joy of the garden into your home, these botanical beauties will look stunning on your cabinets year-round.

5 Ways to Give Your Home a Spring Refresh

5 Ways to Give Your Home a Spring Refresh

Spring is a great time to spruce up the house, and with many of us spending a lot more time at home these days, there’s never been a better time to get to those “someday” house projects. Try out a few of these easy updates and you might just find yourself choosing to stay home when all this is over!

Swap out your hardware

We’re a little biased, but this is truly one of the easiest ways to refresh a space. If you already have hardware installed, all you need to swap it out is the new knobs or pulls and a screwdriver! Swap out something sleek and simple for something with some more visual interest or try out a fun new finish. If you have cabinets or drawers in the house that don’t have hardware already, you’ll be shocked at how much of a difference adding hardware can make! Need some inspiration? Check out these ideas for hardware upgrades.

Change out your throw pillows

One of the lowest commitment ways to liven up your space: new throw pillows! Add a pop of color to a liven up a space or choose something with interesting texture or patterns if you’re sticking to neutrals. You can even order pillow cases to cover solid colored pillows for a refresh with even less commitment.

Shop your home to create new spaces

If your spaces are feeling dull or there’s a space you find is underutilized because you just don’t like how it’s decorated or arranged, try shopping your home. You can actually look around your own home to shop for decor to use in a fresh new way! Love to read with your coffee in the morning? Pull a side table up to a chair with a lamp for a reading nook. You can create all kinds of spaces - a workspace, a yoga corner, a craft station - using this method. Move potted plants, wall or shelf decor, pillows, candles, or even furniture to a new room. That basket you stashed in the basement could find new life as wall decor and a vase or bowl from inside a kitchen cabinet could become a centerpiece.

Open the windows

There’s nothing better than opening the windows for the first time in spring and letting in some fresh air. Spring is a great time to get the windows washed and take a look at your window treatments. Do the drapes feel dark and heavy? Try swapping them out for sheers to let in more light or a lighter shade of their current color. For a smaller space like a powder room or home office, consider trying a brighter hue or floral to bring a little springtime indoors.

Try some paint

If you have a bit more time on your hands, a fresh coat of paint can make a major difference in the feel of a space. For a smaller project, try painting a piece of furniture or the front door. If you’re willing to put in a weekend of work, painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets can make a major difference. And if you’re ready for a major project, go big and paint the walls or add an accent wall for some visual interest.

Photo: @thefrontdoorproject

Photo: @thefrontdoorproject

How Do You Do Blue? 2020 Color of the Year Hardware

How Do You Do Blue? 2020 Color of the Year Hardware

This year, both Pantone and Sherwin Williams selected shades of blue as their color of the year. Pantone selected a true blue shade appropriately named Classic Blue, which they say installs “calm, confidence, and connection” and “highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” Sherwin Williams opted for a deeper hue with their Naval Blue tone, chosen for its ability to “evoke a prominent sense of confidence that fuses timeless color with a fresh mix of natural materials and textures that bring navy blue into a new era.”

As designer Nate Berkus recently noted at the National Kitchen and Bath Show, it’s key to only incorporate trends you truly love. Luckily, both these hues are truly enduring classics when it comes to the home, so they’re a great way to incorporate a “trend” while still creating a timeless look. And with such versatile shades, you can go big just as easily as you can add small touches of blue like an accent wall, blue home accessories, or blue hardware.

Add a Pop of Color with Blue Hardware

Blue hardware is a great way to add a pop of color into any space, no matter your style. Here are a few of our favorites!

Hardware Made in the USA

Hardware Made in the USA

Made in America - It Matters!

We’ve heard from many of our customers over the years just how important it is to find hardware made in the USA. For us, it was only natural to craft our products from start to finish exclusively in the USA. In fact, since our inception in 1996 - over 23 years ago - we have employed only local artisans to make our hardware right here in Walworth County, Wisconsin.  We’re proud to contribute to the livelihood of a small but mighty workforce.  Every knob, pull, back plate, hinge plate and appliance pull is designed here, prototyped here, cast here, finished here and shipped here.

But making our hardware in the USA has more benefits than just its contribution to the local economy. Making our product locally means we can ensure quality at every stage of the process. We know that when you buy from Notting Hill, you’re looking for something more than a mass-produced piece of metal - you’re looking for an everyday luxury for your space. Plus, because all steps of our production process and shipping happen locally, we can keep our carbon footprint lower and craft our hardware at a lower cost to you! Think farm to table…but more like “fine-arts foundry to your home!”

A few other reasons we’re proud to be Certified “Made in the USA”:

  • Quality products: We inspect every piece by hand before it goes out to ensure it meets our standard of quality

  • Fair wages and safe working conditions

  • No child labor

  • Safer products

  • Job creation

  • Growing the local & US economy

  • Stronger environmental protection and regulations

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