Ashley Norton architectural hardware in White Medium patina ages gracefully with use over time for a truly unique look.

The Merits of Aging Gracefully: Hardware finishes that patina over time make one-of-a-kind style statements

Aging-in-place has become the trend for many Baby Boomers, but thanks to the latest hardware finishes, there’s another way that aging is trending in the home. When it comes to architectural hardware, there’s no need to fight the natural aging process. In fact, the newest finishes prove that aging gracefully is a beautiful thing.

These “living finishes” are designed to change with use over time. Each individual element develops its own unique patina based on how it’s touched and used. The look of the finish will evolve as it’s exposed to the natural environment, allowing it to age gracefully throughout the life of the hardware.

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Caption: Each AshleyNorton architectural hardware element, from Surface Mounted Contemporary Numerals and Knobs (Helios 880), is hand-made in small batches. Shown in “living” White Medium finish.

 One example is leading designer and manufacturer of architectural hardware Ashley Norton’s White Medium finish.  A versatile new finish that harmonizes with both traditional and modern design themes, White Medium is hand-applied to each art-grade bronze piece. As the metal oxidizes, the natural white color undergoes a transformation to a pewter-like patina. And due to minute fluctuations in temperature and humidity during the manufacturing process, each hand-made batch varies ever so slightly. The result is a uniquely one-of-a-kind look that enhances both traditional and modern styles throughout the home. And since White Medium oxidizes gracefully rather than corroding like lacquer products (which can face finish failure), White Medium finished elements are suitable for exteriors, too.

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Caption: Unlike lacquer products that will corrode and face finish failure, Ashley Norton’s White Medium architectural hardware elements are suitable for exteriors. AR Escutcheon shown with Chester (2000) lever in White Medium patina

White Medium is an example of an ideal transitional finish. It’s genuinely versatile in its ability to blend in perfectly with multiple design and architectural themes. The pewter coloring brings a naturally aged, transitional look to modern-styled hardware, and when it’s used on hardware styles that are more traditional in style, it feels more modern.

The entire Ashley Norton bronze collection is available in the new White Medium as well as White Bronze, Light Bronze, Dark Bronze, and one of the most popular finishes in interiors right now, Matt Black. Ashley Norton architectural hardware is available at leading kitchen and bath dealers throughout North America. www.ashleynorton.com