The Handle Edit

In the layered language of design, it’s often the smallest elements that speak the loudest. This season, we turn our attention to the door handle—an overlooked but powerfully expressive feature that anchors the tone of a space in ways few objects can. “The Handle Edit” is a curated reflection on how handles are no longer just functional fittings but tactile punctuation marks throughout the home.

At the heart of this story is the Mercer Island residence, where the handle selection was anything but incidental. Drawing inspiration from the elemental elegance of Sun Valley Bronze, the home’s dark oak, bronze accents, and shadow-toned finishes are echoed in sculptural hardware pieces that feel both grounded and graceful. Each handle is chosen not merely for utility, but for its ability to contribute to mood. The result is an interior that reads like a well-edited sentence—confident, cohesive, and quietly compelling.

Design houses like Formani continue to redefine what hardware can be, blending craftsmanship with innovation. But we’re also seeing a new wave of creative names shaping the conversation—brands like Volterra, with its architectural weight, or Manette, whose refined silhouettes channel Parisian elegance. These pieces don’t just open doors—they open dialogue.

Handles, when chosen with intention, become the soul of a space. Their presence lingers in every touchpoint, offering a moment of interaction that’s both intuitive and intimate. In the best homes, design doesn’t just live in the light—it resides in the shadows, on every handle, hinge, and hold.