As the founder of Allentown Architectural Hardware, Louis Bunnick has an impressive understanding of the manufacturing, machining, and finishing processes used to create kitchen hardware. With experience as the marketing director for Baldwin Hardware prior to opening the Allentown showroom, Bunnick was responsible for new product development and identification of style and finish trends in the residential building and interior design markets.
Regarding current trends in residential kitchens, Bunnick acknowledges the popularity of minimalist hardware. “I’m seeing trends that are modern in design and serve as a highlight of the kitchen,” he explained. “Even the rustic style is lending itself to that more modernist look.”
Along with the demand for a modernist aesthetic from consumers, Bunnick notices an increase in the popularity of the modern farmhouse style. Including neutral tones and touches of metal, this preference from customers serves as a blend of natural and industrial textures. With the demand for metallic fixtures in an effort to replicate the trendy modern farmhouse aesthetic, Bunnick finds that brass is a popular request from his clients looking for a youthful alternative to classic statement pieces.
“In the Philadelphia area, people are leaning more towards the contemporary and sleek pieces that are angular and flow with the kitchen,” he explained. “[The trending brass] is not a shining star like old school polished brass, it’s burnished and unlacquered to create a living finish that is unique to each client and their family.”
Whether a homeowner is looking for a trendy style or something for classic, Bunnick provides universal advice for anyone looking to embark on a kitchen renovation: invest in the details.
“Take your time and find good hardware that suits your style and finish taste to complement the new design of your kitchen, and do this up front,” he said. “Waiting until the last minute to select hardware leads to grabbing the thing that is available right now, and that can lead to regret down the road.”
And despite the low availability of contractors due to the pandemic, Bunnick finds that the decrease in travel and pre-pandemic activities has provided many homeowners with funds to complete a renovation that they never previously had the ability to finance.
“Homeowners also gained the time to think through a renovation,” he said. “Time to design things the way they truly want them to be.”