Cool Pulls and Knobs | TheModernSybarite

Using a set of cool pulls and knobs to spruce up a piece of furniture – be it a kitchen cabinet, bathroom vanity or chest-of-drawers – is a well-documented decorator tip. But finding extra special pieces, now that can be a chore. Today I want to share one source for distinctive pulls and knobs that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Working out of a Chinatown atelier in New York City, artist Carl Martinez has been making a name for his exquisite decorative hardware for a number of years. Mostly selling to high-end interior designers, Carl’s line of cool pulls and knobs can make any vanilla door something unique and quite special. They’re truly tiny works of art. My all time favorites are those in his metal and crystal lines featured today.

Cool pulls and knobs in metal

From pulls in satin nickel and bronze to pieces in gold and enamel, Carl’s metal hardware is distinctive and chic. These tend to be more “masculine” looking since they’re sleek and sculptural. I really dig the Potato Chip Cabinet Pull (If I have to point it out you really should see a eye doctor) and the Teardrop Pull, which can be “manly” in stainless steel or nickel with blue/black enamel, though this coral red and gold piece is hot, hot, hot!

Cool pulls and knobs in crystal

Made from rock crystal, quartz or amethyst mounted on silver and gold, these pulls are more “feminine” no matter how you look at them. Blingy, stylish (and yes, decadent) without being gaudy, these cool pulls and knobs are true jewelry for a special furniture piece. I can see them equally in an Auntie Mame designed room, a Peter Marino Dior store or a Kelly Wearstler closet.

Cool pulls and knobs can really embellish furniture. And while their cost may give you a moment of pause, just remember that you’ll rarely find the same stylish hardware in your neighbor’s house, something you probably can’t say about your Cartier or Rolex watch.