Today I wanted to tell you all a little bit more about one of the BlogTourCGN sponsors. Du Verre Hardware is a Canadian company that produces high quality, original designs for cabinet hardware. Working with highly respected designers from all aspects of the design world, Du Verre creates design-driven collections of knobs and pulls for fine furniture and interiors. I asked CEO and Creative Director Gina Lubin if she could answer a few questions for me that would give us all a bit of an insight into the company and into hardware design in general.
DuVerre started out as an architectural glass company. How and why did you move into hardware?
Du Verre Hardware has been around since 1999. However prior to that time, Du Verre had a few different lives. We operated as an architectural glass studio for a number of years in the 1980’s and then evolved into a full-on home furnishings and design store in Toronto. A unique concept at the time. In addition to selling fantastic designs from artists and craftspeople from around the world, my partner, Gavin McLean and I designed custom furnishings.
While working in wrought iron with our friend and brilliant metal smith Heinz Pfleger, our attention turned to hardware. It was very hard to find sophisticated hardware that wasn’t custom made and we were intrigued at the possibility of creating some. We decided to give production a try. Creating these small perfect objects for the home was completely fascinating to us. We soon found ourselves transported to India where handcraft is a way of life. We also quickly discovered the contradictions of working in India where everything is possible and impossible at the same time. But that’s another story.
Generally, it was an excellent way to start. We were able to try small production runs and explore new ideas.
DuVerre collaborates with a number of award-winning designers to produce its collections. How do you choose which designers to work with?
Our background working with talented designers and craftspeople came in handy. We invited a few select friends to create designs for us. Scot Laughton, a highly regarded product and lighting designer, was from Toronto and already a friend. William Harvey had been a supplier of innovative and beautiful objects that we discovered in New York. Heinz Pfleger was a great wrought iron master. And so, it began.
Now, so many years later, we have added to our roster of designers. Clodagh, a Hall of Fame designer and highly respected in the industry. Erin Adams, a very talented mosaic designer. Christopher Smith product designer. Goodman Charlton who are Hospitality designers and do great hotels as well as high-end residential work. Jeff Goodman, glass blower extraordinaire and fellow Canadian. And me, with the Rio Collection.
We are constantly approached by some of the best in the business who like the idea of creating a little hardware collection.
The hardware that you produce is made from post-consumer recycled aluminum. Why this material?
After a few years, we decided to change our method of production. We wanted to manufacture our products in a more environmentally friendly way. India was great but the work was being made in primitive conditions. It was also difficult to keep up with the demand. It was time for a change. We wanted to modernize. I am happy to tell you that our cabinet hardware is now made, for the most part, by precision die casting. We use recycled aluminum, which is strong and looks beautiful with our finishes. Du Verre Hardware is compatible with LEED objectives.
What are the main trends in hardware at the moment?
I have rather a classic sensibility rather than being trendy. However, I do believe that good design never goes out of style. We live in a time where there are so many looks and directions you can really please yourself.
We have a new line coming out in a few weeks. It’s sexy and curvaceous but that’s all I can tell you at the moment!
We are also adding white to our more traditional finishes. I think white looks great! I’m very excited about it.
Can you tell us a bit about Rio, your latest design?
Creating Rio was fun. It was a chance for me to sculpt and put some of my hardware fantasies to work. I was thinking about ancient Mayan ruins and inscrutable hieroglyphs from another time. Just my imagination gone wild. I think it turned out well and has been very successful. I will be doing more!
Once again massive thanks go out to the BlogTourCGN sponsors: BLANCO, Miele, Axor, Mr Steam, DuVerre Hardware, and The National Kitchen & Bath Association.