Luxury Hardware Designer, Belwith-Keeler, Makes First Appearance at HD Expo
125 Year Legacy of Furniture and Decorative Hardware Started at the Heart of Hospitality Design
Grandville, MI (April 2019) – Belwith-Keeler has led the decorative hardware industry in design, craftsmanship, and innovation since 1893. Beginning with the Keeler Brass Company®, the reputation of the company was forged by bringing the very best decorative and functional hardware products to the market. And now they are bringing the customized luxury design to the Hospitality Design Show 2019, taking place in May in Las Vegas.
“Keeler’s legacy of partnering with designers and manufacturers of fine furniture began at the original Keeler Brass Design Studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan,” shares Knikki Grantham, Trend and OEM Sales Manager.
In fact, Belwith Products has hundreds of years of staff experience and hardware specific knowledge – in total, 126 years. A Living Library of designs dating to Keeler’s inception, showcase the never-ending passion the company possess to develope unique, inspired hardware.
“Today, our designers are dedicated to preserving the time-honored traditions of collaboration, design leadership, and fine craftsmanship that have characterized our furniture hardware throughout our long history,” Grantham says.
In 2018, in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary, Belwith-Keeler opened the vault of its Living Library for the first time to release and re-issue one of its historical designs: Vale. Originally designed and released in 1953, the response to the Vale collection from designers was so great, that Belwith-Keeler has made the decision to re-issue another of its historical designs next year; and put the choice of which collection directly into the hands of designers.
HD Expo attendees will be able to experience Vale and Keeler’s vast OEM capabilities along with several new Belwith-Keeler collections launched earlier this year. The new collections are available now for specification and for request through the brand’s new sample program at www.belwith-keeler.com/pages/try-at-home.
Grantham says what she is most excited to share with attendees of HD Expo 2019 is how new technologies have allowed the in-house product team to expand upon the timeless design elements and quality construction on which Belwith-Keeler was built. “Technological advancements, such as computer software and 3D printing, only serve as enhancements to our detail-oriented design process, allowing the beauty of the furniture or space to be the focal point.”
She also looks forward to spotting and sharing Belwith-Keeler’s newest designs that hit on the latest and upcoming hospitality designs including:
Animal Skins: “Hospitality has been going to more of an eclectic boutique feel, even on the large chain level,” says Grantham. “Unique hardware such as faux key tassels give it a vagabond feel in a boutique way."
Mega Glam: “And that same ‘boutique’ ambiance can be expressed with our Mega Glam trend and using such materials as colored glass, faceted much like jewelry, as we did with our Chrysalis Collection,” Grantham says.
Esmeralda: The main force behind this trend according to Grantham: an infusion of Nature into the space. “What better color palette that rich greens?” asks Grantham. “It can be both earthy and elegant, just by changing the hue of the green.”
Blue Tint: “The calming effect of blue speaks to both male and female, leisure and business alike,” Grantham explains of the trend. “Often used an accessory color, it is taking center stage in many settings!”
Cullet: “Hospitality designers shouldn’t be afraid to be bold and expressive!” urges Grantham. “No longer is the mundane the status quo. Beautiful spaces are essential, but making a statement leaves a lasting impression. Our Cullet Collection manages to capture both with its textured recessed surface and exquisite finishes."
Negative: “With this trend, expect the unexpected… With the palettes going bolder in spaces, the simplification of accessories and hardware as with the design of our Skylight collection from Hickory Hardware, have become more muted to act as an accompaniment to the overall design of an extravagant space.”
Circles: Grantham sums up this trend in one word: harmony. “Spherical shapes have long represented harmony in design. Often used in hospitality designs in such things as fabrics and soft goods are now being more of the design story in metals and overall themes. A perfect example of how we identified this trend before it became one? The Vale collection, which features a spherical elegance with a little funky oversized edge.”
The NEW New Traditional: “From kitchenettes and coffee makers to high speed internet, many hoteliers have tried to incorporate the comforts of home into the room,” says Grantham. “Simplified design and focus on the transitional or ‘New NEW Traditional’ in decorative hardware that more resembles what you’d find in their own bedroom, like our Trellis collection.”
Hospitality and furniture designers interested in experiencing Keeler’s design capabilities and latest to-the-trades collections should stop by the Belwith-Keeler booth #1819.
Members of the media can make an appointment to personally experience the new Belwith-Keeler collections at HD Expo 2019 by contacting Kristen Jenkins at kjenkins@stonerbunting.com.
About Belwith-Keeler®
Refined in Elegance and built on a rich heritage, Belwith-Keeler crafts luxury decorative hardware with an expert fit and finish. Part of a collection of brands including Hickory Hardware®, Keeler® and First Watch® Security, Belwith-Keeler is most-notably known for its custom OEM capabilities since 1893, offering an extensive range of quality hardware to complement and enhance any furniture design. For more information, call 1-877-556-2918 or visit www.belwith-keeler.com.
Contact: Kristen Jenkins Leesa Fotis
Stoner Bunting Belwith-Keeler
Phone: 717.291.1491 Phone: 616.247.4074
kjenkins@stonerbunting.com leesa.fotis@belwith.com