It’s All in the Details
When you walk into a room, what catches your attention first? Is it the grand chandelier overhead or the plush sofa inviting you to sink in? Often, it’s the subtle details -the door knob you turn, the light switch you flick, or the trim that frames the room. These small elements don’t just serve a purpose; they shape our experience of a space.
But here’s the thing: it wasn’t always this way. Historically, the smallest design details were often loaded with meaning and purpose - sometimes even serving as status symbols. In the grand homes of Victorian England, door knobs weren’t merely functional but ornate brass masterpieces, often intricately carved with motifs that told stories of class and elegance. These weren’t just about opening doors; they were about signalling wealth, taste, and access to exclusive spaces.
Even something as humble as a skirting board has a fascinating history. In the Georgian era, these trim elements served a purely functional purpose: to protect the walls from scuffs and dirt, particularly in homes where servants and visitors would leave traces of mud behind. Over time, they evolved into decorative features, enhancing the aesthetic flow of rooms and becoming a design language of their own. Imagine that - what started as a simple protective measure became a way to add visual grandeur to a home.
Today, these details might seem like background players, easily overlooked. But they have the power to transform a space. In this post, I will show how seemingly insignificant elements - door knobs, light switches, and skirting boards - are far more than accessories. They’re the silent storytellers of a home’s character and soul.
The History of Door Knobs: The Handshake of Your Home
Imagine walking through a centuries-old manor. The first thing your hand touches isn’t the grand staircase or the ornate fireplace - it’s the door knob. This small, tactile object is the handshake of your home, offering the first hint of what lies beyond.
A beautifully restored blue door featuring an antique brass handle, showcasing historic craftsmanship and the elegance of period home details.
A Symbol of Status and Style
In the Victorian era, door knobs became more than practical hardware; they were a way to display wealth and sophistication. Made from materials like porcelain, brass, and glass, these knobs were often elaborately designed, featuring floral patterns, geometric shapes, or even engraved family crests. Wealthy households would commission bespoke designs, treating door knobs as miniature works of art.
The trend shifted in the early 20th century with the rise of Art Deco. Suddenly, sleek lines and bold geometric patterns replaced Victorian flourishes, reflecting the optimism and modernity of the time. Homes built in the 1920s and 1930s still bear these striking knobs, a reminder of a bygone era when even the smallest details mirrored societal shifts.
An ornate white porcelain door knob in Victorian style, highlighting the intricate detailing of antique door hardware in classic interiors
Function Meets Beauty
Today, door knobs remain a meeting point of form and function. A well-chosen knob can echo the character of a room: think crystal knobs for an air of elegance, matte black for modern minimalism, or weathered bronze for rustic charm. In our own home, we made the mistake of opting for generic hardware during one renovation - only to realize later how much it detracted from the room’s overall look. Replacing them with classic brass knobs transformed the space, adding warmth and cohesion we hadn’t expected.
Crystal door knobs like this peaked in popularity from the 1910s to the 1940s, spanning Edwardian elegance to Art Deco glamour. A touch of history in the palm of your hand.
Door knobs may be small, but they carry weight—literally and metaphorically. They’re the first point of contact with a space, and when chosen thoughtfully, they set the tone for everything that follows.
Light Switches: Function Meets Style
Flick. A simple motion, barely a thought - but light switches hold the power to shape how we experience a room. They are the unsung heroes of interior design, quietly bridging utility and aesthetics in a way few details can.
The Evolution of the Switch
The story of the light switch begins in the late 19th century, with the invention of electric lighting. Early switches were functional and rudimentary, but by the 1920s, they became objects of design in their own right. Push-button switches, often made of bakelite or porcelain, were elegant and tactile, blending seamlessly into Art Deco interiors. Over time, switches evolved to reflect changing tastes - sleek toggle switches for mid-century modern homes, then the minimalist flat plates of contemporary design.
A vintage brass light switch with a retro design, adding character to a space and blending antique details with modern functionality.
From Background to Center Stage
Light switches may often be overlooked, but the right choice can elevate a room. In our current home, swapping out standard plastic switches for retro porcelain versions was a small but transformative change. Suddenly, the switches felt intentional, adding a touch of refinement that subtly echoed other accents in the space.
It was a reminder: details matter, even those you touch for mere seconds each day.
A Nod to the Past
For those who love the charm of older designs, retro-inspired switches can bring a touch of nostalgia to modern spaces. Brands specializing in vintage reproductions offer beautiful options that combine historical aesthetics with modern functionality. I can warmly recommend the company THPG in Germany, where we found our switches and sockets. They have a great selection of porcelain and Bakelit versions (www.thpg.com).
Light switches may seem mundane, but they’re a perfect example of how thoughtful design transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Next time you flip a switch, pause for a moment - it might just be the detail that makes your space shine.
Skirting Boards and Trims: Framing Your Space
At first glance, skirting boards and trims may seem like the quiet background players of a room. But their history and evolution tell a fascinating story of how design adapts to function, fashion, and even culture. These architectural details do far more than protect walls - they frame our living spaces with subtle sophistication.
A close-up of skirting boards and wood flooring, illustrating the importance of architectural trim in period interiors and classic design.
Ancient Beginnings: Protection Meets Aesthetics
The concept of skirting boards has ancient roots. In classical Greek and Roman architecture, a feature known as the dado was used to protect walls. These lower wall panels, often adorned with mouldings, served both practical and decorative purposes, proving that even the ancients appreciated the importance of details.
By the 18th century, England’s Georgian interiors embraced the skirting board as a functional necessity. These modest trims shielded walls from damage caused by heavy furniture and bustling foot traffic. True to the era’s understated elegance, Georgian skirting boards were plain and proportional, designed to complement rather than dominate the room.
With industrialization in full swing, the Victorian era brought intricate craftsmanship within reach of more households. Skirting boards grew taller and more elaborate, featuring carved mouldings that reflected the era’s love for opulence. These trims became a showcase for wealth and taste, no longer content to merely protect walls but to add grandeur to interiors.
During the Haussmann renovation of Paris in the mid-19th century, French interiors saw “plinthes” become integral to the ornate wood panelling known as boiserie. These skirting boards added elegance to Parisian apartments, emphasizing seamless transitions between wall and floor.
In traditional Japanese machiya townhouses, protective dado panels were minimalist yet functional, aligning with Japan’s aesthetic of understated beauty and purpose.
Modern Minimalism: A Quiet Revolution
Today, skirting boards reflect diverse design philosophies. Some embrace sleek, low-profile trims for a minimalist look, while others forego them entirely for a seamless wall-to-floor transition - a choice that requires flawless craftsmanship. But even in their simplicity, skirting boards remain a testament to thoughtful design, quietly shaping the perception of a space.
Unexpected Details: Beyond the Basics
Every home has its quiet heroes - the details that aren’t always noticed but play a pivotal role in shaping its character. Hinges, doorstops, and cabinet handles might not command attention, but when chosen thoughtfully, they become the elements that make a space feel truly personal.
Hinges: The Silent Architects
I once visited an antique shop that specialized in salvaged architectural elements. Hidden among the larger pieces was a box of old door hinges - brass, slightly tarnished, but intricately carved with floral patterns. The shopkeeper explained that they had been rescued from a Victorian manor slated for demolition. Each hinge felt like a tiny artifact, a testament to a time when even the most functional details were crafted with care. While most of us overlook hinges, these subtle pieces can quietly anchor the design of a door, adding charm and history to a space.
Doorstops: Small but Mighty
Growing up, my grandmother had a cast-iron doorstop shaped like a lion. It was one of those objects you don’t think much about as a child, but looking back, I realize how much personality it brought to her home. Today, doorstops come in countless designs, from minimalist wedges to sculptural creations that feel like modern art. It’s a reminder that even the most utilitarian objects can have a story to tell.
Cabinet Hardware: Jewellery for Your Home
Think of cabinet knobs and handles as the jewellery of your interiors - small embellishments that tie the whole outfit together. In kitchens and bathrooms, the choice of hardware can completely alter the room’s personality. For example, sleek, matte black pulls lend a modern edge, while vintage-style brass knobs evoke warmth and nostalgia. In our own home, swapping out generic handles for hand-forged iron ones instantly gave the cabinets a bespoke feel.
A brass kitchen handle set against navy cabinets, a timeless combination in classic kitchen design and period home renovation.
Vent Covers and Grilles: A Breath of Fresh Air
While renovating an old townhouse, I discovered ornate cast-iron vent covers hidden under layers of paint. Stripping them back to their original state revealed intricate patterns that felt more like artwork than ventilation. In modern spaces, grilles might be less ornamental, but they still offer opportunities for creativity. Whether custom-designed or salvaged, vent covers can bridge the gap between function and beauty.
The Devil’s in the Details, and So is the Magic
Details are often the quietest elements in a space, yet their impact is anything but subtle. From the weight of a door knob in your hand to the soft click of a light switch, these seemingly small choices shape how we experience our homes in profound ways. They are the storytellers, the unsung heroes that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Over the course of history, details like skirting boards, hinges, and cabinet hardware have reflected cultural values, technological advancements, and even social hierarchies. What began as purely functional elements - like protecting walls from muddy boots in Georgian England or keeping dust out of keyholes in Victorian homes - have evolved into opportunities for self-expression and artistry.
But more than their history or aesthetic value, details matter because they speak to something deeper: our desire to create spaces that feel intentional, harmonious, and alive. They remind us that a home is more than walls and furniture - it’s an extension of who we are, down to the smallest finishing touches.
So as you walk through your home, take a moment to notice the details. Is there a door knob that could tell a better story? A trim that deserves more thought? A light switch that could add a spark of style? These choices may seem small, but they are the foundation of something much greater: a home that feels complete, cohesive, and unmistakably yours.
The devil - and the magic - truly is in the details.
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
Book Recommendations:
1. "The Elements of Style: An Encyclopedia of Domestic Architectural Detail" by Stephen Calloway: A comprehensive guide to architectural details, exploring their historical significance and aesthetic impact.
2. "Details: A Stylist's Secrets to Creating Inspired Interiors" by Lili Diallo: Offers insights into how small elements can transform a room, with practical advice and beautiful photography.
3. "The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book" by Chris Grimley and Mimi Love: A handy reference that covers essential aspects of interior design, including the importance of details.
4. "Domicilium Decoratus" by Kelly Wearstler: A visual journey through Wearstler's design philosophy, showcasing how intricate details define luxurious spaces.