Petra Opens the Door to the Artistic Hardware Scene

Like clockwork every May, NYCxDESIGN inspires us with innumerable new products and collections, but it also serves as an opportunity for newly-launched brands to make themselves known to the larger design industry. A prime example is the newly-formed Petra. Founded by Sight Unseen co-founder Monica Khemsurov, Petra is a showroom displaying artistic hardware created by some of the best designers in the game, alongside newcomers whose names you’ll likely know soon enough.

Modern kitchen with blue walls, stainless steel cabinets and appliances, beige cupboards with curved handles, a wooden table, and a vase with flowers on the counter.

Ribbon Pull by Vonnegut / Kraft

Petra was inspired by the bold, sculptural hardware designs that have caught Khemsurov’s eye during her travels. Now, she hopes to re-energize their popularity through a highly curated collection that pays special attention to architectural detail and artistry. Select boutique hardware pieces, as well as exclusive, commissioned works by independent designers, are the brand’s focus. The debut collection includes hardware from 27 designers and brands offering solutions for cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, door handles, switch plates, appliance handles, curtain tiebacks, towel bars, and more.

Three blue circular knobs on a white cabinet.

Thumbprint Knob by Sam Stewart

Included in Petra’s first collection is the debut of hardware offerings from designer Pamela Love, featuring hand-carved cabinet knobs shaped like eyes, pomegranates, and urns. The brand will also present BD Barcelona’s licensed reproductions with a selection of knobs and handles by Antoni Gaudí that were designed for buildings built between 1902 and 1910, as well as Salvador Dali’s elaborate 1937 Rinoceróntico door handle.

What sets Petra apart is its commitment to hardware that’s expressive – aesthetically and conceptually. Unlike that which typically dominates the market, most of what this brand carries are small-batch, handmade fixtures designed to stand out. While some can be considered elevated basics, most are enough to be seen as statement pieces on their own.

Colorful semicircular cabinet pulls arranged on a white surface.

Macaroni Pull (Translucent) by Sam Stewart

A living room with a wooden credenza, abstract wall art, modern floor lamp, yellow sofa, grey chair, and glass coffee table.

Long Hammered Pull by Chris Wolston

A minimalist candle holder with a black base and spherical counterweight sits on a wooden cabinet. A painting hangs on the light blue wall behind it.

Anemone Drop Knob by Pamela Love x Guillaume Pajolec

A cabinet pull resembling a flower with elongated petals and stamens.

Anemone Drop Knob by Pamela Love x Guillaume Pajolec

Wooden surface with two bronze-colored pulls shaped like pitchers; one holds a dried purple flower.

Vessel Knob by Pamela Love x Guillaume Pajolec

Two cabinet doors with floral-shaped knobs and petal-shaped embellishments hanging below each knob, set against a white background.

Psychedahlia 2-Petal Knob by Rachel Shillander

A modern bedroom with a large window, wooden wardrobe, and a low platform bed with brown and white bedding. A small wooden dresser stands near a yellow wall art piece.

Delos Appliance Pull by Cultivation Objects

Close-up of two green cabinet doors with gold flower-shaped handles.

Daisy Knob – Small by Chris Wilson

Green cabinet door with a gold handle in an organic shape, slightly ajar.

Calathea Pull – Large by Chris Wolston

A uniquely stepped cabinet with geometric silver handles stands on a wooden floor against a gray wall.

Triple Star Pull by Platform Studio

Two wooden cabinet doors with green triangular handles partially open.

Poignée Nez Pull – Small by Jonathan Cohen

A wooden cabinet with a black countertop and one door slightly ajar, featuring a matching wooden door handle.

Poignée Nez Pull – Extra Large by Atelier Jonathan Cohen

Close-up of two cabinet doors with round metallic handles.

Puddle Knob by Hayesmade

To learn more about the newly launched Petra collection, visit petrahardware.com.

Photography by Nazara Lazaro.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Source link