Expert Tips on Choosing Quality Fixtures for Your Renovation

I recently met Georgina from The Renovation Shop and picked her brains about why clients should invest in quality fixtures. I explained to Georgina that many clients think they can save on their renovation by buying their hardware from Bunnings.

However, I often use the analogy of wearing Chanel with fake pearls. The fixtures you chose can make or break your kitchen or bathroom renovation. It’s the finishing touches that matter and Georgina explains why.

In your experience what’s the most common challenge renovators experience?

When it comes to renovating, confusion is something every homeowner experiences. There are endless decisions to make, from lighting and paint colours to architectural hardware and tapware finishes, and every choice influences the look, feel, and functionality of your home.

I’ve spent close to two decades helping renovators, builders, and designers make sense of all the little details, so here are my answers to the questions she hears most often.

What’s your best advice to overcome confusion when renovating?

Renovation confusion usually comes from trying to make too many decisions at once. My advice is to start with the big picture, the architectural style of your home and the feeling you want to create, and let that guide every choice from there.

For example, if your home has classic detailing, your choices in hardware and lighting should complement that rather than compete with it. Once you identify your home’s personality, the number of suitable options becomes much smaller and decision-making becomes easier.

I always tell customers that quality, cohesion, and character should drive every selection. Focus on the elements you’ll see and touch every day, such as door handles, taps, and lighting, and make those consistent throughout your home. Everything else will fall into place more naturally.

Why should clients choose The Renovation Shop instead of stores like Bunnings?

It really comes down to expertise and quality. Big-box stores are fantastic for a quick fix, but when you’re investing in a long-term renovation, you want products that will last, and advice from someone who truly understands how homes are built and lived in.

At The Renovation Shop, every product is curated for timeless design and enduring quality. I only sell brands I personally trust, such as Iver, TradCo, Momo Handles, Il Fanale, Lighting Republic, Robert Kitto, Buster + Punch, and Turner Hastings, because they combine craftsmanship with reliable functionality.

Equally important, I spend time with customers (or their designer) to ensure what they order is exactly what they need, whether it’s hinges to match their handles (also making sure they’re the right size for the thickness of the door), locks and latches that suit their door stile width, or fireclay sinks purchased first so the cabinetry can be built around them. That level of personalised service simply isn’t possible in a warehouse environment.

What makes quality hardware? What should clients focus on when buying it?

Hardware is one of those details that’s often overlooked until you live with it every day. Quality hardware feels solid in the hand. It’s made from brass, bronze or stainless steel rather than lightweight alloys or plated zinc. You can feel the difference immediately: the weight, the finish, the way it operates.

When choosing hardware, pay attention to:

• Material – Solid brass or bronze lasts decades and develops a beautiful patina over time.
• Mechanism – Handles, locks and latches should operate smoothly.
• Design consistency – Quality ranges have matching accessories: hinges, bolts, cabinet knobs, and window fittings.

It’s also worth considering how the hardware aligns with your home’s story. The right handle can elevate a door from ordinary to beautiful.

What are your thoughts on mixing metals?

I’m generally not a fan of mixing metals. In some cases, clients might not have a choice, for example, when they’re working around existing fixtures or finishes, but if that’s the case, the different metals must work well together.

The key is to group tones: warm finishes, such as brass and bronze, complement each other beautifully, while cool finishes, such as chrome and black, work well together. Mixing across those tone families tends to look disjointed rather than intentional. Consistency nearly always leads to a more cohesive and timeless result.

How do you support clients if they’re not entirely happy with their purchase?

Customer satisfaction is incredibly important to me. Every order from The Renovation Shop is backed by a genuine commitment to service, before and after the sale. If a customer isn’t entirely happy, I work personally with them to resolve the issue. That might mean exchanging a product, liaising with the manufacturer, or troubleshooting installation questions. My goal is always to make sure they end up with the right product for their home, not just to sell something.

Do you offer trade discounts to interior designers who refer their clients?

Yes. I love working with interior designers and offer trade pricing on many of our core brands for verified design professionals. Beyond discounts, what designers tell me they value most is having a knowledgeable partner who can provide detailed product guidance, finish samples, and technical advice for their clients.

Collaborations are a wonderful way to ensure clients get both the design vision and the practical support they need.

How much should clients budget for hardware?

It’s difficult to define a percentage of an overall project budget, as renovations can vary enormously in scale. Instead, I prefer to give realistic per-door estimates to help clients plan accurately.

For internal doors, I recommend allowing at least $250–$300 per door, which covers high-quality brass handles, a matching latch, and hinges. For external doors, budget at least $500 per door, which includes handles, a lock, and hinges.

Keep in mind that many homes will also require door stops, bolts for French doors, and matching window and cabinet hardware to complete the look. Investing in well-made, solid brass hardware ensures durability, comfort, and aesthetic consistency throughout the home.

Recap why it’s important to buy quality fixtures

Renovating is full of decisions, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. My best advice is to choose the best quality you can afford. When you buy from The Renovation Shop, you’re not just getting a product; you’re getting years of experience, personal advice, and access to a carefully curated range designed to make your home both timeless and beautiful. Another tip is to take lots of photos before, during, and after your renovation. It’s easy to forget what your house looked like before you transformed it, and it’s so rewarding to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come!

It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Trish on this post. We both share a passion for thoughtful, well-crafted design that feels as good as it looks.

Explore The Renovation Shop’s curated range of hardware, tapware, sinks, and lighting,to see how quality fixtures can elevate your renovation project.

I think Georgina’s insights are valuable and worth considering when renovating. There are many ways to manage a renovation bugdet and there are many areas where you can save. Working with an interior designer will reveal the best way to budget for a quality finish while accessing trade discounts along the way. If you’re ready to create your version of an aspiration space, let’s chat.

Guest collaboration with Trish Khoury, Grace Interior Designs & Georgina Downey, founder of The Renovation Shop