Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background as a designer.
Hi, I’m Janelle Helms, a designer at Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath in St. Louis, Missouri. I’ve been designing for 10 years, with the past 8 spent at Karr Bick. Our work is primarily residential and often leans traditional, but we truly enjoy working across a wide range of styles.
What inspires your design work? Share your go-to sources of inspiration—travel, architecture, nature, etc.
As a designer, you start noticing the small details everywhere. Whether you’re traveling, visiting a museum or dining at a great restaurant. I also love drawing inspiration from other designers on Instagram.
Can you share a recent project where you featured Atlas Homewares hardware and how it enhanced the space?
I used the Distressed collection in the Antique Bronze finish in my Old World Charm project, and it was the perfect finishing touch. It’s a quiet detail that contributed beautifully to the overall natural, European feel of the space.
Atlas’ hardware feels substantial and offers an impressive variety of designs. I especially appreciate that most collections are available in multiple sizes and include appliance pulls. There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a piece of hardware only to discover it doesn’t come in the sizes you need.
What advice do you give to clients—or fellow designers—when selecting decorative hardware?
Have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to mix pulls, knobs and latches. If there’s something you love, we can usually find a way to make it work.
Tell us about yourself. What is your design style, passion, and/or inspiration?
Although my style has a more relaxed modern industrial vibe, I always tell clients that it’s not about what my style is; but instead about me navigating the design decisions to pull their style out, even if they don’t know what that is. I love being creative and pulling inspiration from my love of the outdoors. Design is definitely a passion that finds its way into everything I do.
How does the touch and feel of the hardware factor into your product selection?
Touch is a big factor. Clients want hardware that feels solid and comfortable to grip, not awkward or flimsy. We’ve all experienced cheap hardware; it’s like a weak handshake. Nobody wants that.
How does the touch and feel of hardware factor into your product selection?
Touch is a big factor. Clients want hardware that feels solid and comfortable to grip, not awkward or flimsy. We’ve all experienced cheap hardware; it’s like a weak handshake. Nobody wants that.
Do you have a go-to collection or finish from Atlas Homewares? If so, why?
I love the Antique Bronze and Warm Bronze finishes. I’m a brass girl; I think it looks great with just about every cabinet finish.
Have you ever mixed and matched hardware styles or finishes in a project? If so, tell us about that process.
I mix styles often, though I don’t mix finishes quite as frequently. One fun project from a few years ago featured satin brass hardware on blueberry-stained cabinetry and black hardware on the painted areas. That extra layer of detail really elevated the space.
I also frequently use a different finish for hardware than for plumbing fixtures. It adds depth and visual interest.
What kitchen and bath trends are you currently loving? How does decorative hardware play a role?
I’m loving the cottagecore trend right now. The mix of textures, colors and patterns makes spaces feel cozy and truly lived-in. Decorative hardware plays a big role here—brass finishes and simpler, less ornate styles help create that inviting atmosphere.
Are there any common mistakes you see with hardware selection? How can they be avoided?
The biggest mistake I see is using the same hardware size on every door and drawer. Mixing things up makes a huge difference. Using a combination of knobs and pulls in varying sizes. I also love incorporating cup pulls or latches when they suit the design.
That said, there are certain bathrooms where keeping the hardware consistent can help maintain a more cohesive feel.
What has your overall experience been like working with Atlas Homewares—from selection to installation?
My experience with Atlas has been great. Their hardware is high quality, feels substantial and is available in a wide range of styles and finishes.
