What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior designer is trained in space planning, construction details, building codes, and project management — in addition to creating beautiful spaces. A decorator focuses more on furnishings, color palettes, and aesthetics. At Barbara Nyke Interior Design, we bring both expertise and artistry to every project.

How does your design process work, from start to finish?

We begin with a discovery consultation to understand your lifestyle, goals, and vision. From there, we develop a detailed design plan with layouts, materials, and furnishings. After your approval, we handle procurement, project coordination, and installation — keeping you informed and involved at each step.

Do you work with contractors, architects, or builders?

Yes, we regularly collaborate with a network of trusted professionals, or we’re happy to coordinate with your existing team. This ensures smooth communication, accurate execution, and a cohesive final result.

Can I use my existing furniture or décor in the new design?

Definitely. We welcome meaningful pieces into the new design and will help you evaluate what works in your updated space — whether keeping, reupholstering, or restyling for a fresh look.

How is the project budget determined?

We tailor every project to your desired investment level. After our initial meeting, we’ll outline a detailed scope of work and cost estimate. Our goal is to maximize both beauty and value within your budget.

How long does a typical interior design project take?

Timelines vary by scope. A room refresh may take 6–8 weeks, while full-home renovations can span several months. We provide estimated schedules upfront and keep you updated throughout the process.

Do you offer virtual interior design or e-design services?

Yes! Our e-design services are ideal for remote clients or those seeking design guidance without full project management. We provide mood boards, floor plans, and curated shopping links so you can implement your space at your pace.

Will I be involved in the design decisions?

Absolutely. Your input is essential. We present ideas tailored to your taste and preferences, and you’ll make final decisions on key elements like layout, finishes, and furnishings.

How do I get started working with Barbara Nyke Interior Design?

Getting started is easy — just contact us through our website or send an email. We’ll schedule your initial consultation and begin the journey toward your dream space.

What areas do you serve, and do you work outside the Greater Toronto Area?

We’re based in Scarborough, Ontario, and serve clients across the Greater Toronto Area, including North York, Markham, and nearby neighborhoods. For long-distance projects, our virtual design services make collaboration easy.

Luxury Interior Door Hardware: A Toronto Interior Designer's Guide to Perfect Selection

May 12

Written By Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design

By Barbara Nyke, Top 25 Interior Designer Toronto

Selecting the right interior door and cabinet hardware is an often complex and detailed process, requiring an understanding of the user's functional and aesthetic needs and preferences. As a Toronto interior designer specializing in luxury residential projects, I frequently guide clients through this critical design decision that can make or break a beautiful interior.

Toronto interior designer Barbara Nyke will review your design plans and recommend attractive and functional luxury hardware ideal for your special home throughout the GTA, including North York, Mississauga, and Markham.

The Importance of Hardware in Luxury Interior Design Toronto

The devil is in the interior design and decorating details… Designing beautiful kitchen cabinetry and interior doors is a result of insightful design planning and smart functionality customized for the Toronto homeowner. This particularly applies to cabinets and doors with the right decorative hardware - handles, pulls, and hinges - that is easy to use for all physical abilities and enhances your home's luxury aesthetic.

Four Key Criteria for Luxury Hardware Selection

When working on interior design projects in Toronto, I always consider these four essential criteria when selecting handles for any kitchen design or decorating project:

1. Cabinetry & Hardware Style Coordination

Your luxury interior hardware should seamlessly complement your overall Toronto home design aesthetic, whether modern, traditional, or transitional.

2. Hardware Finish Selection

The right finish creates cohesion throughout your luxury interior design Toronto project, from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom doors.

3. Aesthetic Impact

Fine interior hardware serves as jewellery for your cabinetry and doors, making a sophisticated statement about your design sensibilities.

Luxury cabinet knobs with mixed metal finishes - a signature detail in our Toronto interior design projects. — *Luxury cabinet knobs with mixed metal finishes by Olaria - a signature detail in our Toronto interior design projects.*

4. Ergonomic Design

As an accessible design specialist in Toronto, I ensure all hardware selections work comfortably for users of all physical abilities.

There's also innovative accessible door hardware like an adaptive handle that allows a person to use their elbow to open the door. As well, it prevents bacteria from being deposited onto the handle and from being picked up by the user - a perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and health-conscious design for Toronto homes.

Accessible door handle featuring universal design principles - luxury hardware that works for everyone. — *Accessible door handle featuring universal design principles by Olaria - luxury hardware that works for everyone.*

Toronto Kitchen Design Trends: Mixed

*Modern kitchen featuring brass cabinet hardware and mixed metal finishes - a popular trend in Toronto luxury interior design. Image from Kohler.*

The right luxury door hardware will complement the colour and style of cabinetry and create a seamless look with the overall kitchen design Toronto homeowners love – just as the wrong hardware can make a stronger, negative statement, ruin the overall design and be uncomfortable to use.

*Contemporary door handle showcasing clean lines and premium finishes. Image by Olaria*

Modern colour palettes in Toronto kitchen and bathroom design particularly see mixing of metal finishes with saturated hues. An eye-catching finishing detail for monochromatic cabinetry is a streamlined handle with contemporary styling and in a finish that has a nod to the past, but updated with a golden brass finish.

Textured brass cabinet pull - the perfect blend of traditional warmth and contemporary sophistication. — *Textured brass cabinet pull - the perfect blend of traditional warmth and contemporary sophistication by Olaria.*

Even door stoppers have glamorous styling now with brass and matte black details - this epitomizes the detailed designing approach I bring to every luxury interior design project in Toronto.

Luxury decorative hardware - Hammered brass and matte black oorstoppers

Professional Hardware Selection Services Toronto

For Toronto area homeowners seeking expert guidance on luxury interior hardware selection, Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design provides comprehensive consultation services. From initial design planning to final installation coordination, we ensure every detail reflects your sophisticated taste and functional needs.

Ready to design your home with luxury interior hardware? Contact Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design for comprehensive interior design services Toronto and transform your space with the perfect finishing touches.

About the Author: Barbara Nyke is a Top 25 recognized interior designer in Toronto and Top 30 Interior Design Firm in Ontario, serving discerning clients throughout the GTA since 2004. Specializing in luxury residential interiors and accessible design solutions.

Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design

Designer Barbara Nyke’s philosophy is simple: well-planned interiors with beautifully-appointed finishes will make your heart sing.
We are a full-service interior decorating and interior design studio providing custom creative designs for busy professionals in Toronto, the GTA and Ontario cottage country.

http://www.barbaradesign.ca