Part 2: Bargain hunting

We're still working on the remodernization of our 1964 house after the previous owners "traditionalized" it with curves and curlicues, mostly in oil rubbed bronze. They changed out every fixture, pull, handle and hinge...and now we're changing them back. To keep it from breaking the bank, we've been shopping for bargains.

I shared some great finds in my previous post. Here are a few more the you might enjoy.

• Ceiling fan for sunroom

Harbor Breeze Mazon fan, $118. Lowe's

• Cabinet pulls

Orrnas knob, $3.99/2-pack, Ikea

Orrnas 13" pulls, $12.99/2-pack, Ikea

• Light fixtures

Galaxy vanity strip, $155.80, Lowe's

Kichler vanity strip, $79, Lowe's

For you bargain hunters out there

Do you need a nice, modern light fixture or ceiling fan that doesn't cost a fortune? Or towel rings and door handles that don't break the bank?

When we moved into our new house, we knew we were going to have to replace every single light fixture, cabinet pull, towel ring, door handle and hinge. The former owners were two sisters partnering in the house-flipping business, and they had filled our 1964 ranch with all things ornate. To be fair, what they did appeals to a broad segment of homebuyers...just not to modernists. 

We knew that ripping it all out and starting over would be expensive unless we shopped carefully, so I began creating my usual Pinterest pages, just as I did when getting ready to build the little Modernist Nest. Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that I'm never happier than when I'm planning a decorating project and hunting for great prices, and with this one, the smiles just keep coming. 

Here are a few things we've used in the ongoing restoration of our house from curlicued oil rubbed bronze back to modern.

• Ceiling fans

Minka Aire Roto, $160, Lightology

Casa Vieja Viridian, $199.95, Lamps Plus 

• Flush mount lights (modern and unobtrusive for hall, over sink, laundry room)

Access Lighting 11", $25.77, Amazon

Back in April we had chosen a different style and had even installed one of them, but after living with it for a while, we decided it was too large, and exchanged them for these.

• Pendant lighting

Feiss Beso pendant, $111, Lamps Plus

• Bath accessories

Hollywood towel ring, $7.47, UnhingeHardware
(Matching toilet tissue holder available)

(Disclaimer: I had to ask UnhingeHardware for a partial refund, because their website has a glitch and doesn't give sale discounts, but they were very prompt to accommodate, as well as very courteous.)

• Door handles

Schlage Latitude handle, $28.63, HandleSets

• Bathroom fixtures

Godmorgon sink/cabinet, $299, Ikea

Moen Method faucet, $150.65, Lowe's

These are just a few of the things we've installed since we moved in March, and the work continues. I'll share more bargains with you in my next post.

Anthropologie pulls and knobs

Who knew that Anthropologie had such a large selection of hardware? You probably did, because most of you are a lot younger and a lot hipper than I am, but I was gobsmacked when I saw how many knobs and pulls they carry. Most come in several colors and are very reasonably priced. Here are a few of my favorites that I think would look fabulous on modern furniture.

Antler Melody

Callisto

Marcio

Streamline

Barrigan Gleam

Glinted Prism

Heavenly hardware

Sometimes a couple of coats of paint and a change of cabinet hardware can give a kitchen or bathroom a whole new look, but if you're like me, you've had a hellacious time finding hardware that works well in mid-century or modernist homes. Well, hallelujah! There are a couple of companies that have hardware just for us.

The Moderns is the mid-century line manufactured by Atlas Homewares, and it offers all the classic styles, including concave round and square knobs, and the classic Paul McCobb style cone knob.

The Moderns by Atlas Homewares
thehardwarehut.com

I also like the Atlas line they call Sleek. It is just that, with no ornamentation or curliques. Sleek is all about streamlined functionality. They also made a similarly unadorned line in pure gloss white.

Sleek by Atlas Homewares
thehardwarehut.com

Though the Atlas Modernist collection may not be for everyone, it reminds me of mid-century cufflinks, and I think it has a distinct googie feel.

Modernist by Atlas Homewares
thehardwarehut.com

Atlas also makes a couple of door knockers that I think are great. One (which I happen to have in brushed nickel on my own front door) is described by Atlas as Mission style, but I think it works well for modern doors as well. The other is called the Avalon, which was inspired by Streamline Moderne, an architectural style that emerged from the great transatlantic steam liners and architectural styles of the 1930s. Still, I think its simple lines would look great on a modern ranch. All the pulls above, plus the two door knockers below, can be purchased at Hardware Hut.

Mission by Atlas Homewares
thehardwarehut.com

Avalon by Atlas Homewares
thehardwarehut.com

Another company, Hume Modern, has designer-specific hardware, as well as other parts for furniture. Take a look at these Paul McCobb styles. The company also has 

McCobb Delineator pull
humemodern.com

McCobb dresser pulls
humemodern.com

McCobb ring pull
humemodern.com

McCobb Connoisseur pulls
humemodern.com

McCobb jewelry box pulls
humemodern.com

Hume Modern also carries George Nelson Thin Edge pulls and legs.

Nelson Thin Edge pulls and legs
humemodern.com