EXPERT ADVICE ALWAYS ON HAND Home accessories specialists KNOBS ‘n KNOCKERS have seen a huge change in popular styles over the years but one thing never changes - the need for expert advice. Pakuranga store’s sales consultant Carolyn Hilton is an architectural draftsperson and has been helping clients make often challenging choices for the past 23 years. Grafton Road branch’s sales consultant Sandy Pearson has for the past seven years used her life-long passion for interior design to help her clients make that right decision. The New Zealand-based company has more than 60,000 stock items, mostly from Italy, France, England and Spain. They import only the best from China, and have an increasing range of custom-made bronze-cast fittings from New Zealand’s top manufacturers. The door handle is the most important fitting in the house, says TV’s Grand Designs presenter Kevin McLeod, and Carolyn agrees. “We are a destination store, and service is key to our success,” she says. “The chosen door fittings must look good and feel good.” The staff are all fully trained and able to help clients consider the technical as well as aesthetic features of these important home accessories. “Style and colour are the most challenging decisions, with price usually the third factor”, Carolyn says. Detailing needs to be in keeping with the home’s interior design, whether an ultra modern look, country style or classic decor. Customers range from top end home owners to first home owners, all those wanting something with style and quality. They may also involve a commercial building, exclusive high rise developments, refurbishments and new offices. Representatives will do site visits to help home owners make the right choice. Brittany Gribben of Auckland City branch and Sandra Wilkinson, based at the Christchurch showroom, work with many home owners to ensure their chosen accessories blend perfectly with their homes. The range of finishes include timber, brass, ceramic, brushed nickel, satin or polished chrome, stainless steel, leather and now beautiful crystal. Choices for an existing home may be governed by holes in the door and door frames but for new homes the ‘sky’s the limit’. Architecturally-designed homes also present some interesting challenges, especially with some of their stunning front doors, bi-folds and fold-away glass frontages to houses.
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
Pakuranga sales consulation Carolyn Hilton loves the range of new crystal handles KNOBS ‘n KNOCKERS also have an extensive wrought iron balustrade range imported from Europe’s largest manufacturer. These modular balustrades enable clients to choose a design for their stairs, as well as their decks, gates and fences - hand painted or waxed to suit their own personal choice. Other brassware features include weathervanes, cabinet handles and knobs, house numbers, letterbox plates and slots, and doorplates and door knockers. Also available from KNOBS ‘n KNOCKERS • window hardware for timber frames • bathroom accessories • doorbells, chimes and security fittings
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PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2013
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