This month, get to know one of our decorative hardware consultants who has been helping customers' houses become homes at Modern Hardware. Meet Jenn Houghtaling.
What inspired you to become a decorative hardware consultant?
Short answer: Life. Long answer: DIY is in my blood, so are design and creativity. Plus, my paid roles have always been customer service oriented. Consequently, my diverse personal skills and career experience led me to find job fulfillment as a Decorative Hardware Consultant.
What are some of the latest trends in decorative hardware that you've noticed?
I am excited to see the use of warm wood, organic greens, and aged finishes in kitchens and baths. Soft earthy green or natural wood cabinetry paired with unlacquered brass or aged bronze hardware bring the beauty and peace of nature into our homes.
How do you approach working with clients to select the perfect hardware for their project?
Every client has unique needs for their project. Whether it’s finding a replacement pull for a family heirloom or choosing hardware for a new build, I endeavor to aid everyone find the best solutions for their project. My approach is friendly and knowledgeable. I want everyone to walk away pleased with their selections and I do everything within my power to make that happen.
What do you enjoy most about working as a decorative hardware consultant?
Solving problems. Which is the same thing that I have loved in each of my career roles. Someone comes in with a problem that needs solving. Whether that is matching a unique knob or selecting pulls for a new kitchen, I help find the solution. A satisfied customer makes my day.
What's your favorite type of decorative hardware to work with and why?
Cabinet hardware. Our vendors produce a plethora of beautiful, stylish options to open cabinet drawers and doors. The sizeable variety of forms and styles, finishes and textures allow our clients to personalize and refine the mood of their spaces.
What's the most unique piece of decorative hardware you've ever seen or worked with?
Rocky Mountain Hardware brought their Road Show to us last summer. Seeing examples of their custom bronze door hardware was awe inspiring. I think the most unique piece was a sculptural Humpback Whale that was commissioned as a door pull. It’s a museum worthy piece of art!
When you're not working with decorative hardware, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Gardening is my zen. I mostly grow plant species native to Michigan, specifically plants that used to grow in my Grand Rapids neighborhood. By creating habitat for native bees, other insects, small mammals, and birds, I feed my soul. And the ecosystem. Plus it gets me out and engaged with my human neighbors, too.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Compassionate. You never know what another person is going through. A smile, a complement, an acknowledgement that something IS hard…each helps to make people feel less alone.
This month, get to know one of our decorative hardware consultants who has been helping customers' houses become homes at Modern Hardware. Meet Jenn Houghtaling.
What inspired you to become a decorative hardware consultant?
Short answer: Life. Long answer: DIY is in my blood, so are design and creativity. Plus, my paid roles have always been customer service oriented. Consequently, my diverse personal skills and career experience led me to find job fulfillment as a Decorative Hardware Consultant.
What are some of the latest trends in decorative hardware that you've noticed?
I am excited to see the use of warm wood, organic greens, and aged finishes in kitchens and baths. Soft earthy green or natural wood cabinetry paired with unlacquered brass or aged bronze hardware bring the beauty and peace of nature into our homes.
How do you approach working with clients to select the perfect hardware for their project?
Every client has unique needs for their project. Whether it’s finding a replacement pull for a family heirloom or choosing hardware for a new build, I endeavor to aid everyone find the best solutions for their project. My approach is friendly and knowledgeable. I want everyone to walk away pleased with their selections and I do everything within my power to make that happen.
What do you enjoy most about working as a decorative hardware consultant?
Solving problems. Which is the same thing that I have loved in each of my career roles. Someone comes in with a problem that needs solving. Whether that is matching a unique knob or selecting pulls for a new kitchen, I help find the solution. A satisfied customer makes my day.
What's your favorite type of decorative hardware to work with and why?
Cabinet hardware. Our vendors produce a plethora of beautiful, stylish options to open cabinet drawers and doors. The sizeable variety of forms and styles, finishes and textures allow our clients to personalize and refine the mood of their spaces.
What's the most unique piece of decorative hardware you've ever seen or worked with?
Rocky Mountain Hardware brought their Road Show to us last summer. Seeing examples of their custom bronze door hardware was awe inspiring. I think the most unique piece was a sculptural Humpback Whale that was commissioned as a door pull. It’s a museum worthy piece of art!
When you're not working with decorative hardware, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Gardening is my zen. I mostly grow plant species native to Michigan, specifically plants that used to grow in my Grand Rapids neighborhood. By creating habitat for native bees, other insects, small mammals, and birds, I feed my soul. And the ecosystem. Plus it gets me out and engaged with my human neighbors, too.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Compassionate. You never know what another person is going through. A smile, a complement, an acknowledgement that something IS hard…each helps to make people feel less alone.