The Duet collection is an architectural hardware collection created by Lo & Co in collaboration with Melbourne-based SMAC Studio. The range includes cabinet pulls, knobs and levers that combine brushed brass with polished nickel, applying two contrasting metal finishes across a unified series of hardware. Drawing inspiration from fine jewellery, the collection uses elongated forms, balanced proportions and varied surface textures to create visual depth through light and reflection.
The collection was informed by observations of mixed-metal interiors during Milan Design Week and developed through early concepts by SMAC Studio founder Shona McElroy before being refined by Lo & Co. Brushed brass and polished nickel were selected to produce contrasting finishes without allowing either material to dominate the design. Subtle detailing marks the junction between the two metals across each piece, reinforcing the collection's jewellery-inspired aesthetic.
Image Credit: Lo & Co, Liam West, Lightly Salted
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Mixed-metal Hardware
- Contrasting finishes in unified hardware collections create opportunities for premium home accents that bridge interior design, fashion cues and architectural detailing.
- Jewelry-inspired Interiors
- Fine jewelry aesthetics are influencing functional fixtures, opening space for tactile, reflective and sculptural products that elevate everyday surfaces.
- Material-contrast Minimalism
- Balanced pairings of warm and cool metals reflect demand for subtle visual depth, supporting differentiated design systems without excessive ornamentation.
Where This Applies
- Architectural Hardware
- Cabinet pulls, knobs and levers are becoming expressive design elements, creating potential for hardware brands to compete through finish innovation and collectible forms.
- Interior Design
- Mixed-metal palettes give designers more flexible ways to coordinate spaces, encouraging layered material strategies across kitchens, bathrooms and built-in furniture.
- Luxury Home Goods
- Jewelry-like detailing in residential products signals a premiumization pathway where functional objects gain emotional value through craftsmanship and refined material combinations.
