Baldwin Hardware is taking customization to a new level with their new Mixed Metal finish options. From vintage brass to polished chrome, the latest offering allows for 10 unique combinations that showcase two designer finishes on one piece of hardware.
Samantha Deacon, brand manager at Baldwin, joins us this week to discuss how the collection came to be.
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start developing the mixed metals collection?
Samantha Deacon: We first started looking at ways to expand our mixed metals collection about a year ago. But things really started to move in the last three and a half months, after a few of our go-to designers came to us with a clear ask: they wanted even more distinctive, customizable combinations. That kind of direct feedback lit a spark, and we’ve been deep in development mode ever since — exploring new finishes, playing with pairings and pushing the line in some exciting new directions.
RPS: What was the initial inspiration, and how did the collection evolve?
SD: Mixed metals have been part of Baldwin’s design story for a while now — we’ve always believed there’s something special about the contrast that happens when two different finishes come together. As the desire for more creative, personalized spaces has grown, expanding the collection was a natural next step. The real game-changer came when we introduced custom combinations, giving both designers and homeowners the freedom to craft pieces that reflect their unique aesthetic. It’s not just about hardware anymore — it’s about telling a design story that feels intentional, expressive and entirely their own.
RPS: Describe the overall creative and design process.
SD: Our design process is a true collaboration from start to finish. Simon Kang, a Pratt Institute-trained designer, brings a sharp sense for emerging trends and what’s next in design. He partners with Tim Burdett, who brings over 15 years of experience in the luxury home space, grounding those fresh ideas in Baldwin’s timeless aesthetic. Early concepts are shared with small groups of designers and showroom partners to get honest feedback and real-world perspective. From there, each piece goes through careful refinement, prototyping and quality checks — ensuring it not only looks great, but lives up to Baldwin’s exacting standards.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
SD: Yes, our focus was on homeowners and interior designers who value luxury, individuality and thoughtful design. The theme centered around offering elevated customization — options that allow each client to personalize and punch up their spaces with confidence. Every home has its own color story, and each project presents unique needs. By enabling custom combinations within a single piece, we aimed to support our audience in creating distinctive, one-of-a-kind statements that align seamlessly with their overall design narrative.
RPS: What methods, tools and materials did you use to develop and prototype this design?
SD: At Baldwin, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern tools to develop and prototype our designs. Starting with CAD modeling, we map out each concept and use rapid prototyping to test different finish combinations in real-world conditions. Solid brass is our core material — it offers the strength and versatility needed for our signature layered metal finishes. With full production and machining capabilities at our Nogales, Mexico facility, we’re able to produce production-quality prototypes quickly, giving us the ability to work with real materials and finishes to ensure every design meets our standards for both beauty and durability.
RPS: Did you use any new techniques or technologies to conceptualize or create this product?
SD: Absolutely — we brought in several new techniques and technologies to bring this product to life. We used advanced finishing methods and faster prototyping processes to speed things up without cutting corners on quality. New finish layering techniques let us mix metals in fresh ways that still meet Baldwin’s standards for durability and luxury. On the backend, we also revamped our ordering systems to make it easier and quicker to place custom mixed-metal orders, giving designers more flexibility while keeping things running smoothly.
RPS: Were there any challenges that influenced or changed the final design?
SD: One of the biggest challenges that shaped the final design came straight from our designer community. While Baldwin’s M01–M10 standard mixed metal finishes gave us a solid starting point, the feedback was loud and clear: they wanted more — more variety, more unexpected pairings and more room for creative expression. Designers pushed us to go beyond our original plan and explore bold combinations like Polished and Satin Brass side-by-side or the dramatic contrast of Graphite and Black. That challenge completely shifted our thinking. What started as a focused offering quickly grew into a fully custom program that now spans a much wider range of product types than we ever anticipated — and delivers a more dynamic, eye-catching lineup of mixed metal finishes.
RPS: Describe Baldwin’s overall DNA and ethos.
SD: At Baldwin, everything starts with a deep respect for craftsmanship, design and quality that lasts. We work with solid brass, shaping each piece with precision and finishing it with a careful eye for detail — because we believe real luxury is built from the inside out. Our roots are grounded in tradition, but we’re always looking ahead, evolving to meet the needs of today’s designers and homeowners. It’s this blend of heritage and innovation that drives us to create pieces that feel timeless, authentic and built to be appreciated for years to come.
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