Posted: Monday, September 6, 2010 10:19 pm

When I was a child, running in circles and playing hide-and-go-seek, I was fascinated by the door knobs in my grandparent’s home.  I suppose this was an omen of the interior fixture fanatic I was later destined to become.

At the time, the door knobs intrigued me because they weren't like the typical shiny brass knobs that filled my own house. Instead, clear glass engraved knobs accompanied every door in their 1940s home.

What were even more intriguing were the key holes in each knob. I was told that skeleton keys were the only way to open these locks, but if you had one key, it could open any interior door in the house.

Obviously homes just aren't built with the charm and detail they once were. It's typical to see brass or cheap gold fixtures throughout new constructions. If you're lucky, you may get nickel-coated knobs.

Thankfully, there is someone sitting at a design desk somewhere who also remembers the romantic door knobs in their grandparent's homes. These designers are recapturing the essence of hand-crafted design. 

In addition to door knobs, you can find cabinet and drawer knobs in designs like hand-painted flowers, bubble glass, and assortments of vibrant colors.  I love this pictured Green bubble glass knob available at anthropologie.com which would look lovely on vanity drawers.

While it’s not cheap to refurnish you whole home at once with individualistic knobs, it is an investment to work toward and then cherish. Decorative knobs can be found everywhere from Lowe's to high-end boutiques.  This pictured knob from Lowes is only $11.99 and made to look like crystal. 

Hobby Lobby also has a good variety of door hardware.  Anthropologie in the Hill Center in Green Hills has an extensive collection of drawer and door knobs; though plan to splurge on these creative pieces.  

Before buying new knobs, be sure they will fit correctly first. Apparently, door knobs aren't one-size-fits-all. I was short of devastated when I got home with my hand-blown pink glass bubble knob only to find it wouldn’t screw on correctly.

There is no rhyme or reason to door knobs. Don't fill every room with the same one. Variety is available, so take advantage and mix it up from room to room.

How many of your friends have pink crystallized glass knobs on their French doors? Most likely not many, if any at all! What about an Enter/Exit porcelain knob on the bathroom door (pictured from Anthropologie.com)?  Be one of the first to have a conversation piece that will add the detail to your room that today's homes unfortunately simply lack.

Email Amy at amyroberts@brentwoodhomepage.com.