When you think of home renovation, your mind likely jumps to the heavy hitters: paint colors, statement lighting, or structural layouts. But ask any interior designer, and they will tell you that the true magic of a space lives in the details. Often overlooked, door hardware is the tactile touchpoint we interact with every single day. It can instantly bridge the gap between ordinary construction and historic character.
Recently, digital creator and DIY expert Paige Sechrist set out to breathe old-world soul into her new-build home. Modeled after classic Charleston architecture, the house possessed beautiful bones but lacked the architectural grit and vintage charm that only time (or exceptionally well-crafted design) can provide.
To transform her entryway, Paige partnered with Nostalgic Warehouse, replacing builder-grade fixtures with the stunning Meadows Entry Set featuring the Egg & Dart knob in unlacquered brass. We sat down with Paige to discuss the transformative power of quality hardware, her curation philosophy, and how she infused high-end traditional style into a modern build.
Architectural Hardware: The Ultimate Transformation
For Paige, the decision to upgrade her front door hardware was an immediate game-changer. "I was searching for timeless charm for my front doors, and when I saw the hardware from Nostalgic Warehouse, my jaw literally dropped," Paige recalls. "I never thought I would be so obsessed with doorknobs, but hardware really is the jewelry of the home! They added so much beauty and old-world charm to our entrance."
New construction often relies on standard, lightweight fixtures that can leave an entryway feeling flat. By introducing the Meadows Entry Set, the front doors immediately took on a grander, more intentional presence. The secret lies not just in the visual elegance of the doorknob’s timeless Egg & Dart detailing, but in the physical experience of the product itself.
"Aside from historic buildings I’ve been in, particularly in Europe, I’ve never felt hardware that was so substantial and heavy in your hand," says Paige. "My old doorknobs felt so light; I could never go back after installing these solid brass knobs. You don’t realize how much of a difference quality hardware can make until you feel it."
Designing a Home with Intention and Character
Paige’s style has naturally evolved over the years, leaning heavily into traditional design rooted in nostalgia. Growing up, her mother taught her the art of thoughtful home curation, a lesson Paige has carried into the first home she shares with her husband. Rather than buying into fleeting, hyper-modern design cycles, she focuses on building a space that feels collected, storied, and deeply personal.
"I love that people are leaning back into a more traditional and vintage style," Paige notes. "I personally love decorating with real family heirlooms and antiques I’ve collected. It just feels so much more interesting than decorating solely with modern items."
Her go-to secret for achieving that coveted, high-low designer mix? Patience and a keen eye for second-hand treasures. "I always check the thrift store and Facebook Marketplace. Spaces that are curated over time are just more interesting. I love going around my home and telling people the stories behind our pieces, especially if it was a gem I found on the side of the road!"
Balancing Form, Function, and the Meaning of Home
While aesthetics drive her creative choices, Paige is fiercely practical about how her home operates. The entrance to a home needs to withstand daily wear, weather, and heavy use. This is why unlacquered brass is such a brilliant choice for an exterior door. It offers unparalleled durability while developing a rich, living patina over time that beautifully mimics authentic antique hardware.
"I love decorating for aesthetics, but I also need my home to work for us," she says. "I always figure out what purpose the space needs to serve first, and then design around it to make it as beautiful as possible." Ultimately, this project embodies what home means to Paige: a peaceful sanctuary that reflects the people living inside it, rather than a sterile showroom.
Paige's Advice for Starting Your Own Design Journey
From her early pandemic days sharing sewing and upcycling tutorials to now managing full-scale home DIY projects, Paige has mastered the art of learning on the go. For homeowners standing at the starting line of a renovation, her simple advice is to just start. "Start small and don’t doubt yourself! Instead of overthinking it, go buy a gallon of paint or the supplies for a project. Rooms can be repainted, and holes in the walls can be filled. You won’t learn until you try."
And when you run into a technical roadblock? Lean on the design community. "With the magic of social media, it’s possible to learn how to do anything. Follow people who have a broader skill set than you, embrace the tutorials online, and keep learning."
Bring the Look Home
Ready to elevate your own entryway with the weight, warmth, and vintage character of solid brass? Explore the Nostalgic Warehouse Meadows Collection to find the perfect statement piece for your home.
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