It's All In The Details

When remodeling a home or updating a home for resale, contractors, designers and real estate agents will all tell you that the success of the project rests on the details.

According to Steven DeShields, vice president of Smith & DeShields, “Because homes have gained so much in appreciation, many owners are deciding to upgrade their home interiors with new products rather than sell them. The new and improved products offered today were not available ten years ago. They can give any home a much-needed facelift.”

Smith & DeShields has been helping homeowners and contractors build and remodel their homes for 50 years.  The company was formed by Clyde E. DeShields and Aris J. Smith in Boca Raton in 1957, and has been family-owned and operated throughout its entire history.  Since then, the company has opened branches in Jupiter and Naples, Florida, and this year a member of the third generation of the DeShields family will be joining the company.

A remodel doesn’t necessarily mean changing out an entire kitchen or bath. Replacing a few key components, such as counter tops, cabinets and hardware can really make a big difference and increase the value of a home.

“In addition to crown moulding, door and other architectural accents,” says DeShields, “one of the key, and often overlooked, elements essential to any remodel project is hardware. New hardware in the kitchen, bath or doors is where the details become apparent. When you replace worn, outdated hardware with updated decorative selections in the kitchen, bath or on doors, the details instantly become apparent. They instantly revitalize tired cabinets or doors. In addition, today’s hardware and door pulls are now manufactured and designed to meet the new building codes and incorporate multi-point components, meaning that they latch at both the top and bottom.”

Among Smith & DeShields extensive inventory of hardware and draw pulls is our popular line from First Impressions International, Inc. They specialize in standard and custom door hardware, including refrigerator pulls, front door pulls, sliding glass door pulls, peephole ornaments, decorative push and kick plates and shower door hardware. Many First Impressions pulls also work beautifully as refrigerator and appliance pulls and can be finished to match any cabinet pulls or knobs.  

Front door pulls are available in forty unique styles, with designs to complement any décor and can be mounted on the surface of the door, back- to-back or through the door. Sliding glass door pulls are available in three bar designs, rope, reed and smooth, and are made in over 25 finishes to match the rest of your home or hardware.  In addition, there are unique, decorative finials, including urns, balls, pineapples, acorns and rings, that can be added to the top and bottom of the pulls for further personalization.

Shower doors can be easily updated with new pulls, as well. The new "Le Glace Collection" of acrylic pulls offers themed pulls that come in a variety of shapes, colors and finishes. A few of the themes available are yachts and boating, sports, architecture, Art Deco, cars, initials, professions and animals.

“We encourage everyone to visit the Naples showroom,” says DeShields. “Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing residence, we realize that our customers want a wide selection of products to choose from and that their choices reflect their personal tastes.”

Whether your needs are residential or commercial or if you’re looking for impact-resistant doors, new drawer pulls, crown moulding and other architectural accents, the experienced sales team at Smith & DeShields will help you make the right selection. Each has their own strengths and each has experience working with architects, designers and homeowners.

“Our sales associates are among the best in the industry,” says DeShields. “They know their products and are eager to help our client select those that fit their specifications perfectly. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, we will help you explore the various options available to help you make an informed decision and to get those all important details right.”

After all, the success of a good design is all in the details.

By Helena Wellesley

Smith & DeShields, Inc.
2360 Trade Center Way
Naples FL 34109
Phone: 239 591-2224
www.smithanddeshields.com