The Story Behind Opitome: One-of-a-Kind Luxury Hardware

What are the origins of the brand?

The Opitome brand was founded in 2013 by a team of experienced architectural ironmongers who recognised the lack of flexibility and customisation with regards to hardware, offered to specifiers within the industry. We set out to create a company that could provide unique, tailored solutions for each client’s individual needs, along with unrivalled support.

Opitome’s hardware concierge service sets us apart. This bespoke service helps clients navigate the technical and aesthetic specifications of architectural hardware, ensuring that each project is completed to the highest standard possible. Today, Opitome’s combination of high-quality hardware solutions and exceptional customer service makes us the go-to choice for designers and architects looking for a reliable and trusted partner for their architectural hardware needs.

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

Our extensive portfolio includes door and window fittings, cabinet hardware, and other interior and exterior fittings made from the finest materials such as brass, bronze, leather, and resin. Our products are not only functional but also add an element of luxury and style to any project, enhancing the overall interior design aesthetic.

When it comes to Opitome’s service, firstly our qualified team has extensive knowledge and experience in architectural ironmongery, and work with a wide range of high-end manufacturers in the UK and overseas to provide the finest fittings on a global level. This allows us to provide a wider portfolio of products and solutions to clients, with the ability to tailor bespoke options to meet specific design briefs, timescales, and budgets.

Our team provide exceptional customer support and advice, including a complimentary detailed door and window scheduling service, we will organise samples and swatches, onsite support and provide a centralised procurement service to help clients streamline their supply chain and ensure that all fittings are delivered on time and within budget. We also provide expert advice on the correct specification of locks, latches, hinges, and other associated fittings, helping clients to avoid potential issues and the reassurance that their projects are safe and functional.

Finally, Opitome’s passion for craftsmanship and hand finishing is evident in our products, ensuring that each fitting is of the highest quality and built to last.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

Opitome understands the complex challenges faced by designers and architects in managing multiple suppliers per project, especially when it comes to the technical specification of architectural hardware. Getting it right is not only an investment for the client but also impacts the reputation of the designer. Aesthetics and functionality must be balanced, which can often be a daunting and very time consuming task.

This is where Opitome comes in. We provide the technical assurances and help with time management for designers. We become an extension of the team, working closely with designers to provide the right solutions quickly, whether it is regarding the design, price point or technical aspect. With Opitome, you are in safe hands. Our years of experience and expertise in the industry have earned us a loyal client base. We help elevate interior design projects to new heights with our unparalleled services and solutions.

How do you work with interior designers?

We work closely with interior designers to understand their vision, timescales and budget for a project and provide tailored hardware solutions that complement the design aesthetic while meeting practical requirements such as security and accessibility.

Organising samples can be time consuming, especially when short notice is given, so our support in sourcing and delivering samples and swatches, often hand-delivering them at short notice, is always appreciated by our clients and helps to ensure that projects remain on schedule. Our all-inclusive approach means that we will write the detailed schedules to include all associated products such as locks, latches, hinges and so on. This not only free’s up the time for the design teams but also provides the assurances that everything will be fit for purpose and within budget. Finally, we ensure that the goods receive one final quality check at the Opitome offices, before being packed into labelled door sets and sent to site or the client.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

The company has gone from strength to strength and there are many significant highlights. I’d have to include the successful completion of several high-profile projects, including luxury residential developments in Mayfair, Kensington and the Cotswolds, where our teams consulted and supplied all hardware throughout. Plus a major commercial office building in the Middle East, along with a royal Palace! We hold a really strong mix of specialisms.

Our team is also growing and Natalie Kelly joined us at the end of 2022 as Opitome Client Relationship Manager, with a specific focus on the interior design partners. Natalie comes with much experience within the industry and from a luxury hardware manufacturing background, bringing a different aspect to our team strengths. Her client centric approach ensures we’re continuing to provide the best level of support as our company and teams grow.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

In the last year or so, there has obviously been an increased focus on the use of natural and sustainable materials in luxury architectural hardware design. This has led to an increase in the popularity of quality, more robust materials such as brass, bronze, and leather.

In terms of finishes, we have seen a continued trend towards the use of matte and brushed finishes, as opposed to high-gloss or shiny finishes. This gives a more understated and refined look to the hardware. Antique Brass also continues to be as popular as ever.

Another design trend that has emerged is the use of organic and fluid shapes in architectural hardware design. Rather than the traditional geometric shapes, we are seeing more curves, twists, and asymmetrical designs. Although the classic designs are still extremely popular, particularly in the antique brass and dark bronze finishes.

Finally, there has been an ever growing interest in customisation and personalisation of architectural hardware. Clients are looking for unique and bespoke designs that reflect their personal style and taste, and manufacturers are responding by offering more customisation options.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and trends are likely to continue shifting towards sustainable, natural materials and innovative technologies. Designers who stay ahead of these trends and adapt to changing client needs will be well-positioned for success in the future.

As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, the interior design industry is likely to continue evolving towards a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. This trend has already been seen in the increased use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant-based fibres in interior design. Not only are these materials more sustainable, but they also add a sense of warmth and comfort to spaces.

In addition to sustainable materials, technology and innovation are expected to play a significant role in the future of interior design. Smart homes, for example, are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners using apps and voice control to control their lighting, heating, and security systems. A very interesting time.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We’re thrilled to again be working on some incredible projects this year, and we’re currently busy writing schedules and organising samples for sign off, to ensure everything runs smoothly. We have a range of exciting overseas developments lined up, as well as work across London and the rest of the UK. Our focus remains on maintaining strong relationships with key manufacturers, so we can develop products that truly meet the needs of our clients. We’re always listening to our customers and looking for ways to further improve our service, so we can provide even better support to our partners.

In addition, we’re excited to announce that this year marks Opitome’s 10th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll be collaborating with select partners to develop new and innovative designs. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with architectural hardware, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the years to come. So watch this space!

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Opitome is proud to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, which is a significant achievement and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative hardware solutions for the interior design industry. We are proud to have met the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and customer service required to become a partner.

Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is not only a recognition of our achievements, but it also provides us with a platform to connect with other industry professionals, attend networking events, and participate in prestigious awards programs.

These events are a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and services, collaborate with other experts in the field, and keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

In short, being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is an important part of our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with SBID in the years ahead.

Questions answered by AJ Powell, Founder & Director, Opitome.

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