A commitment to form, function and material from the London-based design studio

How often do our fingers reach for a handle or swipe at a light switch without consideration for the design or materiality of the hardware we soft often touch? And yet, these details—generally small, and often less attention grabbing that other design elements—have the potential to make all the difference in each room of a home. This is evidenced by the impact of the work of London-based design studio Buster + Punch, who approach every dimmer, toggle, cabinet pull and pendant lamp with a sculptural artistry and care for functionality.

Buster + Punch excels at transforming these commonplace components into spectacular points of design. This underpins the mission of the brand’s founder, architect and industrial designer Massimo Buster Minale. “We used to say that we wanted to simply ‘end ordinary,’” he tells COOL HUNTING. “By that we mean take items that we interact with multiple times throughout the day and instill them with something more dramatic—a moment that stops you in your tracks and makes you appreciate your interiors more on a functional but also physical level because we’re still very much sensory beings.”

Minale’s vision has expanded since the brand’s debut in 2013. Now, the Buster + Punch ethos pairs their early mantra “with the desire to create a destination, a brand that you can turn to and select detailing, lighting, accessories and furniture that elevate your interiors with a seamless finesse. In a few minutes on our site, you can curate the pieces that will elevate and transform your spaces the instant you unbox and fit them.” This encompasses an array of lighting options, as well as sleek cabinet hardware, switches and outlet covers, and door knobs, handles and double-sided pulls. Their pieces are also applicable to every room in a house.

There are two immediate points of differentiation between Buster + Punch and others in this hardware space: geometries and materials. “I’m an architect by trade, and that’s an industry based heavily on ergonomic standards proven to be optimal for our bodies and movements,” Minale explains of their unique shapes. “Buster + Punch collections use a range of precise engineering techniques to refine the solid metal our pieces are made from and enhance function while adding form.”

“Two of our main ‘looks’ feature a knurling wherein the format of the pieces within the collection are driven by the techniques,” he adds. “A cross knurl needs a wider gauge on a door handle or furniture knob to give the necessary purchase to use it effortlessly. Another of our looks, Linear, has a linear knurling, which offers more grip and lets us slim down the profile elegantly without compromising the function.” 

As for the use of premium materials only, Minale says, “We love solid metal as a brand. It’s something I carried through from when I was making custom motorbikes [in addition to his work at Foster & Partners]. When you make something in solid metal it’s imbued with a weight and presence that you don’t get with other materials.” Buster + Punch employs high-grade stainless steel, brass, aluminum and a smoked bronze. “Sometimes we’re using the best metal for a specific application,” he adds, “other times we’ll force the metal into forms and shapes it’s more reluctant to conform to—but that’s part of the fun.” 

Minale cannot emphasize enough that Buster + Punch is a not a “do not sit” brand. The best way to understand the gravity and finesse of their products is to find one of their stockists and feel the pieces for yourself. “It’s then you’ll understand why we’ve devoted ourselves to solid metal architectural detailing and design fittings for a decade,” he says. “Details are everything in an interior full stop.” Not only do we agree with his assessment, we believe that the brand and their ware live up to these words.