MODERN MATTER
The Jewelry of the Home
Sculptural hardware handcrafted in solid brass, gemstones, and natural materials
GET TO KNOW LEE & KAT
What began as a jewelry atelier evolved into one of today’s most distinctive luxury hardware brands.
Founded by Lee Lesley and Katherine “Kat” Mulford, Modern Matter was born from a simple but transformative question from a client:
“Can you make these earrings into hardware?”
That moment sparked the evolution of their jewelry practice into a premium decorative hardware company—one that applies the same jeweler’s eye for detail, artisanal craftsmanship, and material sensibility to interiors. Today, Modern Matter is celebrated for handcrafted solid brass hardware accented with semi-precious stones, leather, wood, rattan, acrylic, and other unexpected natural materials.
Collaborating with celebrated designers including Mark D. Sikes, Michelle Nussbaumer, Pierce & Ward, and Sarah Bartholomew, Modern Matter creates hardware collections that blur the line between function and ornament—proving that even the smallest details can transform an interior.
At Rutledge Atelier, we are proud to offer Modern Matter to the trade with preferred designer pricing and concierge-level sourcing support.
HOW IT WORKS
Whether designing a kitchen, bath, furniture piece, or full-home renovation, Rutledge Atelier makes sourcing Modern Matter seamless.
01 | Share Your Project
Send us your drawings, inspiration, cabinetry specifications, or finish direction. Whether you need one perfect pull or a fully coordinated hardware package, we’ll help guide the selection process.
02 | Curated Selection Assistance
From solid brass cabinet pulls and gemstone knobs to bath hardware, brackets, and decorative accents, we help identify the right collections, finishes, and proportions for your project. Customization and designer collaborations are also available.
03 | Trade Pricing Advantage
Through Rutledge Atelier, designers receive preferred trade pricing, helping maximize both beauty and budget while ensuring access to one of the industry’s most sought-after hardware resources.
04 | Concierge Ordering & Coordination
We handle ordering, finish coordination, timelines, and logistics—providing one trusted point of contact throughout the process so you can stay focused on design.