National Tiles X Castella

Great design lives in the details. At National Tiles, we know that cabinetry hardware isn’t just functional - it’s a finishing touch that elevates a space from ordinary to extraordinary. So, working with Castella feels like a natural extension to our design offering. With over 35 years of history, this Australian family business continues to lead the way in architectural hardware that marries form, function, and timeless design.

We spoke with Castella’s NSW Account Manager and in-house Interior Designer, Rosanne Spagnolo, to uncover the story behind the brand and its unique design philosophy.

Founded in Tasmania more than three decades ago by a father-and-son duo, Castella began by restoring brass hardware for heritage pubs. That commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity still defines the brand today. Now in its third generation, Castella remains proudly Hobart-based, evolving into one of the country’s most respected hardware brands while staying true to its family origins.

Among Castella’s most distinctive offerings is its Hydrowood collection - a single-origin Tasmanian timber product crafted into unique cabinetry handles. “We believe we’re the only company in the world creating handles from Hydrowood,” Rosanne explains. “It’s uniquely Australian, and it perfectly reflects our ethos of innovation grounded in local craftsmanship.”

For Castella, design excellence means balancing functionality with beauty. Hardware is the most touched element in a home, so every product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure longevity. Door levers, for example, are tested over 200,000 times to guarantee reliability. Yet durability never comes at the expense of aesthetics. From solid brass to marine-grade stainless steel, Castella’s finishes are designed to age gracefully, enhancing interiors with character and authenticity over time.

Staying attuned to international design directions is central to Castella’s product evolution. The team regularly attends global fairs such as Milan Design Week, translating emerging trends in materials, textures, and finishes into visions that resonate with Australian homes. Current shifts point toward softer minimalism, organic finishes, and mixed metals. “It doesn’t always have to match perfectly,” Rosanne notes. “Sometimes it’s the layering of textures and tones that creates the most compelling spaces.”

Castella sees hardware as more than a detail - it’s a storytelling element. Whether perfectly coordinating with tapware and tiles or standing out as a bold feature, handles and levers create cohesion and elevate interiors with personality. “Hardware is the jewellery of the home,” Rosanne explains. “It’s accessible luxury - a way to make spaces feel thoughtful and refined without a complete overhaul.”

Collaboration is at the heart of Castella’s philosophy, and the partnership with National Tiles reflects this. Designers and homeowners are increasingly specifying hardware and tiles side by side, seeking unified palettes that bring consistency to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. “When you put the pieces together, it just makes sense,” Rosanne says. “Hardware and tiles both have the power to transform a space, and when curated together, the result is truly elevated.”

Marking its 35th anniversary, Castella recently refreshed its brand and launched a new website, reaffirming its place as a leader in architectural hardware. Yet at its core, the business remains what it has always been: family-driven, design-focused, and deeply committed to helping people create beautiful, enduring spaces.