When it comes to remodelling your kitchen or designing a new one, its easy to get caught up in selecting the cabinetries, countertop and flooring. But it's the details that in fact, can lay a huge role in the way your kitchen looks. You know what they say, it is the details, the final ones that can make or break the final result. And when talking about kitchen cabinetry, it is the decorative hardware that can break or make its look. They can come in different shapes, material, colours and sizes, so understanding them can help you make the right choice.
Types of Kitchen Hardware
Knobs and Pull handles
Knobs and cabinet pull handles are the two types of hardware used for kitchen cabinets. The ones you choose can mainly depend on your personal style and taste, but also on your kitchen style. When in doubt about what to choose, you can always try them out and see which one fits and feels better. In order to create visual interest, interior designers recommend mixing knobs and handles. For instance, you can choose to install pull handles on the drawers and knobs on the doors, or vice versa. All you need to do is to make sure the style and finish of both knobs and handles are the same.
When looking for a simpler and more streamlined look, you can always opt for one of the many minimalist and simple yet extremely appealing cabinet pull handle options. Except by the look, the thing that makes a cabinet pull handle differently than the knob is in the installation. While knobs require only one screw for its installation, pull handles are in need of two screws which looks more secure. Regardless of your choice, before drilling, it is best to mark the place with a pencil as there would be no room for mistakes.
Choosing the Right Size
Just like with everything else, both the handles and knobs can come in different sizes in order to meet different needs. Kitchen cabinets and drawers can come in a variety of sizes, so it is more than understandable that a small handle would go better if installed on a smaller cabinet door or drawer. In other words, considering the proportion, function, balance and aesthetics when deciding on the size is paramount in order to make the right choice. Just like smaller cabinet doors or drawers need only one handle or knob, larger door or cabinets might be in need of two handles or knobs. The good old rule says that the pull handles should be about 1/3 of the length of the cabinet drawer. However, this is not a strict rule that should be followed as nowadays, you can choose from a vast of larger handles.
When it comes to their positioning, pull handles should be positioned vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers. However, the thing that matters the most is to install them on the most functional way for you. In the end, it is you that will use them on a daily basis and not somebody else.
Styles and Finishes
Traditional Style
Traditional style kitchens usually are all about the details, mouldings and embellishments. In order to keep up with the style, it is recommended for you to choose decorative ornate handles in order to keep up with the style. Drop handles are among the most commonly used style of handles, however, the simpler versions of handles can also find a place in a kitchen like this.
Contemporary
Unlike traditional style, contemporary kitchens have sleeker lines. They are more minimalist looking and have simpler colours. So, it goes without saying that you should also choose simpler and more streamlined kitchen hardware. Besides this, you can also take a look at the wide range of steel handles, curved barrel handles and those with straight lines.
Eclectic
If what you want is to show off your personality, then you should certainly take a look at some of the many eclectic handles. Seashell, polka dot knobs and rainbow knobs are some of the many types you can choose for your kitchen cabinetry and drawers.
Transitional
The transitional style kitchens give you the opportunity to blend those elements that are both modern and traditional. These kitchens give you the opportunity to combine both knobs and handles made of steel or some similar material.
Once you choose the hardware, you can proceed to choose the right finish. You can choose between polished, tarnished, brushed, burnished, satin, oil-rubbed, antique or matte. For instance, brass knobs and handles will look great in traditional kitchens while stainless steel handles and knobs would be the perfect match in contemporary kitchens. The black knobs and handles with matte finish would go great on a different style of lightly coloured cabinets. Regardless of the knob/handle style, make sure the chosen finish will complement the overall kitchen décor.