Utilitarian? Yes, it’s true. But think of cabinet hardware as the jewelry that can take you from builder-basic to runway-ready.
Whether it’s with knobs, pulls, or handles, you need to have some way to access your cabinets. If you are in the process of a complete redesign or planning a budget-friendly refresh, the cabinet hardware you choose requires some thought.
When cabinets are relatively new, chances are the hardware is probably fairly modern and you can change out a few pieces to customize your space. Not unlike putting on a statement ring. But for older cabinets or a complete redo, there are many choices, and expect to make a sizeable investment.
What’s New in the World of Hardware
New Finishes and the Right Mix:
Oil-rubbed bronze and silver finishes are timeless choices, with silver being a go-to for the most requested and safe. But safe isn’t your style or when looking to step out of the box, check out these newcomers.
Flat Black Fnishes in Cabinet Hardware
Although dark finishes on kitchen hardware aren’t new, the rich darkness and strength of matte black is having an impact on cabinetry. From minimal designs to modern farmhouses we are seeing matte black hardware, plumbing fixtures, and big beefy exhaust hoods.
Gold and Copper Finishes
Gold-toned finishes are the new modern version of the predecessor brass finish. To be distinguished by the “brassy” reddish hue of the 80s. Refined and softer, and looking simply stunning against light and dark cabinetry. Add a bit of glitz in your light fixtures and your kitchen is sure to dazzle with a distinctive formal touch.
Copper is also seeing a bit of a heyday. Perhaps not as much as gold, but it has a distinctively sophisticated but less formal feel and really shines in the farmhouse settings. Especially when paired with the new black composite sinks and two-toned faucets.
To ‘ware or Not:
Minimalist style has pushed hardware out of the kitchen and trends toward the appreciation of the beauty of the cabinet face. Sleek, unbroken, beautifully finished surfaces with custom cutout “pull” in the door and drawer designs. Beautiful as it may be, certainly not a choice for the well-worn kitchen. Hardware serves a purpose other than looking fabulous; it protects cabinet surfaces from scratches, grime, and general damage.
But don’t worry if you want to dip your toe in kitchen minimalism. Try this on for size: pulls that match the color of the cabinets. Save on your nails and get that unbroken line of color with an extra layer of depth.