Does something feel off about your kitchen scheme? If the answer is yes, it's worth checking if one of these dated kitchen hardware trends is bringing down the look of your kitchen. Your hardware might be a small detail in your space, but it has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your designs.
While recent kitchen trends have favored more timeless designs, this hasn't always been the case. Particularly when it comes to kitchen hardware ideas, some popular styles over the years very quickly fell out of favor, and for good reason. From style and design to finish and scale, there's lots to consider when choosing the right kitchen hardware, and knowing which kitchen trends to avoid.
To find out if your hardware is the route of your problems, we've asked interior designers and kitchen experts which dated kitchen hardware trends could be disrupting your design scheme, and what to replace them with.
5 dated kitchen hardware trends to avoid
Designing a kitchen is about creating a space you love that reflects your tastes, but some features are worth avoiding. According to interior designers, these hardware trends and styles will make your space feel dated – with a few suggestions on alternative ideas.
1. Cup handles
In some cases, a hardware style can feel right in some schemes, and outdated in others. It's all about choosing the right pairings, and in some kitchen designs, cup handles can leave you space feeling in need of an update.
'Hardware for kitchen cabinetry is a super important design consideration and can make or break the final look of a kitchen. Handles should never be too fussy or large which can be overbearing on the sleek design. Cup handles used to be the go-to handle for a shaker kitchen, however these can look outdated. Cup handles do not always work well in a design, especially when used in a vertical orientation,' says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens.
'T-bars look far more on-trend and modern. When cup handles are used, the finish is key to ensuring they look good. Warm aged brass does work well, but the cup handle should be used in conjunction with a knob for the base and wall cupboards and more practical bar handles for tall cabinets,' she adds.
2. Ultra-modern designs
This year's trends are embracing more characterful interiors, in both traditional and contemporary schemes, and the hardware is no exception. Choosing something too sleek and modern can make your space feel outdated and lacking personality, so opt for something with more interest.
'Selecting the right hardware for your kitchen cabinetry shows that you have paid attention to all of the details. The perfect hardware shows that you care about more than the utilitarian function of the space. Great hardware is a bit like jewelry, you can have fun with it and elevate the whole room,' says Mollie Ranize, founder and principal designer at Dmar Interiors.
'There is a time and place for most designs, but in general, I think hyper-modern, overly straight-lined hardware appears very dated. Currently, it's nice to add a bit of detail and charm through thoughtfully shaped hardware. You can still select modern hardware, but having a bit of fun with scale, finish, texture or shape is a must,' she adds.
3. Using only one hardware size
Gone are the days when one size handle or knob is used on every drawer and cabinet. Scale is so important in interior design, especially when it comes to your kitchen cabinet hardware.
'Small, elegant cabinet knobs may look lost on wide drawer fronts, and long, chunky appliance pulls can be considered overpowering in smaller spaces, so the size of your hardware should also be considered,' says Paul Clifford, managing director at Croft.
Take a kitchen, for example, that has drawers, standard-size cabinets, and large cupboards for pantry storage. Using a small knob on every single door will not only look a bit odd, but it's really not practical, either. Instead, match the size of your hardware to the size of the door or draw its opening.
4. Industrial-style hardware
In a similar grain to the very sleek, modern designs that give your kitchen a dated look, dark industrial-style kitchen hardware is also out, and can make your scheme feel as though it needs a big old update.
'Overly industrial hardware is on its way out and instantly dates a kitchen. Around ten years ago, it was one of the go-to choices, especially cup pull handles as it was different and added an edgy flair to kitchens but not anymore,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
'If you want a dark metal alternative or cup handle, other options provide a more modern take. We’ve seen additional texture and ribbed designs offered that add in further trends that stop these types of handles from dating the kitchen,' he adds. Opt for a textural design, or embrace a more timeless style like a brushed chrome or antique brass.
5. Statement styles that jar with your kitchen aesthetic
Over the years, we've seen kitchen hardware in bright colors and playful designs. And while, for a time, people liked to add an eclectic mix of patterned knobs and handles, it can look out of place and slightly messy if your kitchen aesthetic doesn't match the vibe.
'In today’s world, hardware comes in many different shapes, sizes, and finishes so considering the style of your hardware, whether it would suit a modern kitchen, or a traditional farmhouse kitchen, can make a huge difference to how your overall design ties together seamlessly,' says Paul.
Instead, lean into styles that are textured and tactile as a way to bring interest to your space. 'Opting for quality when choosing frequently touched items is key to longevity, so choose cabinet pulls and handles with an interesting pattern and design for a luxurious finish with a difference,' he adds.
The key to ensuring this more playful design style still feels chic, opt for a consistent finish, even if you mix the shapes of your hardware. 'A warm finish, such as dark bronze or satin brass can warm up cooler-colored cabinets and work beautifully with wood, whereas customers with an ultra-modern kitchen design may be more inclined to choose a black finish. Using the same finish throughout your kitchen hardware will ensure a harmonious flow, elevating the entire design scheme.'
Small but impactful, it's important to choose the right hardware to ensure your kitchen feels elevated – and avoiding these dated trends is a great place to start.
