Kitchen cabinet hardware has two major criteria to meet. It needs to continue the room’s aesthetic and complement the cabinets, and it must also be comfortable and convenient to use from day to day.
The kitchen cabinets selected along with their material and style are important to take into account when choosing hardware. And the other materials and finishes in the room are important, too. Easy use is also crucial in such a hardworking space.
We asked kitchen design experts to tell us about their cabinet hardware ideas to provide inspiration along with some knowhow on what to consider for your room.
10 kitchen cabinet hardware ideas
Changing hardware is one way to update kitchen cabinets without painting and, of course, hardware is one of the essential choices to make when remodeling a kitchen. Worth consideration, too, is whether to use handles or knobs on kitchen cabinets.
Below are the options the experts took when they picked cabinet hardware along with their reasons.
1. Mix your metals
The finish of hardware demands careful selection. ‘Sometimes we like to use our cabinet hardware selections as “jewelry” to give a kitchen more personal character for any particular client,’ explains Mark Williams of Williams Papadopoulos Design. ‘But in this kitchen (above) there were other personality pieces with strong character, so we designed relatively simple hardware with a carefully calculated finish combination.
‘In this case, the simplicity of the hardware is its success because it doesn’t distract your eye from the other important focal points. But this kitchen’s appliance and equipment package included a combination of both cool and warm metal tones, so we used the metal finish selections in the cabinet hardware and kitchen lighting to continue that story, and make those decisions look and feel very deliberate.’
2.Try out clear hardware
Cabinet hardware can combine materials that both contribute to the overall effect of the design.
‘For this millwork, we chose a translucent pull that would accent the color of the wood cabinets, while the nickel on the hardware added a pop of shine to the flat panel door,’ explains Gale Sitomer, founder of Gale Sitomer Designs.
The result is sleek and modern. It doesn't interrupt the cabinetry in the same way a solid metal handle would, but it gives more detail than going totally handleless.
3. Keep it classic
Shaker kitchens are enduringly popular because of their simple, elegant design. As for hardware? ‘For a classic Shaker style cabinet, we like to keep the profile of the hardware classic,’ says Gale Sitomer. ‘However, the rustic finish on this pull makes it very durable/user friendly, and the black color pops off the white cabinets.’
Going for sleeker cabinet hardware with a more traditional Shaker kitchen bring the look into 2024. It gives a more transitional style to the space, which ensures the kitchen can adapt and tastes and trends change.
4. Bring a warm with bronze kitchen cabinet hardware
Consider how the hardware will complement the cabinet color. ‘In this updated traditional kitchen, we went with an earthy and slightly antiqued bronze to accentuate the richness of the green kitchen,’ says Gaia Guidi Filippi, owner of Gaia G Interiors. ‘Bronze has a way of communicating a timeless warmth which can really complement a more traditional setting.
‘The pulls have this subtle yet distinctive detailing, with delicate little balls at their ends, which we thought added a bit of whimsy and character to the otherwise straightforward design. It really helped establish a cohesive visual language throughout this small kitchen. Similarly, the ball-shaped knobs on the uppers have a flared pedestal bottom that has a really vintage vibe.’
5. Choose different hardware on a kitchen island
The hardware on a kitchen island doesn’t have to be the same as that in the remainder of the kitchen. There are two sizes of cognac leather tab pulls on this version, which is stained in a rich forest green, in this kitchen design from Tami Ramsay of CLOTH & KIND.
‘We loved how the leather pulls, with their brass studs, played with the texture of the green island and leant an organic nod,’ she says.
6.Create a very subtle contrast
The perimeter of this kitchen design by Tami Ramsay features cabinets in a different color from the island and two styles of brass pulls.
‘All the cabinets were made with quarter-sawn oak planks and we then stained the perimeter a chalky greige,’ she says. ‘We liked how the contemporary and lean brass edge pulls receded on the range wall whilst we played up the beefier brass pulls on the bank of cabinets that housed the workhorses of the kitchen: the pantry, appliance garage, the Sub-Zero refrigerator and beverage drawers.’
7. Choose hardware with character
Consider how hardware will look over the lifespan of the kitchen when selecting. ‘In hardware, I tend to prefer something unexpected yet textured, while remaining intuitive to use,’ says designer Alice Moszczynski. 'Crafted in patinaed brass, these pieces age gracefully, adding a delightful detail to admire.’
8. Consider proportions
Think kitchen size when choosing hardware for cabinets. Jennifer Miller of Jennifer Miller Studio explains: ‘This hardware is a hand-forged smaller scale knob that fits the small cream kitchen which is tucked away at this vacation property in Montecito.
‘It is a simple mushroom knob with a flared base rounded handle in a burnished brass finish with eased edges that is soft to the touch. The hardware was chosen to connect with the laid-back, comfortable feel with an undertone of timeless elegance.’
9. Pick glossy finishes to lift dark cabinetry
If cabinets are in a darker finish – like in a blue kitchen – hardware that provides a gentle gleam can be a great choice.
‘This home has a mix of modern lines in a traditional setting,’ says Jennifer Miller. ‘We wanted something different for a pull rather than a typical round knob. We found this cab pull that comes in two pieces – a block base and a variety of sizes of bars to choose from.
‘We did a 2-inch bar for the knobs at the cabinets and an 8-inch bar for the drawers. The antiqued brass hardware has a nice living finish where it has become darker over time with touches of brass highlights peaking though that are a lovely accent to the soft blue/gray cabinets.’
10. Think tactile
Kitchen hardware is frequently touched, so focus on the experience of using it. Oak, as seen in this room, is warm, and it adds attractive detail as well.
‘Kitchens can derive a distinct texture and storytelling from the use of unorthodox materials,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Color is important in blending hardware with cabinetry,’ he continues. ‘The kitchen cabinets’ color scheme should either match or create meaningful contrasts as seen here.
‘Shape and size are more than mere functional requirements,’ Artem continues. ‘They need to have something in common with the general outlook of the kitchen. This can be slim elongated handles that evoke minimalism at best, and ornate knobs can suggest a classic character.’
FAQs
What is the latest trend in kitchen cabinet hardware?
Current kitchen cabinet hardware trends see textural finishes come to the fore. Rather than going for hardware that is sleek, look out for handles with appealing tactile detail to adopt this style. As for materials, a range are on trend, including many different metals and metal finishes, but also wood, and other more unusual material choices such as leather. Note that when metals are used, one current direction is to mix the metal finishes in a kitchen rather than use a single finish throughout.
Choosing your kitchen cabinet hardware is like adding jewelry to an outfit, it's a seemingly small touch that makes all the difference. They are also very easy elements to switch out, so the perfect way to change the look and feel of your kitchen without having to do a total overhaul. Lots of brands offer samples now too. so you can order a few and see how different styles, colors, and finishes look with your cabinetry.
