Cabinet Hardware: the Jewelry of the Kitchen

Fashion magazines often discuss taking an outfit “from day to night” by swapping an outfit’s shoes and jewelry. Our design team often refers to cabinet hardware – the pulls and knobs adorning each door and drawer – as the “jewelry” of the kitchen. While cabinetry hardware isn’t so easily swapped out, the style of the hardware can make a space feel drastically different. Small though they may be, cabinet hardware is an accent to your space, and it can be as dramatic or as subtle as you want!

Often one of the most difficult choices for our clients can be not over cabinetry style or finish, but what hardware to use! It’s a small detail, and one not often thought of in the initial vision of a space. But while it’s typically one of the last design choices made in a project, it’s also one that can have a big impact.

Our Bella Domicile showroom has hundreds of hardware styles on display so we can show you exactly what it will look like on your style of cabinetry. Here’s a quick primer on some of the most current trends in hardware from our vendors.

Brass

Brass, is back in a big way – especially with a brushed (i.e. not shiny) finish. Gold tones are everywhere right now and this is especially true in cabinet hardware. Consider the rest of your space if you choose this bold, elegant finish; matching your faucet and/or lighting finishes to the hardware can make a space feel coordinated and have a big impact.

See: These pulls. These knobs. These cup pulls.

Black

Bold neutrals, such as deep blacks and stark whites, are a very modern look. White cabinetry paired with bold, black, hardware makes a statement in a simple way. It can also work in a lot of design styles, from farmhouse to contemporary.

See: These knobs. These bar pulls. These pulls.

Mixed Metals

Mixing metals used to be a big no-no in the design world. (Well, besides the shiny chrome and brass faucets from the 1980s, but that’s a whole other story.) Mixing metals is actually a great way to add texture and depth to a space. And it’s not just about the cabinet hardware: consider the finishes of appliances, faucets, and lighting as well. Texture is just as important as color when mixing metals. Polished chrome and brass might be a bit much (see: those faucets from the ‘80’s), but combining polished brass with brushed black is a sleek look. Another note when mixing metals: this look typically works best when you use one finish as the main color and another as an accent.

See: These matte black and chrome pulls. Or combine these knobs and pulls with this faucet.

Shapes and Textures

Simple hardware in distinct shapes is a modern and functional look. Simple knobs in squares or octagons are bolder than their round counterparts. Textured finishes are great for adding depth to a space, too. Try a textured knob against a smooth-painted cabinet for added visual interest.

See: These knobs. These knobs. These cup pulls.

Sleek and Hidden

For the most subtle and contemporary look of all, try cabinet pulls that are integrated with the cabinetry. These typically run along the top of the door or drawer frame and create sleek lines in the space.

See: These edge pulls. These tab pulls. These edge pulls.

For more hardware inspiration, check out the websites of our vendors:

Want to change out the hardware in your own space? Or have a much larger home renovation project? Contact Bella Domicile to meet with one of our talented designers today! Call (608) 271-8241 or fill out an appointment request form here.