Selecting the Right Kitchen Hardware
A good quote I recently read was this, “A project is not complete until you have selected the right hardware that strikes a personal balance between form and function. These final touches will pull the whole project together and are fantastic for giving it flair, also it reflects your personality.” stated Jonathan Pilly, Co-Owner at Push Pull Decorative Hardware in North Bethesda, Maryland.
Food for thought:
A good quote I recently read was this, “A project is not complete until you have selected the right hardware that strikes a personal balance between form and function. These final touches will pull the whole project together and are fantastic for giving it flair, also it reflects your personality.” stated Jonathan Pilly, Co-Owner at Push Pull Decorative Hardware in North Bethesda, Maryland.
You don’t have to be defined by style. Hardware is an accessory to the kitchen. Mixing styles allows you to put your signature on the kitchen. When making design choices it is often helpful to see choices and get inspired. Here at Kitchen Cabinet Worx we have several brands and samples of hardware to choose from. That way you can touch examples of what you may want. Going ornate or simple all depends on how dressed up you want your kitchen. Hardware is not only about the aesthetics, but also about the way it feels in your hand. These are the work horse of the kitchen.
You should also consider the color of the kitchen cabinets. White and painted cabinets, you will find, almost any finish you choose will work. Darker cabinets or certain shades of brown are not so versatile. There are so many finishes to choose from. Gold, bronze, chrome, copper, brass, nickel and so much more. You can also consider using something a bit more nontraditional such as glass or ceramic knobs.
Ultimately, there is no single thing in kitchen renovations that packs as much punch as cabinet hardware. Overall, the result really depends on what the homeowner likes, as that is the most important thing.
A common question is, how do I know what color or finish will look good with my cabinets. Hardware on white cabinets steals the show. It is a great opportunity to go bold. If you have warm tones in your kitchen, go with gold, black or bronze. If you have cold gray cabinets, silvers, pewters, black and stainless work. Take note of the lighting, appliances and other metal accents in the room and stick with the same tone. Should you always try to match the décor of the room? Not necessarily. It is about coordinating rather than matching.
When making your choice be aware of the appliances and fixtures in the kitchen. Look at the finishes on the appliances, light fixtures, sink and faucet. Mixing metal finishes is trendy right now in kitchen design, however, try not to overdo it. The cohesiveness of your kitchen will be affected if the colors clash. It will take away from the beauty of your new cabinets because it is distracting.
Don’t overlook quality. Kitchen hardware sees a lot of traffic. You want the hardware to be sturdy, strong and easy to hold on to. Don’t put so much importance on look and forget about quality.
Another thing to consider is the importance of proportion. Large, overwhelming hardware in comparison to small, dainty hardware can overwhelm the eye. Something to consider is that large pulls and knobs with large overhang or profiles can easily get caught on clothing. Aesthetically, if the design of the hardware overshadows the kitchen then it is too big.
Also, hardware needs easily gripped. People with larger hands need to be taken in consideration. Pulls that tend to have a short profile may not be functional or practical.
A question a lot of people ask about is when you should consider knobs and pulls. A pulling knob is common with a traditional kitchen and country kitchens. With many cabinets, knobs may be a better option than pulls. To know the difference, usually when the cabinets are ornate, one should go with a knob rather than a pull. A smaller and more simple type of knob will not take the attention away from the cabinets. On the flip side, with basic or simpler style cabinets there are more options as far as dressing up the hardware more. One has a lot more freedom to dress it up.
The best thing you can do in the planning and choosing phase is to make a detailed list about everything you have and what you will need. We also recommend that after you make your list, you keep a copy with you so you will have it readily available. The list should include, but is not limited to:
• Color of current cabinets
• Material of cabinets
• Number of upper doors that will need hardware
• Number of lower doors that with need hardware
• Special notes about what you need and what you want
Another thing to consider more than the look are things such as: anti-microbial properties, rust factor, durability and resale value. Metals such as silver are known for their germ fighting properties and others like stainless steel tends to be a popular choice as it holds up well to high use environments. Nickel tends to become dull. Something with a metal core can rust or flake, possibly. Especially for resale purposes popular finishes are satin nickel, bronze and chrome.
Ultimately, there is no single thing in kitchen renovation that packs as much punch as cabinet hardware. It is all about personal preference.