How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Hardware and Handles
Updating your kitchen doesn’t always require a full renovation. Sometimes, simply changing the hardware—such as handles, knobs, or pulls—can completely transform the space. However, selecting the right hardware requires careful thought. Here’s a guide to help you choose the ideal options for your kitchen.
1. Start with a Plan – Measure and Visualise
Before you start shopping for hardware, it’s important to have a clear plan for how everything will fit and function. Take into account the sizes of handles or knobs, the spacing of pulls, and the hole sizes required for installation.
2. Function and Quality – Ensure Comfort and Durability
While hardware plays a major role in design, it also needs to be functional. Your kitchen handles will be used regularly, so it’s important to choose durable pieces that are comfortable for everyone to use, including those with mobility issues.
3. Matching the Aesthetic – Style Your Kitchen with the Right Hardware
The overall style of your kitchen will help guide your hardware choice. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional, contemporary, or transitional look, your hardware should complement the rest of your design.
Classic Elegance: For traditional kitchens, opt for detailed handles like drop pulls or cup handles that pair well with intricate cabinetry.
Sleek and Simple: In a contemporary kitchen, go for clean, minimalistic designs with bar pulls or rounded barrel pulls.
Blending Styles: A transitional kitchen might benefit from combining modern cabinetry with subtle decorative hardware for a balanced, timeless look.
4. Choosing the Right Finish – Harmonise with Your Design
Once you’ve selected a style, the next step is to choose the right finish. Traditional handles may come in finishes like brass or black, while modern designs might feature polished chrome or stainless steel.When choosing a finish, consider the other elements in your kitchen. For example, black handles pair well with light-coloured cabinets, while chrome complements modern finishes, and brushed stainless steel works beautifully with contemporary appliances.
5. Get the Dimensions Right – Size Matters
Handles come in a variety of sizes, and selecting the right one is essential for achieving a cohesive, polished look. To maintain consistency, it’s often best to use the same size of handles across the kitchen. If you’re unsure, consult with a designer or supplier to select the correct size for your cabinet dimensions. A well-chosen handle should be proportionate and balanced, ensuring it doesn’t look too long or too short.
6. Strategic Placement – Positioning is Everything
Where you place your handles is just as important as choosing the right size and style. Correct placement ensures functionality while adding to the overall flow of the space. Typically, handles are installed horizontally on drawers and vertically on cabinet doors.Experiment with the placement before installation, especially if you want a sleek, modern look. Avoid placing handles too close together, as this can interfere with cabinet doors and drawers.
Bonus Tip: Handle-Free Options for a Modern Look
If you’re after a super contemporary and minimalist feel, you might want to skip handles altogether. Recessed lip pulls allow for opening cabinets without visible handles, providing a clean, sleek look. However, be mindful of dust accumulation in the recessed areas. A push-to-open system is a simple and practical solution to eliminate handles without compromising functionality.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right kitchen hardware and handles is an excellent way to enhance both the look and functionality of your space. By following these expert tips—planning ahead, ensuring comfort and durability, matching the aesthetic, selecting the right size and finish, and experimenting with handle-free designs—you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful, practical space. Enjoy the process and embrace the change!
Haus Residential Pty Ltd. guides you through all these choices when you turn to us for custom joinery services. We Design, Build, and Install Custom Joinery and Cabinetry, Guiding You Through Choices with Confidence and Ensuring Top-Quality Solutions.