The global pandemic has changed how we all view our homes. Whether it be having to adjust some rooms for working from home, home schooling, or generally make it more comfortable for you and the family, there’s no doubt many homeowners have considered renovation or redecorating works over the last year.
With more time spent within our homes, there’s no wonder that there has been a surge of interest in budget friendly upgrades. One area of the home that can easily be given a facelift is the kitchen. While it would be fantastic to upgrade the whole kitchen, sometimes this is completely over the budget available.
A simple yet effective kitchen upgrade is changing the cabinet and drawer hardware. Today we’re going to explain how to get the right pull! With many different styles and finishes available it can be difficult to know where to even start. Today we hope to take the mystery out of updating your kitchen hardware and explain some of the key considerations before taking the plunge.
Are you ready to take a closer look?
Benefits of Changing Cabinet Hardware
There are a number of benefits associated with changing cabinet and drawer hardware.
Firstly, this is much more cost effective than a complete kitchen renovation or buying new cabinets, and the design of your kitchen may not warrant a full renovation. Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint to the walls, cabinets and new hardware can give the whole room a new lease of life for a fraction of the cost.
Another advantage to changing your cabinet and drawer hardware is that it can bring a dated kitchen style back up to date without the heavy costs associated with new cabinets. Chances are that the cabinets you do have are in great working condition and don’t warrant new ones.
As changing cabinet and drawer hardware is relatively low in cost, it means you can update or change them more often depending on your changing personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Type
The key to updating your kitchen hardware is of course choosing the right type that will work with the overall design of your kitchen. The type of hardware makes a huge visual impact so getting this right is extremely important.
First you need to decide whether having all pull handles or all knobs are suitable, or a combination of both. Generally speaking it is easier to open cabinets with a knob and drawers with a pull handle, however it is better for you to visualize how you see yourself opening these cabinets and drawers as to what will feel better for you and your lifestyle.
Knobs have smaller profiles so are therefore less expensive than pull handles. They can also be used for both cabinets and drawers. Knobs are easier to install as they only require one screw.
Pull handles are larger and make more of a visual statement than knobs. These handles are also easier to grip. Due to their linear design they suit larger cabinets and drawers.
Choosing the Right Style
The next key to choosing the right cabinet and drawer hardware is getting the style right. The style of your hardware should be complementary to the overall kitchen design.
For modern cabinetry, hardware with linear and minimal profiles work best. Minimal knobs or smooth and sleek handles will look fabulous!
Typically for more traditional interiors you should explore hardware options that feature ridges or curved silhouettes. Textured finishes may also work well here.
Choosing the Right Finish
Last, is choosing the right finish for your new hardware. There are a few options as to what you can match these to or how much contrast you would like to create within the space. Metals are made to be mixed so it’s important not to shy away from the idea of mixing your hardware with other metal finishes in your interior.
For a subtle matching, take the metal finish from feature lighting (vanity wall lights, island pendants etc.) and consider that for your hardware. You can even draw from the faucet or appliance finishes used for clues as to which metals will work for the hardware. This will create a visually cohesive space.
Alternatively, you can make the hardware do all the talking in the space by having it contrast the other metal finishes in the room.
Hardware finishes like brass or bronze will work best within rooms that have other warm tones and finishes used in the kitchen design. Whereas chrome and nickel will generally work better within cooler spaces.
Aspects to Consider Before Taking the Plunge
The most important aspect to consider when changing any cabinet or drawer hardware is ensuring the size of the new ones match the existing holes from the current ones. If you’re completely changing the hardware then be aware that you may need to spend time filling in holes and making them good. It is always worth double and triple checking your measurements!
We hope we provided you with some helpful tips! Are you currently looking at upgrading your cabinet and drawer hardware? We’d love to hear all about your mini kitchen upgrade. Email us at hello@lilykitchenandbath.com and if you need more help than to change your hardware, we can help you with all your renovation needs.
