New cabinets, a fresh coat of paint, and shiny new appliances are all ways to transform your kitchen and make it a space you’ll love spending time in—but these upgrades can be time-consuming or expensive. So what’s a quick, inexpensive way to change the look of a room you probably spend hours in every week? Replace your kitchen cabinet hardware! But not just any old hardware—we’ve started seeing some of our favorite designers incorporating bold knobs and pulls into kitchens, and we’re totally sold.
“Hardware is one of the easiest ways to upgrade a kitchen,” explain LA-based Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn House of Rolison. “It’s the jewelry of the house. We love choosing knobs and pulls that have a sculptural or textured feel, so even minimal furniture feels personalized.” Want some inspiration? We have it! Find out how even simple replacements can upgrade your cabinets.
Mix scale and designs
Why not get a little fancy and mix and match your hardware, like in this kitchen from House of Rolison? “Our favorite brands are Emtek, Lo & Co and Plank Hardware,” say Leigh and Hahn. “They all strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and accessible.” We tend to mix finishes and scales for added rhythm – combining smaller knobs with elongated handles or pairing aged brass with moody wood tones.”
Use recessed handles
Image by Joao Canziani, design by Arterberry Cooke
A cool way to make the “hardware” statement is to leave out the hardware altogether. That means built-in handles! “Integrated handles ensure that modern kitchens appear elegant and deliberately furnished,” says Barrett Cooke from Arterberry Cooke. “For this kitchen, we used a combination of recessed round handles and push-latch hardware to create a modern and elegant look.” Cool!
Go plus size
Photo by Crotty Photo, design by KLH Homes
“We have never shied away from bold knobs in a kitchen,” says Liz Hoekzema from KLH houses. “They instantly add a personal feel to a space. Our studio loves to surprise with size, material choices and interesting hardware placements to delight the eye in a primarily functional space,” she explains.
“Case in point: white oak donut-like knobs ordered from a manufacturer in Slovenia and stained to match the custom cabinets, installed as separate halves on pairs of doors and formed into circles together on the drawers and single doors, deceiving the eye and creating more impact.” Obsessed!
Try unpainted metals
Photo by Nils Timm, design by House of Rolison
“We like pieces that develop character over time,” say Leigh and Hahn. “Unpainted metals with patina or fittings with a tactile, handmade feel. A good piece of fittings not only works – it invites you to touch it, gives soul and connects the entire range.” We also love this mix of trendy wave handles and marble knobs. Neutral, but interestingly done!
Make a subtle change
Photo by Lam Photography, design by Camden Grace Interiors
If going big with your hardware isn’t your style, start with a Switch that’s a little more traditional. “If you want to incorporate statement hardware into your kitchen cabinets, try incorporating some latch-style pieces alongside more traditional handles and knobs,” says Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors. “The latch detail adds character and charm, making even the simplest piece of furniture feel special.”
