When planning a kitchen remodel, there are many choices and details that you have to decide on, from island placement to lighting, and even the perfect color for your custom kitchen cabinets. While many of these kitchen design decisions are at the top of most homeowners' minds, there is one thing to keep in mind —kitchen design is all about fine details like cabinet hardware. At Kiba Studios, we understand the important role that the right cabinet hardware plays in your everyday life. So whether you are building a new kitchen, remodeling your old kitchen, or simply making little upgrades to your existing kitchen, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the perfect cabinet hardware for your kitchen design.
Types Of Cabinet Hardware
The first decision you need to make when finding the perfect hardware for your custom kitchen cabinets is the type of hardware. Many homeowners choose either knobs or pulls, but some also use a combination of the two. While there is no set kitchen design rule for cabinet hardware types, it is generally easier to open a cabinet door with a knob and a drawer with a pull. Knobs are the perfect choice if you are looking for a lower-profile kitchen design, but pulls make more of a statement due to their size and tend to be easier to grip.
Select A Style
After you have selected a hardware type, you will want to think about the style you are looking to create with your kitchen remodel. If you are going for a heritage style, try to select hardware with ridges, curved silhouettes, and textured detailing. If you are looking to create a more modern kitchen design, choose hardware that has clean lines and edges with a sleek, minimal profile that is smooth to the touch.
Choose A Finish
An important element of your kitchen remodel is the finish of your hardware. Choosing the right finish color to complement your custom kitchen cabinets is critical to creating the optimal design and feel of the space. You want a finish that complements as well as adds contrast. Take into account your appliances, faucet finish, and lighting. Brass hardware gives off a warm, vintage feel, while cool tones with darker hardware give off a more contemporary, modern feel. You can also mix and match metals to create the perfect complementary cabinetry for your kitchen design.
Determine A Size
Lastly, you will want to select the right size of knobs and pulls. You don’t want something so small that it is not functional, but you also do not want something too large that it takes away from the rest of the kitchen design. While there is not an exact science behind determining your cabinetry hardware size, we highly recommend a pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width and for smaller drawers, a three or four-inch pull or one-inch knob is ideal.
At Kiba Studios, we believe your kitchen remodel should be a reflection of your personality. As the heart of your home, your kitchen is a place of comfort as well as inspiration. We hope this mini how-to guide provided you with some assistance during your kitchen remodeling journey. If you need more inspiration for your dream kitchen, use our kitchen design planner or meet us in a studio! We would be happy to help!