Hardware is an amazing way to play up the kitchen’s specific style. There are
many hardware designs available on the market, so you will not need to compromise the overall style at
all—you can choose from materials such as brass, pewter, wrought iron, ceramic,
bronze, chrome, nickel, glass, steel, plastic, rubber, wood, or stone. The
amount of hardware shapes and designs available is overwhelming, so first you should at
least have a general idea of what you are looking for. You will notice that some
are more geometrical or abstract and bold, some have elegant and simple, others
are whimsical and themed—such as designs with teapots, flowers, grapes, fruits,
or many others. After finding that perfect design, you should think about what
kind of finish would reflect your kitchen’s personality the best—choose from
highly polished, matte-finished, smooth, or hammered pieces.
You also have to take into the account that hardware is a functional detail. It
is important too make sure that whatever knob or pull is not awkward or slippery
to grab (especially if you know that whatever in that drawer is usually taken
out in haste or in emergencies). If you believe that a knob fits the design the
best or you just prefer the look of a knob as opposed to a pull, make sure that
you try it out in the showroom prior to purchasing it. If you suffer from
arthritic in your hands, then knobs would not be the best solution for you—you
should try C- or U- shaped pulls. If you are looking for rather inexpensive
knobs, or want to paint them to reveal your artic talents then you could think
about buying unfinished knobs.
Another great solution that is provided through changing your kitchen hardware
is to spice up old cabinets. You do not have to give special treatment to new
cabinets only, changing the hardware on your old cabinets will make them look
like new or will suggest a change in style. Different styles of knobs reflect
very different styles and periods. You will be able to find knobs from Victorian
to Postmodern.
Even if you choose not to re-do all of your kitchen hardware, by even changing a
couple of them, you will be making a bold statement. If you cannot decide on one
particular knob or pull, you can match several designs together—it is a great
way to bring not only play up, punch up the style, but bring in a bit of your
own personality so the kitchen will always feel as if it is your own.
