Kseniya Ovchinnikova/
When selecting cabinet hardware or opting for trendy items without considering size, quality, or harmony, the overall space can be disrupted. The scale and finish are key factors: Larger cabinets require more robust hardware, and the finish should complement rather than clash with other elements. Invest in high-quality, tactile pieces made from classic materials, and don’t hesitate to mix knobs and pulls to create a more personalized, curated look.
Cabinet hardware can either elevate or undermine the aesthetic of your kitchen. It can either provide a polished final touch to your cabinetry or make the space feel off-kilter. That’s why, despite its relatively small scale, designers hold hardware in the same regard as larger elements like countertops and backsplashes. Here, they reveal the most common error people make with cabinet hardware—and how to sidestep it.
Have you given much thought to the cabinet hardware in your home? If your response is “not much,” you might be guilty of what designers identify as the biggest mistake when selecting hardware: treating it as an afterthought.
“Many homeowners choose it too late in the design process or settle for whatever is currently trending, without considering the proportion, finish durability, or its compatibility with the cabinetry style,” explains Rebekah Murphy, co-founder of Murphy & Moore Design. “This usually leads to hardware that appears undersized, feels awkward to use, or conflicts with the overall design.”
Keep in mind that while cabinet hardware isn’t the centerpiece, it still plays a crucial part in unifying any space. “Treat hardware selection as you would the jewelry for an outfit: It should enhance the design, not detract from it,” advises Katherine Moore, also a co-founder of Murphy & Moore Design.
Peter Larson for Murphy & Moore Design
Prepared to begin making your choices? Continue reading for a comprehensive list of expert hardware tips from designers.
Not every hardware option works for every cabinet and drawer in a room. “Larger doors and drawers typically require more substantial pulls or knobs to achieve balance,” Moore points out. Designer Travis London concurs. “I always create a mock-up and test the proportions on the actual door before deciding, as the wrong scale can cheapen even the most custom cabinetry,” he adds.
Choose hardware that suits the space without being distracting. “Select something that complements your faucets, lighting, or architectural details, rather than vying with them,” Moore advises. However, Cate Gutter, founder of CWG Design, cautions against playing it too safe. “Homeowners often default to the most basic knob or pull, hoping it will blend in, but in reality, it just makes the space feel dull,” she cautions.
Now is not the time to skimp on quality. “Marrying a stunning kitchen with subpar hardware is akin to wearing flip-flops with a cocktail dress—it’s practical, but it ruins the entire look,” states Cynthia Malhotra, co-owner of Art & Forge. “Treat hardware as an investment by choosing quality, timeless materials like solid brass and bronze.” According to Malhotra, it’s an expense worth making, as it’s a part of your kitchen that you’ll live with every day.
Don’t assume that every piece of hardware in a space needs to match. “Mixing finishes or styles can actually create a more nuanced, custom appearance,” Gutter notes, adding that it’s entirely acceptable to use both knobs and pulls in a single room. “Choose combinations that complement each other in tone or shape, rather than forcing everything to match.”
Designers suggest testing your top picks before making a final decision. “Hardware is the one design element you actually touch and interact with daily,” Malhotra explains. “Drawer pulls and cabinet knobs are used frequently, so you’ll always notice their quality, weight, and finish.”
