Ask Sarah: What You Need to Know About New Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware
In our many years of renovating kitchens and bathrooms, Steve and I have found that it is often the smallest design details that are the biggest cause for concern and debate among homeowners...hardware being near the very top of that list.
Sure, it may seem silly now, but when you are presented with hundreds of thousands of options and combinations, you, too, might feel like you are drowning in an endless sea of possibility...which can lead to major decision overwhelm.
Which is why, today, we want to demystify the hardware selection process...answering all of the common questions that we get asked, and hopefully simplifying the selection process for your own home.
But before we dive into the FAQ’s, let’s lay some important groundwork...
The Basics
There are two common types of hardware: knobs and pulls. Knobs are small and typically used on cabinet doors; pulls are long and typically used on drawers. However, you can use knobs on drawers and pulls on cabinets...there really are no rules here.
Also, keep in mind that while cabinet hardware’s primary purpose is function, it also helps define your home’s design style. Your hardware style is dependent on the style of your cabinet doors as well as the overall design style of your home.
Are you starting to see how complicated hardware decision-making can be?
FAQ #1. Can I mix cabinet hardware in my kitchen and bathroom?
Yes! You can certainly mix pulls and knobs, and we encourage it!
That doesn’t mean you should shy away from using one type of hardware on both doors and drawers...because that does provide a clean, polished look. And we opt for this simpler design in some of the projects that we take on, depending on the style of the home and lifestyle of the homeowners.
But varying hardware in either your kitchen or bathroom can add visual interest, when done correctly. In fact, this is what I did in my home...all of my kitchen cabinet doors have knobs and my drawers have pulls...and I adore the final result.
Our only rules:
Choose one pull style (and size) and one knob style (and size), then use knobs (or pulls) on all drawers (or cabinets) or vice versa. Make sure you are consistent with your application.
Select pulls and knobs that complement one another (i.e. don’t mix a contemporary bar pull with a traditional knob).
FAQ #2. How do I choose the right size hardware for my space?
Your home’s overall design style plays a significant role in the size of the hardware you should choose. However, size is more of a factor with pulls than it is with knobs (since with knobs, it is the style, not the size, that factors into the final aesthetic).
If you are opting for pulls in all or part of your kitchen or bathroom, however, here’s what you need to know…
Using what is typically found at the big box stores — a 4” pull — will likely be too small for your doors or drawers. So, you’ll want to opt for larger pulls, which are available in a wide range of styles from many companies that we have access to, as a design-build firm.
Aesthetic-wise, a long pull (~9”+) provides a contemporary look, whereas a mid-length pull (~5”-7”) is more transitional or traditional. You’ll want to keep this in mind when narrowing down your choices to prevent your cabinets and hardware from competing or clashing style-wise.
FAQ #3. How do I select hardware that coordinates with my desired aesthetic?
When we are selecting hardware for a client’s home, we start by assessing the overall look of the space...is it rustic? Contemporary? Traditional? Transitional? Another style altogether?
Once we have settled on both the size, based on the aesthetic (see above), as well as the style category, then it is ultimately up to the homeowner to select what they like.
I often liken hardware decisions to accessorizing an outfit. The same black dress can look very different based on which shoes, jewelry, sweater, etc. you pair with it. It can be dressed up or down, even made to look more traditional or more contemporary. It’s all about how you accessorize.
And honestly, if you are looking to make an aesthetic shift in your kitchen without a full-blown renovation, switching out the hardware can help you do just that (in addition to some lighting and furniture changes, of course).
Hardware is a personal choice...as long as you’ve done your homework with both size and style, choose what you like and enjoy it!
FAQ # 4. Should the hardware finish I select match my faucet or light fixtures?
The short answer? No. However, the finish color should complement the cabinet color and blend with the other finishes in the room.
This doesn’t mean they need to match. They just need to speak to each other. And this rule should apply throughout your home as well...not just in a single room.
For instance, in our new waterfront home in Florida, we selected the same style of hardware for both the kitchen and the bar, but we chose different finishes...the two spaces coordinate beautifully without matching perfectly, creating interest and flow throughout the home.
So, whether you’re opting for the ever-popular chrome and brushed nickel, or venturing into newer finishes, like matte black and soft brass, feel free to vary your finishes, but keep cohesion in mind.
FAQ #5. Are all of my hardware options created equal, or are some better than others?
As with many things, you get what you pay for — good hardware (and proper installation) is an investment. Well applied finishes and solid mounting hardware are essential for heavily-used rooms, like your kitchen and bath.
Our favorite hardware suppliers are Top Knobs and Rejuvenation. Not only are they consistently high-quality, but they will also send you samples, which is a huge help in making a final decision on style, size, and color for your home.
And a few bonus tips for when those samples arrive:
Make sure they feel good in your hand. You’ll be opening and closing your cabinets a few thousand times...so this really does matter!
Avoid sharp edges. You’ll regret any hardware that regularly catches your clothing as you walk past. Take our word for it!
To sum it all up, define your design aesthetic, select a combination of the right size knobs and pulls for your style, make sure the finishes coordinate with one another, select a high-quality supplier, be confident in your hardware decision, and love the space that you helped create! Simple as that.
If you’re looking for a team that can help you through these hardware decisions (and much more), give us a call! We’d love to help you create the kitchen, bathroom, and home of your dreams.
Warmly,
Sarah