Countertops And Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet drawer handles and door pulls have become the stylish accessory for the home. “I call them jewelry,” said interior decorating consultant Carol Gunn. “They add sparkle. They can be eye-catching.” Drawer handles and door pulls can be found in as many varieties as hardware styles, ranging from oil-rubbed bronze and stainless steel to antique brass, marble, ceramic, chrome, and even blown glass.

Prices for hardware for your kitchen cabinet can vary from as little as a few dollars up to as much as $70 per piece, which can add up quickly when renovating even an average kitchen, which generally requires about 40 handles and pulls. Gunn insists, like with any fashion accessory, that the hardware should complement but not overwhelm the room, and pieces should complement the style of door or blend with the metal finish of the faucet, light fixtures, or appliances. An example would be adding nickel or matte stainless hardware to compliment a stainless fridge and stove. Stainless and brushed nickel are generally the most popular choices because they are sleek and sophisticated, but copper, hammered silver, hand-painted ceramic, and even Swarovski crystal are gaining popularity, according to Catherine Pulcine of CPI Interiors.

New hardware can also revitalize old cabinets, at a fraction of the cost of replacing all of the drawers and cabinets. With so many styles and finishes to choose from, however, selecting a hardware set can be a daunting task. The general consensus is that hardware is purely a matter of taste and personal preference and there are really no wrong choices. So be sure to select a hardware style for your kitchen cabinets that you enjoy.