First, let’s clarify when builders refer to “Hardware” they are talking about handles for cupboards and doors. There is such a variety of styles and materials used in the manufacture of hardware it’s good to begin the journey with the end in mind. Choosing hardware for your home requires some thought to ensure you maintain the aesthetic of your home.
Modern Kitchens
One option in a modern kitchen is having soft close cabinets and avoid having hardware completely. This would maintain sleek lines or allow a fully integrated cabinet or pantry option. Just remember when choosing your cabinetry finish that fingerprints may show! Alternately, you may choose hardware with a slim line design to create a sleek silhouette.
The finish of your hardware will be personalised to your home. If you like a bold look, you could use black hardware against white cabinetry or brass against dark green cabinets. If your aesthetic is a more neutral you could use stainless steel handles against your white cabinetry. There are no right or wrong in personal design, you can mix and match styles are you choose. In custom designed homes you are the one who decides what you like and how you incorporate elements into your home.
Classic Kitchens
If your look is more classic you would choose metal or timber hardware. There has been a trend to mix and match metal hardware. Holding your hardware against your cabinetry will enable you to see what the finish looks like. You will also want to check the styling against your backsplash and/or tile choices to ensure your hardware, indeed any fixtures, match well. There is always an option to combine use of soft closed cabinetry with some with handles depending on your need. All the design elements of your kitchen should work together to build the overall aesthetic you desire in your home.
Something a little different in a classic kitchen could be adding leather strap handles or handmade blacksmith hardware. Finding a craftsman to achieve your dreams can be challenge so consider carefully the time and finances required to achieve an alternate option. If in doubt, our design team can assist you making the right choice to ensure your investment lasts a lifetime. That said, hardware is an element of design you can swap out if you want a change. Just remember it can be fiddly, time consuming and is an added expense.
Continuing Your Aesthetic
Your kitchen hardware can help you pull “the look” of your home together. As you move to your laundry and bathroom cabinetry you can continue the same design or choose an alternative that suits that particular room design.
Your hardware can also help guide your choice of fixtures and fittings throughout the home. Taps, lighting, fans, etc can all blend or become features depending on your home aesthetic and personal styling choices. It’s important to ensure no matter what look you choose everything functions according to your needs, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
TIP: Before finalising your hardware try the handles to check how your hand fits to ensure they work well for you and members of your family. This is especially important if someone has health or mobility issues that impact their hands.
