Designing your kitchen is all about details. Every little element contributes to making the space feel cohesive and functional. One of the most underlooked elements is kitchen door handles. Though it may seem like a minute part of the overall design, it can play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your cabinets. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or designing a brand-new one, understanding how to match your kitchen door handles with your cabinet design can elevate the entire space.
Consider the Cabinet Style
The first step in selecting the right kitchen door handles is to assess the style of your cabinets. Cabinet design styles vary greatly, from traditional to modern, rustic to industrial, and each style calls for specific types of handles.
Traditional cabinets are better with knobs or pulls that add some antique detail or the whole old-time feel. Handles from such knobs or pulls seem to work well on kitchen furniture when paired with deep, rich wood tones to add a timeless look of elegance to the entire space.
On the other hand, modern or contemporary cabinets often will favor streamlined, minimalist hardware. A long, straight bar pull, or a simpler, more clean-lined knob, can be a best choice for many, using finishes like brushed nickel and matte black. These handles work nicely with the flush surfaces and geometric profiles more common on modern cabinetry.
Match the Finish
The finish of your cabinet handles should complement the material and finish of the cabinets themselves. Dark wood or high-gloss cabinets may have a beautiful contrast with a polished metal finish. Brushed nickel, chrome, or stainless steel are some common finishes for modern kitchen designs, providing a shiny but subtle look.
When used for cabinets with a more rustic, vintage look – like cabinets made from reclaimed wood, or distressed finishes – oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, or even matte black handles create great contrast while keeping the feeling rustic. Soft finishes of polished brass or satin gold add warmth without overpowering the design in lighter woods or whites.
Size and Proportion Matter
The size and proportion of your brass door handles can really make a big difference in the balanced look of things. A bigger cabinet door or drawer might call for a larger handle to ensure that everything is properly scaled, whereas smaller cabinets look best with more delicate, minimalist hardware.
Cabinets with wide drawers might require long bar pulls or larger knobs because they provide ease of use and balance the larger size. On smaller drawers or cabinets, it is a good idea to use small knobs or petite handles not to overwhelm the design.
It’s important to avoid overwhelming the space with cupboard handles that are too large or too small for the cabinet size. A well-proportioned handle will enhance the visual harmony of the kitchen.
Coordinate with Other Hardware
If your kitchen has other metal elements, including faucets, light fixtures, or appliances, you want to coordinate the finish of your handles with those elements. For instance, if you have a brushed gold faucet or stainless steel appliances, it would be prudent to choose cabinet hardware that complements those finishes. Matching the kitchen door handles to your faucet, stove knobs, or even light fixtures can create a cohesive and harmonious design.
While it doesn’t have to be an exact match, staying in the same family of metals will ensure consistency throughout the space (e.g., brushed, matte, or polished).
Consider the Functionality
While aesthetics are important, don’t forget about functionality when choosing kitchen door handles. The design should not only look good but also be practical for daily use.
For high-traffic areas, you would want handles that are easy to grip and clean, so pull handles with a solid, ergonomic shape or knobs that don’t have intricate designs that collect grease and dirt. If you have young children or elderly family members in the home, you may want to choose handles that are easier to operate, like lever pulls or knobs that don’t require much force.
Mixing and Matching Handles
If you have a combination of cabinets in your kitchen, it’s not necessary to have uniform types of handles. Instead, mixing can create that custom look. For example, you may use longer bar pulls with your lower cabinets and more diminutive knobs on the upper. This creates dynamic, layered visual interest yet maintains cohesiveness within a uniform finish or material.
Final Words
Kitchen door handles can play a significant role in determining the right kitchen design. All this is done through taking into consideration your cabinets’ style, hardware’s size and proportion, finish, and functionality, ensuring you have a great looking yet functional kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations, but always aim for harmony between the handles and the overall design of the space. With the right door handles, you can add that final touch that pulls your entire kitchen together.
