The cabinet hardware finish should coordinate with the cabinet color. White cabinets look great with just about any hardware finish, but light- and dark-colored cabinets should be paired with hardware finishes that make the pulls—and hinges if they're visible—pop.
Cabinet hardware works best when the finish adds contrast to the room. What color are your cabinets? What about your appliances, faucet, and lighting? In general, warmer toned spaces with brass cabinetry have a vintage feel to them, while cooler tones with darker cabinet hardware lean more contemporary.
Does cabinet hardware have to match your faucet? No. But, traditionally kitchens and bathrooms will match hardware finishes to the faucet to tie the finishes in the room together. Matching cabinet hardware to your faucet creates a cohesive look.
Look for warm metals like bronze, copper, gold, and brass. They'll look stunning against the warmth of your oak cabinets. Cold metals like chrome, stainless steel, and brushed nickel are fine, but they may fall a little flat. They often won't look as rich or polished against the cabinet's wood tones.
The beauty of black hardware is that it is timeless. Black is a classic color and will add elegance to any kitchen. Brass is another very trendy hardware option. Just like black hardware, brass works with all decor styles.
BRUSHED NICKEL
Brushed/Satin nickel will never go out of style. It is very versatile because it goes with almost any cabinet color and matches great with stainless steel appliances.
Matching hardware isn't necessary. In fact, I wouldn't argue against it — a home with all the same hardware finishes will look basic and maybe even boring. However, it is essential to have a plan that ensures commonality throughout the house.
What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
And there's no hard and fast rule when choosing, generally if your hinges are exposed they should match your handles and knobs finishes. But, of course, not everything has to match, it's common for finishes on door handles and other hardware to blend but necessarily be exact matches.
Matte black hardware is ideal for modern and industrial interiors, while oil-rubbed bronze is unmatched for farmhouse and rustic kitchens. And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
Brushed Nickel (BPN)
The brushing highlights the beauty of the nickel and creates a finish that hides scratches and water spots. Brushed Nickel has become one of the most popular finish choices for hardware due to its versatility and ability to complement all styles and cabinet colors.
Silver is the most common color of hardware used with gray kitchen cabinets, but many other metallic finishes also mesh well. If you have a warm-tone gray, gold or brass drawer pulls are very flattering, especially if they're paired with a matching sink faucet.
Sleek Modern Pulls. Slim and sleek pulls are still the most popular cabinet hardware style. Modern bar pulls, whether tubular or square are top sellers, and for good reason. They look great on most cabinets, come in many finishes, and are a flexible design choice.
Yes, metals like brass are classic, and lucite pulls are glamorous, but a pop of color is where it's at in 2023. Introduce a touch of whimsy into your kitchen with turquoise pulls that pop against white slab cabinets, as seen here in Parisian flat designed by Fabrizio Casiraghi.
MIXING HARDWARE METALS
If you want to make a particular area stand out (such as the hutch that holds your fine china), use distinct hardware. Avoid pairing similar materials, such as brass and gold, or chrome and nickel. They are too identical to be interesting. Keep your hardware to two or three colors maximum.
If durability is what you need, then choose stainless steel. It requires minimal maintenance compared to all other handle materials. Besides, they are resistant to rust, stains and scratches. They suit many kitchen styles; however, they best suit modern and transitional kitchen styles.
Polished Brass
Its timeless appearance and ability to pair with any interior style, whether modern or traditional, make brass door hardware popular with homeowners. Featuring a distinctive gold tone, this finish is bright and reflective.
We often get asked if all of the finishes in a room need to match perfectly. To that, we answer: absolutely not. Don't be afraid to pair natural brass cabinet hardware with black pendants, surface mounts, or wall sconces.
'Think of your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet like jewelry,' says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds. 'One should complement the other; creating a beautiful and decorative kitchen that has been tailored to perfection. ' However, bear in mind that anything too matchy-matchy can look contrived.
Matte Black & Gold Cabinet Hardware
Whether separate or together these colours are dominating the 2023 kitchen trends.
Matte black hardware will continue its dominance in 2023, and we can't get enough! This trend is ideal when used as part of a monochrome decor scheme or as a statement piece against bright colors. It's the easiest way to turn an ordinary door into a cool, dramatic part of your home.
Slim and elegant pulls are still one of the most popular kitchen cabinet hardware ideas in 2023. contemporary bar pulls, whether tubular or square are top sellers, and for great reason. They look gorgeous on most cabinets, come in numerous finishes, and are an adjustable design option.