How To Match Cabinet Hardware with Kitchen Decor
When it comes to cabinet knobs and pulls, there are hundreds of options for designs and finishes. It can be overwhelming, and we're often asked: How do I find the perfect hardware to go with the rest of my kitchen decor?
If you’ve wondered the same, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going over how to choose kitchen cabinet hardware to match your home's decor. Read on to learn more about which knobs and pulls will best suit your kitchen.
What’s Your Kitchen Style?
The style of your kitchen will ultimately play a role in the cabinet hardware you choose. Make sure you know the design you’re aiming for before you get ready to choose your cabinet hardware. It’s also helpful to keep in mind the other finishes that are common to the kitchen style you choose, like appliances, countertops, and flooring.
Farmhouse Kitchen
Popular cabinet hardware finishes: Matte black, oil rubbed bronze, brass
With farmhouse kitchens, you can usually get away with mismatching finishes for a more vintage look. Since most rustic or rural homes are not monochrome, it’s easier to incorporate multiple styles and finishes. For example, this kitchen designed by The Inspired Room features a warm brass faucet and matching sconces. To contrast the warmness, they chose sleek matte black cabinet hardware.
In addition to these finishes, this kitchen has stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and tile flooring. How does it all appear so cohesive? Essentially, the shiplap walls and white shaker cabinets are simple enough as not to distract from the other decor. Yes, this kitchen is busy, but it is artfully designed and thereby exudes a quaint rustic charm.
Modern/Contemporary Kitchens
Popular hardware finishes: stainless steel, chrome, matte black, brass
In modern kitchen design, sleek lines and monochromatic color palettes are key. When it comes to choosing hardware, it is best to keep the design simple to minimize distraction. If possible, keep the faucet and cabinet hardware finishes consistent. Additionally, remember the light fixtures can be used to pull in colors from both the hardware and cabinetry—like the black and brass sconces shown above.
If you wish to mismatch the finishes in your modern or contemporary kitchen, aim to keep one of those decor elements subdued, or matte. Like the kitchen featured above, matte black cabinet pulls and a chrome sink can be a striking combination, when styled carefully. The black looks especially fitting here because it matches the black range hood and oven.
When it comes to modern kitchen design, make sure to choose simple cabinet hardware with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Popular styles are straight bar pulls, plain circular knobs, and geometric knobs.
Traditional Kitchens
Popular hardware finishes: Satin nickel, glass, iron, chrome
Like rustic styles, traditional kitchens tend to offer a bit more leeway in terms of matching hardware. Chrome and brushed nickel cabinet hardware are the most popular choices for traditional kitchens because the colors are understated and match stainless steel appliances, which are common to this kitchen style.
In traditional kitchens, the main focus is typically on the cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. But don’t be afraid to mix up the hardware. Some traditional kitchens utilize two-toned cabinet finishes to break up the consistency of the design. This gorgeous kitchen design by Maison Depax uses brass cabinet pulls to contrast the silver faucet. Two toned grey and white cabinet doors also contribute this double-hued look.
Another popular hardware choice for traditional kitchens is glass or crystal knobs. Delicate yet durable, glass knobs bring an elegant style to any kitchen. They look especially sleek paired with white shaker cabinets. If you want to try the two-toned hardware look, try mixing glass knobs with matte black or oil rubbed bronze cabinet pulls.
Should Cabinet Hardware Match Kitchen Appliances?
No matter your kitchen’s design style, it’s still important to consider how your cabinet hardware will look next to the appliances. It’s not always necessary for cabinet hardware to match appliances, but they do need to be complementary. Matte cabinet hardware goes with just about any appliance finish, but with glossier hardware styles, its a smart idea to compare the two before purchasing. Ask if you can bring a sample home, or find inspiration photos to guide your design.
If you do decide to opt for contrasting hardware and appliances, aim to keep the rest of the kitchen design simple. Take the above kitchen for example—brass cabinet pulls were carefully selected as a gentle contrast to the stainless steel appliances and chrome sink faucet.
With the brass pulls serving as a pop of color, everything else in the kitchen is complementary and subdued. The grey shaker cabinets, light tile floor, and white countertop all have similar color tones. This leaves room for a contrasting hue in the cabinet hardware.
Two-Toned Materials in Cabinet Hardware
Another unique way to match your cabinet knobs and pulls with your kitchen decor is to opt for hardware with two different materials.
For example, you can choose a matte black and chrome pull to complement a chrome faucet and matte black appliances. Or, choose a white crackle knob with brushed nickel to complement white marble countertops and a nickel faucet. There are endless combinations for decor when using two-toned cabinet hardware.
Crackle White and Brushed Nickel Knob
Find the Perfect Hardware for your Kitchen
Lily Ann Cabinets offers an extensive collection of premium quality cabinet hardware for up to 50% off box store pricing. Whether you’re looking for sleek modern or simple traditional hardware, we have what you’re looking for! Need some help visualizing your new kitchen style? Get a FREE 3D kitchen design today!
