Cabinet Hardware Is the Finishing Touch on a Kitchen Design.

Certainly you will choose hardware that works well with your cabinet style and finish. But this is also an opportunity to enhance a color or style introduced in your countertop, appliances, light fixtures, faucet, flooring or paint. Below are some examples, along with tips on how knobs and pulls can kitchen design pop.

wall of black inset shaker cabinets with exposed nickel-plated hinge barrels and nickel knobs in kitchen with white island cabinetswall of black inset shaker cabinets with exposed nickel-plated hinge barrels and nickel knobs in kitchen with white island cabinets

Does Your Cabinet Style Feature Exposed Hinges?

If your cabinets feature exposed hinges, choose hardware in a matching finish. On this wall of inset Shaker cabinets, brushed nickel knobs subtly complement the exposed hinge barrels for a seamless effect. The finish is reflected again in the nail trim on the bar stools.

kitchen with white inset shaker cabinets, long stainless bar pulls, metal range hood and oil brushed steel island pendantskitchen with white inset shaker cabinets, long stainless bar pulls, metal range hood and oil brushed steel island pendants

Use Bar Pulls in Proportionate Lengths.

Euro style bar pulls in lengths proportionate to drawer width and door height provide a balanced, graceful look in this transitional kitchen. The homeowner chose a stainless finish to coordinate with the appliances, sink and faucet.

kitchen wall with black shaker cabinets, gray marble backsplash and countertops and stainless bar pulls and faucetkitchen wall with black shaker cabinets, gray marble backsplash and countertops and stainless bar pulls and faucet

Hardware Can Support the Role of Faucet as a Focal Point.

In the kitchen above, Euro bar pulls reflect the contemporary styling and finish established by the industrial-look faucet.

traditional kitchen with glazed cream raised panel door cabinets and oil brushed bronzed cabinet pulls and island pendanttraditional kitchen with glazed cream raised panel door cabinets and oil brushed bronzed cabinet pulls and island pendant

Choose Hardware to Complement a Light Fixture.

Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware complements the style and color of the island chandelier and stair banister. The deep color enhances the effect of the hand-rubbed glazed finish on the cabinetry.

Read more about CliqStudios lighting solutions here.

traditional kitchen with glazed cream raised panel door cabinets and oil brushed bronzed cabinet pulls and island pendanttraditional kitchen with glazed cream raised panel door cabinets and oil brushed bronzed cabinet pulls and island pendant

Cup Pulls for the Farmhouse or Country Look.

Cup pulls perfectly complement a farmhouse sink or country kitchen style. Use them with slab or raised-panel drawer fronts. Avoid using the cup pull with a recessed-panel drawer front, since it limits access to the pull.

Shop for Value, Not Price.

Cabinet pulls and knobs put in years of hard work, so quality is important. Feel the back of a pull or knob—you want a solid piece with the fashion metal all the way through, not a thin piece of pressed metal. You will often find the best prices online, where you can also see customer reviews. It may be worth a few dollars in shipping to order samples before buying hardware for the entire kitchen.

Tell us about your hardware favorites in the comments below!