Whether they are installing new cabinetry, choosing light fixtures or remodeling a whole kitchen, homeowners tend to focus a great deal on the color and finish of the products. What can end up as more of an afterthought is the hardware, including all knobs, pulls, hooks, hinges and more. But choosing just any hardware is a potential mistake and can result in dulling the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen and even damage it in the long run. If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen any time soon, keep these four tips in mind:
- Think of the bigger picture. Much like cabinetry itself, kitchen hardware has two main aspects—the color (often determined by the type of metal but not always) and the finish (chrome, matte, polished or oil-rubbed) It’s important to think about how the color and finish of cabinet hardware will look not only with features they are attached to, but also with the colors in the flooring, on the walls and backsplashes, and even with major appliances. If your walls or cabinets are warmer (perhaps a combo of beige and dark mahogany) it might be smart to stay away from cooler-toned silver hardware.
- Consider your daily activities. If you cook frequently or have a big family who get a lot of use out of the kitchen, the last thing you are going to want to deal with is delicate or smudge-prone hardware. Delicacy and durability are more a function of quality installation than of hardware choice (unless the hardware is especially low-quality). Smudge-prone hardware, on the other hand, is easy to avoid when you know what to look for. Chrome hardware is especially likely to catch fingerprints while brushed or polished finishes are better at hiding smudges.
- Work with your designer. One of the biggest regrets many homeowners have after a kitchen or cabinet remodel is not seeing the hardware in person before they agree to use it. This is because knobs, pulls, and other hardware pieces can look very different online or in a catalog than in person, and because it can be hard to gauge how comfortable the hardware is to use without first seeing it in a showroom. Work alongside your designer throughout the process to make decisions so you know you’ll be happy with the final result.
As a design-build remodeling contractor, Detailed Interiors works closely with homeowners to customize plans that fit their needs, and style. Our in house CAD design services include: plans, elevations and 3D modeling. We use our extensive experience in construction and design to ensure the developed design will work with the client’s budget. If you’re ready to take on your kitchen or bathroom renovation, give us a call at (704) 844-6757, or use our online contact form.
