Get a handle Kitchen hardware may be small, but it makes a big difference – we share expert tips for getting it right
WE’VE ROUNDED UP EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO JAZZ UP YOUR KITCHEN CABINETRY, WITH PERFECT PAIRINGS OF BEAUTIFUL HANDLES AND PULLS
When designing a kitchen, there are countless decisions to make, and a key consideration is cabinetry hardware. Do you opt for knobs, pulls or a combination of both, or choose concealed or minimalist styles? As handles are one of the most tactile items we interact with daily, it’s important to choose wisely, says Lauren O’Brien, associate director and interior designer at Austin Design Associates. “They’re integral to the space in terms of functionality and style so they need to be practical, hardwearing and complement your aesthetic,” she says. With a vast range of hardware in various styles and finishes on offer, arm yourself with our expert guide to finding the ideal match for your cabinetry.
HARDWARE KNOW-HOW
Before you begin handle hunting, Lauren recommends imagining how you want your kitchen to look, feel and function. Consider the palette of finishes and fixtures you’ve already chosen and who will be using the space. “If you’ve picked brass tapware, using brass handles on your cabinetry will create a cohesive look,” recommends Teegan Cocchiaro, co-founder of door hardware specialist Lo & Co. “For children or people with arthritic hands, you might want handles with user-friendly rounded edges.” Another key consideration is how many pulls and knobs you need and whether you want them to be a feature. “You may love a pair of handles, but think about how they’ll look in repetition across an expanse of cabinetry,” says Lauren. “A good option might be to balance statement hardware with concealed handles.” Size is also key. “To keep the look proportional, we recommend choosing pulls for your largest cabinetry doors first and then stepping down in scale,” adds Teegan.
FREE FORM
Alternatively, you can do away with handles altogether. “This creates a sleek contemporary look, which eschews trends and allows surface finishes or even lighting to be the statement,” says Lauren. To achieve this look, one solution is to use finger pull rails. “Rails can be a nice joinery detail, although they generally reduce space within the cabinetry and you may still need to add a traditional handle on some integrated appliances,” says Jenefer Gordon, principal designer and founder of Eat Bathe Live. Another smart concealed option is push-to-open drawers and doors. “Electronic systems are pricier than mechanical options, yet won’t pop open if you accidentally lean on it,” notes Jenefer.
PULL POWER
Using a pull on large cabinets and drawers that contain heavy items is always wise, suggests Teegan. “Because a traditional pull has two screw points, they create more pulling power compared to a knob, so they’re ideal for integrated appliance doors, tall pantries and deep bottom drawers.” For a more streamlined look, lip pulls are the perfect alternative to choose. “They complement a minimalist scheme and work brilliantly on panelled cabinets such as Porta timber doors, where front fixtures won’t work,” adds Teegan. Knobs tend to be used on smaller drawers and overhead cabinets. They also work nicely in combination with pulls to add an extra detail of interest – just stick to a similar finish for a unified and refined look. >
MATERIAL MATTERS
To help narrow the field amid a smorgasbord of material options, Brenda Eeles, design manager of door hardware manufacturer Kethy, recommends being aware of how different finishes will wear. “Brass is one of the most popular metals used for knobs and handles and while some people like a natural patina, which develops over time, if you opt for lacquered brass it will maintain sheen longer,” she says. Consider selecting stainless-steel hardware in coastal areas for its resistance to corrosion from the salty air, while in busy family households, an aluminium adonised handle in matt black is a robust option that won’t readily show marks. And though there are some stunning leather and timber handles, Jenefer cautions that they won’t wear as well as metal, so may not be the most practical on high-use cabinetry that is grabbed by wet or greasy hands. “Instead, I often use them on select cupboards adjacent to the kitchen, as I love the warmth they add,” she says.
TRENDING NOW
As kitchens have become increasingly personalised, we’re seeing more adventurous hardware choices, reflects Brenda. “Brass is a favourite and more people are opting for coloured finishes such as champagne and copper blush, as well as greys and black,” she says. “Bronze is also making a comeback as it creates an element of luxury,” adds Teegan from Lo & Co. “People are also loving oversized handles in statement shapes and textures such as knurled finishes, which can be used to elevate basic cabinetry.”
STYLE CONSCIOUS
Different kitchen styles will suit certain hardware shapes, finishes and combinations, explains Jenefer. “Classic kitchens and Hamptons style work well with a mix of knobs on overhead cabinetry and pulls on drawers,” she says. Think decorative shapes in white porcelain teamed with antique brass or nickel detailing. To create a simpler look, Jenefer recommends sticking to one style of pull in a variety of lengths, in a timeless finish such as chrome or brushed stainless. For modern minimalist and mid-century kitchen styles, Teegan suggests lip pulls, discreet handles or sculptural hardware in shapes that reference the era, such as Lo & Co’s ‘Luna’ pulls (opposite). Also, take cues from the cabinetry colours and materials. “White-on-white or black-on-black cabinetry and hardware is effortlessly chic, while natural timber drawer and door fronts work well with brass, bronze and black fixtures,” says Teegan.