Coming Home Magazine

1. Get the right type of hardware. Ultimately, hardware helps you open cabinets and drawers, and doing so should be intuitive, not confusing. Take note of the number of cabinet doors and drawers in your kitchen and where they're positioned; then, decide on the right hardware. Pulls: Pulls are long and linear and require two screws. Use pulls on cabinets and drawers, but mount them horizontally on drawers and vertically on doors. Knobs: Knobs are small, peg-like, and can be mounted with one screw. They should be placed toward the bottom corner of cabinet doors and never used on drawers, as they disrupt functionality. Hinges: Hinges are the components that let a cabinet door swing open. Always place handles on the opposite side of the door hinges. 2. Pair hardware size to cabinetry dimensions. It's important to correctly size hardware to the dimensions of doors and drawers to optimize use. Measure the dimensions and scan the operation of your doors and drawers so you know what size hardware to get. Here's some key sizing information: • Knobs sized 11/4-inch go with most cabinet doors. If your doors are smaller and you'd like a minimalist vibe, size down. • Impressive oversized cabinet doors need larger pulls or knobs. • As a rule of thumb, pulls should be at least one-third the length of cabinet doors. • When in doubt, use the same size pulls and knobs throughout your kitchen for cohesion. 3. Match your kitchen's style. Whether luxurious and opulent or timeless and practical, your kitchen communicates a certain style. Generally, kitchens fit into four distinct looks: traditional, contemporary, transitional, or rustic. Traditional kitchens: These spaces are classified by having classic designs and medium- to dark-brown woods. In a traditional kitchen, you might opt for antique brass hardware that showcases ornate detailing and curved edges. Contemporary kitchens: Contemporary style embraces simplistic elements and is comprised of shades of gray, beige, and white. Linear, strong-edged hardware in a brushed nickel or chrome finish works well in a contemporary kitchen. Transitional kitchens: A mix of traditional and contemporary styles, transitional hardware may feature a polished nickel or gold finish to easily blend with both looks. Rustic kitchens: Rustic kitchens are made up of natural materials like stone, warm woods, and earthy-toned paints. Matte black hardware complements a rustic kitchen's warmth, while bronze hardware ties into its eco-conscious aesthetic. UPKEEP The Perfect Finish Tips for choosing the best kitchen hardware. Take a good, long look at your kitchen. If the hardware isn't leaving much of an impression, it may be time for a refresh. Cabinet hardware should be functional, well-placed, and aesthetically pleasing. It's a small detail, but it can make or break the appearance and usefulness of your kitchen design. Here are the top three tips for choosing the best kitchen hardware and maximizing the potential of your cooking space. 8 COMING HOME MAGAZINE

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