Get your mind out of the gutter – we’re talking about the handle type. It’s often overlooked, but don’t underestimate the power of a good knob – it can make or break a room. Which is why you need to put some thought into what hardware you’re going to finish your cabinetry and doors off with. Here are a few top tips for making sure you get the best hardware for your cabinets, drawers and doors.
Think About the Style Of Your Home
This might seem basic but it’s important to have this front and centre in your mind when choosing handles and hardware. For example, a heritage look will be out of place in a mid-century home. Likewise, a Scandi-style handle will look just plain odd in older-style Federation homes. Don’t be afraid to use Pinterest or Instagram for inspo.
Choose Your Hardware Last
When designing the joinery for your home it’s best to consider the hardware LAST. If you do this, you can then adjust your fasteners to the style of cabinetry you’re using. Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row in the rest of your home, you can then go through and choose handles and knobs that are consistent throughout your home.
Get To Know Your Doors
Take them out to dinner, buy them flowers – do whatever it takes! Just make sure you are on intimate terms with your doors and drawers BEFORE you lock in your hardware. You’re going to want to know your door’s thickness, how it swings, it’s width, and what holes you have. Ditto for drawers.
Do You Need Knobs Or Pulls?
This is an important one. There is a world of difference between a knob and a pull – especially in the kitchen. If you’re choosing for drawers, knobs will more than do the trick, but if you’re planning a pantry or larger pull-outs, use a pull – it’s waaay more comfortable. This is particularly important for drawers that will store pots and pans – they can get pretty heavy, and you don’t want your fingers getting too much of a workout each time you go to open them.
Curved Or Square?
This fits with what we were saying earlier with the style of your home – the shape of your cabinetry will determine which style of handle you choose. For example, if you’re designing a modern home with lots of sharp, angled edges, then you will want to opt for more angular fasteners. If your new build has more rounded corners or a more old-fashioned heritage hark-back, look at continuing that theme with rounded knobs and pulls.
Think About Your Finishes
This is important – especially when choosing your bathroom fixtures. While we’re all for the currently on-trend ‘eclectic’ look, in our humble opinion it doesn’t translate well to bathrooms. In these spaces, it’s always best to try to match your tapware and towel rails to your drawer pulls – having matte black fittings and brass knobs will look just plain wrong.
Opt For Comfort
We can’t stress this enough – comfort, comfort, comfort! Especially in high-use areas, like kitchens. Sure, those angled Scandi-style drawer pulls might look terrific, but how do they FEEL on your hands? And how happy are you going to be about poking yourself in the hip every time you brush past them while cooking? Yep – remember to think about function over form ALWAYS when choosing your handles.
Want To Avoid Handles All Together?
Touch catch or push-to-open drawers and cabinets are a great option if you’re opting for a sleek, minimalist look in your home. But buyer beware – although it might look sensational in your kitchen, be careful about placement. The last thing you want is drawers popping open when you lean against them to prep food or cook. In these cases, invisible handles, or integrated handles along the profile of the cabinetry prove a much better option.
Interested in designing your own custom home? Trust Wagga’s best builder for your dream home. The team here at Hurst Homes have been building in the Wagga Wagga area for over 30 years. We are with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home becomes a reality. If you’re interested in one of our custom Wagga House & Land Packages click here to see our available land. Or for a free preliminary estimate on your dream home contact us today on 0438 692 962.
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