Replacing Kitchen Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
When you are making over your kitchen, you can really change the look of the room by adding new cabinets. Depending on your design budget, kitchen cabinets may be out of your reach, but that does not mean that you cannot do a great job of updating the cabinets that you already have. A quick and easy way to give your cabinets an instant face lift is to add new hardware; it's just like adding new jewelry to a favorite outfit.
Appraising What You Have
When you are giving your kitchen a facelift, take a good look at your kitchen cabinets. If they are still in good shape and function properly, then replacing them really does not make any sense. If the color or finish dates them, you can always repaint or refinish their surfaces to refresh them. If everything about your cabinets is in fine shape, but you just want to change the look of your cabinets, you may simply want to switch out your hardware for something new and exciting. Hardware comes in an incredible variety of styles and designs these days: You'll find everything from grape clusters to go with your grapes and wine decor to vintage crystal knobs that tie in perfectly with shabby chick white iron wall grill decor.
Where to Start
To add new hardware to your kitchen cabinets first count your cabinets and drawers. If you can see the hinges from the outside of your cabinets, you may also need to replace them depending on the selection that you make for your new hardware. If your cabinet handles are a two hole mount, then you will need to measure the space in between the holes to make sure that your new hardware matches.
Then go around your kitchen with a pen and paper and count all of the cabinets and drawers that will need new hardware. Note the different handle and knob styles and number of each. Notice how the knob connects to the cabinet or drawer and the amount of space between any holes in the doors. Note the number of visible hinges on your cabinet doors and note how they are mounted to the cabinet facing. By gathering this detailed information, you can take care to match the mounting details of your new hardware with your old hardware when you are buying your new knobs, handles and drawer pulls.
Selecting a Special Style
As with anything, cabinet handles and knobs come in all materials, colors and styles, so finding the perfect style for your kitchen may take a little thought. For example, if you have a Tuscan style kitchen, wrought iron handles have the rustic and refined look that complements this design style; whereas in a country kitchen, you may prefer to include ceramic knobs and pulls. In a more modern space you may opt for sleek, metallic knobs. The point is to make sure that your new hardware works with and not against your current kitchen style.
With such a variety of styles from which to choose, you may want to look at some selections online, especially if you are looking for more individual, handcrafted selections. As a matter of fact, if you have a bit of an artistic streak yourself, you may even want to create your own, unique cabinet hardware from wood, clay, glass tiles or ceramics.
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Comments
Great advice Jessica, me and my wife had been planning to decorate our home. We had our first child last year so didn't have the time and our house was in a bad need of some sprucing up. Your article gave me a clear template on how to improve my kitchen. I visited a site called www.kitchenfittingsdirect.com and they had really cheap kitchen fittings and I could afford little bits and bobs such as handles and hinges which really improved the look of my kitchen according to your advice.
Cheers for the advice
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