The knobs/handles on your kitchen cabinets do more to your décor than you might think. Simply changing your knobs can make a huge difference to the look of the room. When you are choosing new knobs, the first question you should ask yourself is: do you want them to stand out or blend in.
Many people choose by the look of the knob alone. They may like the texture, the color, or the shape, but sometimes people forget to consider the look of the cabinets and kitchen decor. Remember the kitchen itself is like the canvas for cabinet hardware. Just as you wouldn’t randomly splatter paint onto a Picasso, you shouldn’t randomly choose handles without careful consideration of their surroundings.
Blending In
In many kitchens, handles are fairly unobtrusive to the eye. Here’s a test: think of a few of your friends’ homes. Can you picture the handles/knobs on their kitchen cabinets in your mind? Chances are you can’t. This isn’t a bad thing. They have just chosen to have other features in the kitchen as focal points rather than the handles.
Shopping for handles that blend in doesn’t mean boring. You can still choose something pleasing and complimentary to the cabinets, and pleasing to your taste. With the number of choices in handles to choose from in stores, you can have some fun deciding.
Metal knobs or handles are common. Metal has a fairly neutral color to which compliments most cabinet colors and textures. Metal can go with wood and laminates alike, both white and colored.
Standing Out
Kitchen cabinet knobs can be used as accents. If you would like a dramatic look, choose something that will stand out against the color of your cabinets. You might wish to match them to another feature in the kitchen such as the paint on the walls, your appliances or an accent piece.
Rather than standing out by the color, you can choose large knobs to make a statement. Wide, tall or large round knobs and handles are available. Large handles or knobs will really change the look of the cabinets.
Kitchen Design
You really have to plan for the style of handles or knobs when deciding on the overall look of the kitchen. Since they are scattered throughout the room, consider them an important part of the décor and spend some time choosing ideal colors and styles for your kitchen. Some of the materials available in knobs are glass, stone, metal, brushed nickel, pewter, brass, crystal, granite and wood.