JEWELRY FOR YOUR KITCHEN..
| It's funny how we see people come into our showroom, and they can't believe the selection of hardware that is available for their kitchen cabinetry. I'll sometimes watch a persons face when they come in, and wait for the expression they make. Most people don't realize the vast selection that is out there. Couples will look at each other, and they'll be amazed at what they see. That look .. It kinda gives even me a charge, because I can't even believe it myself, as I look around my showroom, how much variety is available. And the funny thing is, we keep adding to our displays almost on a weekly basis. |
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On my most recent survey in my showroom, I counted over 1200 different types knobs and pulls, and that's without considering that most of the hardware, come in many different types of finishes as well as textures and colors.
Hardware is just another piece of the puzzle, that I so often talk about when you are considering remodeling your kitchen. I sometimes refer to it as the "JEWELRY" of your kitchen. Reason being, that even if your cabinets are the most basic in style, your choice in hardware can make them look like they've been designed by a professional decorator. A simple knob or decorative pull can give new life to a dull kitchen.
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From contemporary and ultra modern design, to old world elegance, there's always a piece of hardware to complement everyone's taste. Whether it's a simple two dollar knob, or a custom designed handle or pull costing sometimes as much as twenty to thirty dollars a piece, your choice, in that individual piece, handle, or knob that you do choose, can be a reflection of your own taste and personality, as with any piece of artwork you display in your home. Just remember, there are no rules when it comes to choosing the right hardware for your kitchen, or any type of decorative cabinetry throughout your home. I always say to have fun with it, and be creative. Don't be afraid to try something different. The investment can be minimal to say the least, and as simple to change as tightening a screw. |
There are however, a few simple suggestions to keep in mind when choosing your hardware that may make your choice a little easier. When choosing new hardware, you will either be replacing existing ones, that already have the holes predrilled in the cabinet doors and or drawers, or purchasing for new cabinets that have not yet been drilled.
If there are already knobs on your existing cabinets, there is usually only one single hole there. In this case, the choice is simple. Either replace it with another single hole knob, which is the simplest of choices, or opt for a change by adding another hole, usually above or below the existing one, to make it a handle or pull now.
When looking to replace existing knobs or handles, always take off one of your existing ones first, and take it with you when looking for new ones. That way, you can be sure to choose one with the same size hole drilling as the one you want to replace.
| Usually handles are between three and four inches in length, but this is not always the case. Many are made in other countries and can be in metric sizes as well. Keep in mind however, if your holes are already drilled for knobs, the one on the drawer is usually right in the center, and can not be changed to a pull as it will not be centered now. Not a problem though. In this case, just leave the drawers a knob, and use matching pulls on the doors. An optional back plate is also available on some pulls. This can be used to cover old holes if your new pulls are a different size. This limits your choices because there are not as many styles available with matching back plates. |
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If you are choosing hardware for new cabinets that have not yet been drilled , your choices are plentiful. From any size pull or knob, and or combination you would like, to a wide variety of designs. Your only limitations are yourself. Depending on your cabinetry, you can choose one that looks best to you. A good place to start looking, is in the kitchen design magazines. You will see a vast selection being used in all different types of designs. It's also a good idea to bring a sample door or drawer with you to a decorative hardware showroom so you can see how it looks before you buy it. If you can't bring a sample to the showroom, most will allow you to borrow a few to take back home with you, and try them on for looks.
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Remember, there's a lot more choices available these days when it comes to selecting hardware. You can match your appliances ( stainless steel ) or plumbing fixtures ( antique copper, gold, satin nickel or oil rubbed bronze ), or match your counter tops ( granite, stone or corian ). You might want to even blend in and choose a piece that matches the cabinets exactly ( maple, oak or cherry wood ). Maybe you just want to match the flooring or even the backsplash ( ceramic or marble) . Or have every one be completely different from each other ( hand painted ) to really be different. |
Go ahead. Have fun, be creative and enjoy all the wonderful designs that are available to help you to remodel your new kitchen.
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