A Collection of Blog articles by Kathi Cloud, Owner
ALL ABOUT THE BLING
Not only is cabinet hardware stylish; it has a function. It protects the finish on your cabinets from chipping and smudging caused by daily wear-and-tear of opening and closing doors and drawers.
The cabinet hardware you choose will determine the overall style of the kitchen- or help offer a contrasting style if you are going for a more transitional feel. Changing the hardware can dramatically change the look of the cabinets much like changing your jewelry and accessories can change the style of your outfit.
Here are a few transitional pieces from Jeffrey Alexander by Hardware Resources that work well in kitchens with blended styles.




You can see in the following pictures how changing the hardware gives a different feel to the same cabinet door style. Cup pulls are at home in a country or cottage style kitchen. In contrast, the slim lines of the contemporary pulls complete the look of the modern or transitional kitchen.

(photo credit: Thorston Restoration & Construction)

(photo credit: Dohatour)
Heavy Metal
Ready or not, brass is back! Its rise in popularity coincides perfectly with the dark colored cabinets like grey, navy blue, and black that have started trending. Brass hardware pairs well with the darker cabinets giving them an unexpected pop of color. The warmth of the gold tone brass finish also brings a subtle yet stunning visual effect.
Matching the finishes in your kitchen is a thing of the past. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating a blended space by mixing metals. In the pictures below, the combination of more than one metal adds warmth to the cool, white, monochromatic kitchens and keep them from looking and feeling clinical.


The Right Fit
Hardware is all about style and function. While it’s important to choose a hardware style you like, you also need to select a piece that fits your hand comfortably. Consider the distance between the cabinet surface and where your hand will be gripping the hardware. If the piece is too small for your hand, not only will you have difficulty opening the door or drawer, but the cabinet finish will begin to chip or fade where your hand repeatedly touches it.
When replacing cabinet hardware, most people opt to use the existing holes. Otherwise, you will need to fill and refinish your cabinets first. There are two measurements available to you when purchasing hardware. The overall length and the measurement (in millimeters) between the two screw holes will be displayed. Keep cabinet pulls proportionate to the size of the door or drawer where they will be placed. With that in mind, look for collections with size options that fit your needs.
Find the cabinets and decorative hardware you need at By Design Cabinetry. We can help bring the bling!
Contact us and let’s get started on your next project today. Proudly serving Brentwood, Franklin, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill, and the surrounding middle TN area.